Rigger Training & Assessments (Stages 1 to 4) - OPITO Certification Programs

Rigger Training Stage 1 & Supervised Workplace Experience, Competence Assessment, and Re-assessment of Competence Stages 2 through 4

A rigger uses fixed and portable lifting equipment and accessories to locate loads to a position to allow final installation or fixing, or move loads to a position where they are accessible to a crane. The target group for Stage 1 is personnel who have had little or no training and experience in rigging and lifting operations and wish to gain an OPITO Rigger Training Certificate by completing the OPITO approved Initial Training Course for riggers in the oil and gas industry.

The aim and objectives of the OPITO Rigger Stage 1 Initial Training Program are to provide the delegate with knowledge of the rigging principles, general hazards and risks of rigging and lifting operations, an awareness of relevant legislation and regulation, and an opportunity to practice basic rigging operations following a lifting plan.

The Rigger’s route to competence certification and re-assessment is comprised of four key stages

• Stage 1 -The Initial Training Program (24 hours - No Prerequisites): Delegates successfully completing the Initial Training Program will be awarded an OPITO Stage 1 Training certificate; this entitles the delegate to progress to Stage 2 supervised workplace experience. The Certificate is valid for 2 years.
• Stage 2 - Supervised Workplace Experience (Prerequisite - Stage 1 Rigger Training Certificate): Stage 2 specifies the series of supervised tasks which the candidate will be required to complete in order to gain relevant experience in the workplace. The candidate must complete a log book record of the supervised tasks.
• Stage 3 - Competence Assessment:  Stage 3 specifies the assessment process and criteria for the Candidate to demonstrate competence in the Rigger role. Successful candidates will be awarded an OPITO certificate of competence. The Certificate is valid for 2 years. A valid OPITO-approved Stage 1 Rigger Training Certificate and a fully completed and valid logbook, based on the OPITO Stage 2 Rigger Standard workplace requirements are the prerequisites.
• Stage 4: Re-assessment of Competence: Stage 4 specifies the re-assessment criteria for riggers, who wish to maintain their OPITO competence certification, Successful candidates will be awarded an OPITO certificate of competence. The Certificate is valid for 2 years.

OPITO Rigger Training Stage 1

The Role of the Rigger and an Introduction to Lifting Operations

• The role of the Rigger
• Introduction to lifting operations - relevant legislation and management of the hazards

Rigging and Lifting Operations

• The principles of rigging
• Preparing for the lifting operation
• Carrying out the lifting operation
• Restoring the work area and post-operation responsibilities

OPITO Rigger Stage 2

Supervised Workplace Experience for Stage 2

• Work Under Supervision of a Competent Person: The candidate Rigger must record the Stage 2 tasks in the logbook under supervision of a competent person.
• Witnessed and Signed: Each rigging/lifting task must be conducted on different dates and be signed off by a competent witness and a task supervisor.
• Stage 2 Logbook - Senior Employer Representative: The Stage-2 Logbook must also be signed by a senior employer representative on completion of all the tasks - while working for that particular employer.
• Two years to complete Stage 2: The candidate Rigger has two years from the date on his/her OPITO Stage 1 certificate to complete the workplace requirements specified in the logbook and undertake the Stage 3 Rigger Assessment.

OPITO Rigger Stage 3

Stage 3 Competence Assessment Unit

• Knowledge assessment
• Practical assessment
• The Knowledge Assessment comprises a written test of which the pass mark is 80%.
• Each candidate will be expected to lead two lifting operations and assist with two lifting operations. Each lifting operation should be of approximately one and a half hours duration and include rigging activities.

OPITO Rigger Stage 4

Stage 4 Competence Reassessment

• Knowledge assessment
• Practical assessment
• The Knowledge Assessment comprises a written test of which the pass mark is 80%.
• Each candidate will be expected to lead two lifting operations and assist with two lifting operations. Each lifting operation should be of approximately one and a half hours duration and include rigging activities.

Disclaimer: For general information purpose only - please check with OPITO for the latest and accurate information on Training Standards

Last Updated: March 25, 2021