Training Course

OPITO Rigging

Industry Standard Stage 1: Introduction to Rigging & Lifting Operations The offshore industry recognised the difficulty in attracting skilled rigging personnel and through Cogent, the custodian of occupational standards, has devised a training programme to encourage companies to adopt a formal route for non-experienced personnel to develop their skills. At Sparrows Training Centre, we deliver the three day Introduction to Rigging & Lifting Operations training course, designed to achieve the basic training and assessment requirements of the industry standard for Stage 1. Using two purpose built rigging frames, winch and portable lifting equipment from our fully equipped rigging loft, delegates receive training to enable them to work, under supervision, as part of a crew and proceed to collect evidence to demonstrate workplace involvement (Stage 2). During training, delegates are given a series of explanations and demonstrations to highlight legislation and safe systems of work

• Risk assessment and control measures
• Planning lifting operations
• Awareness of lifting equipment
• Safe & correct use of lifting equipment
• Equipment identification, selection and inspection
• Rigging principles
• Weight identification and estimation
• Cross haul/transfer of loads
• Centre of balance and offset loads
• Confined space/restricted access loads
• Crane operating principles and hand signalling
• Manual Handling

Successful completion of this training course leads to the award of OPITO certification, stating the delegate is competent to proceed to the workplace for further supervised training. Industry Standard Stage 3: Rigger Assessment Rigger Assessment is suitable for personnel who are already experienced riggers or those who have progressed through Stages 1 and 2. In either case, candidates must demonstrate evidence of at least two years recent experience working on rigging tasks on a full time basis as well as an awareness of manual handling. Candidates are encouraged to bring examples of company proforma for risk assessment, lifting plans and toolbox talks. This method of assessment is seen as an alternative route to verification of competence, where a VQ qualification may not be possible due to short-term contractual commitments. Our Assessment Programme delivers a short refresher training session on:

• Relevant legislation (LOLER, PUWER), personal responsibilities, ACOPs, relevant standards and guidelines
• Risk assessment and control measures
• Lifting plans for lifting operations

The programme is predominantly designed to enable the candidate to demonstrate competence in practical ability, from planning through to job completion, including supervisory skills. Successful completion leads to OPITO certification detailing the candidate is competent to proceed to the workplace and undertake rigging and lifting operations.