Have you ever wondered how construction crews safely lift those giant steel beams to the tops of skyscrapers? Or how massive industrial equipment gets moved from trucks onto factory floors? The answer is rigging.

Rigging is an intricate but often overlooked process that allows precise control over lifting, moving, and placing large, heavy, or awkward loads. With the right rigging techniques, equipment, and know-how, rigging service crews can maneuver seemingly impossible lifts and attachments with safety and efficiency.

So, hold on to your hardhats for this comprehensive overview of rigging services, the equipment involved, the responsibilities of professional riggers, and when to call in the experts for your project’s rigging service needs.

What is Rigging in Construction?

Rigging involves moving, lifting, and securing heavy equipment or materials using hoists, pulleys, braces, turnbuckles, and other tools. Rigging services are also instrumental in erecting and dismantling cranes and hoists, ensuring that these vital pieces of equipment are installed safely and efficiently for a wide range of construction and industrial projects.

While the specific methods and equipment used may vary based on the unique demands of each project, the main goal of any rigging job is to safely lift the load, keep it stable, and place it exactly where it needs to go.

The main goal of any rigging job is to safely lift the load, keep it stable, and place it exactly where it needs to go.

Rigging services allow construction crews to:

Lift steel beams for skyscrapers: Rigging services are often used to lift and secure heavy steel beams for tall buildings like the Empire State Building or the Burj Khalifa.

Hoist machinery for factory assembly: Rigging services can hoist bulky machinery and position it precisely for various industrial purposes, such as assembling aircraft.

Erect bridge spans: Rigging is commonly used to construct large spans over roads and waterways, as seen in examples like the Golden Gate Bridge and Millau Viaduct.

Move large, heavy equipment: Rigging is essential for moving equipment like HVACs, turbines, generators, and mining excavators. Rigging services are especially helpful when these need to be placed in tight or challenging spaces.

Concrete formwork and precast elements: In many construction projects, concrete is a primary building material. Rigging is used to position concrete formwork, which serves as a mold for poured concrete, and to lift and place precast concrete elements like slabs, walls, and columns.

With the right approach, rigging makes the seemingly impossible possible. But it takes tremendous skill and the right equipment. Keep reading to learn more about the tools that make these brawny feats possible.

Counterweights are added and adjusted to balance loads and prevent tipping.

Key Equipment Used in Rigging Services

Specialized tools and equipment are crucial for assembling, installing, lifting, moving, and securing massive loads. Some key pieces of rigging equipment include:

Hoists: Used with cranes or scaffolding to lift heavy loads. Hoists allow raising and lowering in a precise, controlled manner.

Pulleys: Pulley systems utilize cables, chains, and sheaves to provide mechanical advantage and safely bear the weight of heavy loads.

Shackles & Turnbuckles: Shackles securely connect cables and chains to loads. Turnbuckles are adjustable connectors used to tighten lines.

Slings & Chains: Made of steel alloy or synthetic fibers, slings and chains have rated weight capacities and provide attachment points to lift loads.

Proper equipment inspection and maintenance ensure top safety. Rigging service professionals are expected to inspect and service their rigging gear regularly.

Responsibilities on the Rigging Service Job

Professional rigging services require extensive experience, technical skills, and constant diligence. Riggers have crucial responsibilities:

Safety: Riggers are responsible for the entire crew’s safety during dicey lifting and moving operations. They ensure proper equipment and techniques are used at all times.

Planning: Before the big lift, riggers determine what’s needed for the load – including any specialty gear, materials, maneuvers, and crew members. They calculate weights and balance.

Inspection: Riggers thoroughly inspect all rigging equipment before each use, checking for any signs of wear or damage. They also inspect attachment points on loads.

Load Prep: Riggers properly secure loads to rigging apparatus using chains, straps, bars, or cables. This may require building wood braces or frames to distribute weight.

Communication: Clear communication ensures the lift goes smoothly. Riggers give directions and warnings to crane operators and crew members.

Balance & Control: Riggers maintain complete load balance and stability control during the actual lift and move.

Placement: Riggers oversee the load’s precise lowering and positioning onto mounts, foundations, or assembly areas.

Riggers properly secure loads to rigging apparatus using chains, straps, bars, or cables.

Proper Rigging Service Fundamentals & Techniques

Rigging is more than just lifting heavy loads; it’s about doing so with precision and safety. Understanding the right techniques and maneuvers is paramount when using rigging in construction or industrial projects.

Spreader bars are essential tools in rigging. They help distribute the load’s weight evenly across multiple lift points, reducing the risk of imbalance, especially for oddly shaped or heavy objects.

Taglines provide extra control during a lift by allowing riggers to adjust the load’s position, preventing swaying or spinning for balance.

Cribbing or blocking involves using materials like wooden blocks to support and distribute weight and prevent load shifting, which is especially useful for irregularly shaped loads.

Removable counterweights offset uneven load balance, maintaining equilibrium to prevent tilting or swinging.

Multi-crane lifts enable better load manipulation and stability, often involving the use of multiple cranes.

Blind lifts raise loads out of the operator’s direct line of sight, relying on specialized communication techniques for precision and safety.

Professional riggers are well-versed in these techniques and know how to apply them effectively when dealing with large or complex rigging operations. Their expertise ensures the crew’s safety and safeguards the valuable equipment and materials being handled.

Why Professional Rigging Services Are Essential

Rigging is a complex process crucial in large-scale construction and industrial projects. It involves a range of equipment and techniques, all focused on ensuring the safe and efficient movement of heavy loads. When tackling significant rigging challenges, professional rigging services are not just a luxury but a necessity to guarantee a successful outcome without compromising safety.

While some smaller projects may allow for the rental of rigging equipment, larger construction and industrial lifts demand professional rigging services. Attempting dangerous rigging maneuvers without the proper experience, equipment, and crew can lead to catastrophic accidents and injuries. Even minor errors in rigging procedures can result in expensive equipment damage, potentially costing millions.

This is where dedicated experts like NexGen Crane and Rigging come in. Our team is equipped with specialized tools, a skilled workforce, and extensive technical knowledge, enabling us to execute rigging operations with a strong emphasis on precision, efficiency, and safety.

So don’t take chances with your next rigging project—contact NexGen Crane and Rigging for expert and professional rigging services today.