Rigger

Position Title: Rigger

Department: Maintenance

Reports To: Mechanical Supervisor / Lifting Operations Supervisor

Job Overview

The Rigger is responsible for the safe planning, preparation, inspection, and execution of rigging and lifting activities involving heavy equipment, machinery, structures, pipes, vessels, and plant components. This role ensures that all lifting operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with approved lifting procedures, engineering requirements, and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards.

The successful candidate must possess sound knowledge of rigging equipment, lifting techniques, load calculations, and safe lifting practices within an industrial or manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities / Critical Tasks

1. Execute Rigging and Lifting Operations

Prepare, attach, secure, and position loads using appropriate rigging equipment to facilitate safe lifting, movement, installation, and relocation of plant equipment and materials.

2. Inspect Rigging Equipment

Conduct pre-use inspections of slings, shackles, hooks, wire ropes, chain blocks, turnbuckles, lifting beams, and other rigging accessories to ensure they are fit for use.

3. Determine Load Weight and Centre of Gravity

Assess load characteristics, estimate load weights, identify center of gravity, and select appropriate lifting methods to ensure safe lifting operations.

4. Support Crane and Lifting Operations

Coordinate with crane operators, supervisors, and lifting teams to ensure proper attachment, movement, positioning, and installation of loads during lifting activities.

5. Install and Relocate Equipment

Assist in the erection, dismantling, installation, alignment, and relocation of mechanical equipment, structures, piping systems, and plant components.

6. Ensure Compliance with Safety Procedures

Adhere strictly to lifting plans, Permit-to-Work (PTW) requirements, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), safe lifting procedures, and HSE regulations during all rigging activities.

7. Maintain Records and Report Unsafe Conditions

Document lifting activities, equipment inspections, and rigging defects while promptly reporting unsafe conditions, near misses, or equipment failures to supervisors.

Basic Technical Competencies and Skills

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Knowledge of rigging principles and lifting operations.
• Ability to inspect and safely use slings, shackles, chains, wire ropes, hooks, and lifting accessories.
• Understanding of load weight estimation and center-of-gravity calculations.
• Knowledge of crane signals and communication protocols.
• Ability to read lifting plans, rigging drawings, and work instructions.
• Knowledge of equipment installation, erection, and dismantling activities.
• Understanding of lifting hazards and risk control measures.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, Permit-to-Work (PTW), and HSE requirements.
• Ability to identify defective lifting gear and recommend corrective actions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Physical fitness and ability to work at heights when required.
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.

Qualification and Experience

Educational Qualification

• National Diploma (ND) in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related technical discipline;

OR

• Trade Test Grade I, II, and III in Mechanical Fitting, Rigging, Maintenance, Fabrication, or a related engineering trade.

Professional Certification (Added Advantage)

• Certified Rigger Training Certificate.
• Crane and Lifting Operations Certification.
• HSE Level 1, 2, or 3 Certification.
• Working at Height Certification.
• Banksman/Slinger Certification.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years' industrial experience in rigging, lifting operations, equipment installation, plant maintenance, construction, manufacturing, fertilizer, cement, oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, or related heavy industrial operations.
• Demonstrable experience supporting crane operations, plant shutdowns, equipment erection, and maintenance activities.

Desired Attributes

• Strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
• High level of vigilance and risk awareness.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet project deadlines.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Physically fit and capable of working in demanding industrial environments.
• Willingness to work shifts, overtime, and shutdown or turnaround schedules when required.