Considerations for hiring a rigger
What are the factors that need to be taken into consideration when hiring a rigger for a project? We take a look at some tips for hiring the right rigger for your needs.
What do riggers move?
A rigger can move a variety of objects safely and securely:
- HVAC units
- Generators
- Printing presses
- Culverts
- Pipes
- Semiconductor equipment
- Mills
- Conveyors
- Safes
This job entails intimate knowledge of the dynamics involved in lifting and moving.
Why hire a rigger?
When there is something especially large, in a tight spot, or heavy to move and you want to minimise the chance of a dangerous situation, it is a particularly good idea to hire a rigger to safely lift and move the object.
Riggers are used consistently in construction projects because the moving phase of a project presents considerable challenges and is one of the most dangerous phases.
Not all riggers are the same
It is important to choose the right service provider for your project and not to just select the lowest bid.
Companies can be very different from one another when it comes to the machinery utilised, load capacities, manpower and their skills, their reputation, as well as the range of what they can do for you.
When it comes to handling and moving your load, it is important to consult and hire a professional who is capable of handling the job effectively.
Does the rigger have both the equipment and specialists for the job?
Riggers use studied moving techniques and vital safeguards to move loads with special equipment.
This could include:
- cranes,
- gantries,
- hoists,
- forklifts,
- flatbeds,
- high-cube trailers,
- chains,
- ropes,
- slings,
- skates,
- lifting bars,
- blocking
- and steel plates.
The contractor you select needs to be able to supply the surveyors, estimators, supervisors, engineers and operators to handle the full scope of your project needs.
Lastly, the best riggers in the business use technology such as CAD to make a design of the project before actually carrying out the job so that they have a good understanding of what they require.
Is the rigger experienced?
Industrial equipment moving is a highly specialized skill that requires a working knowledge of rigging theory.
Prior to moving an object for a project, the rigger needs to calculate the weight and center of gravity, as well as the vertical and horizontal force needed to lift and move it.
Experience and intelligence are two of the most prized tools for a rigger.
Will they take care of your equipment?
Rigging is risky and dangerous. A rigger needs to take into account the risk that is involved with both the equipment and crew, and plan for what could potentially occur to keep everyone and everything safe.
It is important that the rigger you hire complies with safety standards in your area.
Find a rigger who can do it all
It is important to know that the rigger you hire can accomplish what is needed. This often means the rigger needs a wide range of capabilities and experience to offer a quality and professional service from the initial plan and proposal to the final installation.
Reef Rigging offers:
- Manufacturing
- Loading, transportation and installation of boilers
- Abnormal and heavy loads moved for the food and dairy sector
- Factory relocations
- Steel erection and dismantlement.
If you would like to take a look at what we do in these various sectors and see some of our Projects we have worked on, feel free to visit our website.
You can also contact Chris on +27 (0) 82 659 3315 or admin@metalprojects.co.za.
Source: Storee