Rigging interview Questions and answers .
Rigger level 3 interview Questions and answers
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Q1: What is the main responsibility of a rigger?
Answer: A rigger is responsible for preparing, inspecting, and using lifting equipment safely to move loads. He ensures that the correct slings, shackles, and lifting gear are used, follows the lifting plan, and gives clear signals to the crane operator to ensure safe operations.
Q2: How do you determine the weight of a load before lifting?
Answer: The weight can be checked from the load’s markings, manufacturer’s documents, or shipping papers. If not available, the weight can be estimated by calculating the volume × material density, or by consulting the engineer/supervisor. Never guess the weight.
Q3: What are common types of slings used in rigging?
Answer:
Wire rope sling – for heavy loads and durability.
Chain sling – strong and adjustable but heavy.
Synthetic web sling – lightweight and good for delicate loads but less durable.
Q4: What safety checks must you do before using lifting gear?
Answer: Check for broken wires, cuts, kinks, rust, bent hooks, damaged shackles, expired certification tags, and proper identification. Any defective gear must be removed from service immediately
Q5: What PPE should a rigger always wear?
Answer: Helmet, safety shoes, gloves, reflective vest, and safety glasses. Additional PPE (like fall protection) if working at height.
Q6: What are hand signals in rigging?
Answer: Standardized crane signals used by riggers to communicate with the crane operator when voice or radio communication is not possible. Examples:
Thumb up = Hoist up
Thumb down = Lower
Arm extended with palm down = Stop
Q7: What is the difference between a routine lift and a critical lift?
Answer:
Routine lift – Standard, low-risk, less than 75% of crane capacity, usually repetitive.
Critical lift – High-risk, such as lifting near capacity, lifting over live plants, personnel, or irregular loads. It requires a lifting plan and special approval.
Q8: If the load is swinging during lifting, what should you do?
Answer: Stop the lift immediately, stabilize the load using tag lines, and only continue once the load is under control.
Q9: What will you do if you find a damaged sling on site?
Answer: Immediately remove it from service, tag it as “Do Not Use,” and report it to the supervisor. Never use defective lifting gear.
Q10: What is the safe working load (SWL)?
Answer: SWL is the maximum load that lifting equipment can safely handle under normal conditions. It is calculated by dividing the breaking load by a safety factor. Always follow the SWL marked on the equipment.
Q11: How do you guide a crane operator when he cannot see the load?
Answer: Stand in a safe visible position, use standard hand signals or radio communication, and ensure only one designated signalman communicates with the operator to avoid confusion.
Q12: What action will you take if the load is heavier than the sling capacity?
Answer: Stop the operation immediately and report to the supervisor. Always select lifting gear with capacity greater than the load. Never overload equipment.
Q13: What is the difference between a shackle and a hook?
Answer:
Shackle – a U-shaped piece of metal with a pin, used to connect slings, chains, or lifting gear.
Hook – has an open shape, used to attach directly to loads or slings. Shackles are more secure for connections, while hooks are faster to attach.
Q14: What is a load chart and why is it important?
Answer: A load chart shows the lifting capacity of a crane at different boom lengths, radii, and angles. It ensures that the crane is not overloaded during lifting operations.
Q15: What is the difference between WLL and SWL?
Answer:
WLL (Working Load Limit) – Maximum load that lifting equipment can safely handle, specified by manufacturer.
SWL (Safe Working Load) – Traditional term, now mostly replaced by WLL, but both mean the same in practice.
Q16: What is the danger of side loading on a crane or sling?
Answer: Side loading causes extra stress and may lead to sling or crane failure. Loads must always be lifted vertically, not at an angle unless designed for it.
Q17: What is a tagline and why is it used?
Answer: A tagline is a rope attached to the load to control its movement, prevent swinging or rotation, and keep riggers at a safe distance from the load.
Q18: What are the color codes in rigging?
Answer: Many sites use a color-coding system to indicate inspection status of lifting gear (monthly/quarterly). Example:
Red – January to March
Green – April to June
Blue – July to September
Yellow – October to December
(This can vary by company, but purpose is to confirm valid inspection.)
Q19: What is the minimum sling angle allowed for safe lifting?
Answer: The sling angle should not be less than 60° from the horizontal. Smaller angles increase stress on slings and reduce lifting capacity.
Q20: How do you check if a crane is level before lifting?
Answer: By using the crane’s built-in spirit level (bubble level) or measuring on the ground. A crane must always be on firm, level ground with outriggers properly extended.
Q21: What are the main causes of rigging accidents?
Answer:
Overloading lifting equipment.
Using defective or uncertified slings/gear.
Poor communication with crane operator.
Wrong rigging methods or angles.
Standing under suspended loads.
Q22: What is a lifting plan and why is it important?
Answer: A lifting plan is a documented procedure that describes how a lift will be carried out safely, including crane selection, load details, rigging gear, lifting points, personnel roles, and communication methods. It is mandatory for critical lifts
Q23: What is the difference between a rigger and a lifting supervisor?
Answer:
Rigger – Prepares and attaches loads, gives signals, and ensures safe rigging practices.
Lifting Supervisor – Plans, supervises, and authorizes the lift, ensuring that riggers and crane operators follow procedures safely.
Q24: What should you do before starting a lift?
Answer:
Inspect all lifting gear and crane setup.
Check ground condition and crane stability.
Confirm load weight and lifting points.
Ensure exclusion zone is clear of personnel.
Brief all team members on roles and communication.
Q25: Why is it dangerous to stand under a suspended load?
Answer: Because if the sling, shackle, or crane fails, the load can fall and cause serious injury or death. Always stay clear of suspended loads.
Crane signals .
In rigging, a critical lift is any lift that carries higher risk than normal and needs special planning and approval before it’s done.
A lift is usually called critical if it meets one or more of these conditions:
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The load is very heavy, often over 75% of the crane’s rated capacity.
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The lift is over people or in a place where an accident could cause serious harm.
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The load is irreplaceable, very expensive, or hazardous (like chemicals, reactors, or sensitive equipment).
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The lift needs two or more cranes working together.
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The load has an unusual shape or center of gravity, making it unstable.
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The crane is set up in a restricted area (tight space, near power lines, uneven ground).
Experienced riggers and operators only.
20 common Rigger Level 3 interview questions with sample answers.
1. What is the role of a Level 3 Rigger?
Answer: A Level 3 Rigger plans and supervises complex lifts, ensures safety, prepares lifting plans, and coordinates with crane operators and rigging teams.
2. How do you define a critical lift?
Answer: A lift that involves high risk, such as loads over 75% of crane capacity, multiple crane lifts, or lifting hazardous/expensive materials.
3. What documents are required before a critical lift?
Answer: Lift plan, risk assessment, crane inspection certificates, rigging gear certificates, and method statement.
4. What safety checks do you do before a lift?
Answer: Inspect slings, shackles, hooks, and crane setup. Check load weight, radius, and ground conditions. Ensure communication is clear.
5. How do you calculate load weight?
Answer: From load drawings, manufacturer specs, or by calculating using dimensions × material density.
6. What is a load chart, and why is it important?
Answer: A crane load chart shows the crane’s lifting capacity at different radii and boom lengths. It prevents overloading.
7. How do you ensure the rigging gear is safe?
Answer: Check certificates, inspect for damage, deformation, cracks, or wear. Reject any defective gear.
8. What hand signals are commonly used in rigging?
Answer: Hoist, lower, stop, swing, travel, emergency stop, load, and move slowly.
9. How do you decide sling angle for a lift?
Answer: By calculating based on load weight, sling length, and angle from horizontal. Smaller angles increase sling tension.
10. What is the danger of side loading a crane?
Answer: It can cause structural failure, tip-over, or boom collapse. Cranes are designed for vertical lifts only.
11. How do you handle a load with an unknown center of gravity?
Answer: Lift slowly, test balance with a small lift, adjust sling positions until the load is stable.
12. What is a tandem lift?
Answer: A lift using two cranes. It requires careful planning, load sharing calculations, and precise coordination.
13. What PPE should a rigger wear?
Answer: Hard hat, safety boots, gloves, hi-vis vest, and sometimes harness and goggles depending on the site.
14. How do you prevent load swing?
Answer: Lift slowly, keep boom movement controlled, and use tag lines to guide the load.
15. What is the maximum safe sling angle?
Answer: Ideally above 45°. Below 30° is dangerous because sling tension increases sharply.
16. What are the signs of crane instability?
Answer: Outriggers lifting off, uneven ground, boom deflection, or crane tilting.
17. What should you do if communication with the crane operator is lost?
Answer: Stop the lift immediately until communication is restored.
18. How do you ensure teamwork during a lift?
Answer: Clear roles, pre-lift briefing, agreed hand signals, and continuous communication.
19. How do you store rigging equipment properly?
Answer: Store slings off the ground, in dry areas, away from sharp edges and chemicals.
20. What would you do if you noticed a dangerous practice during a lift?
Answer: Stop the lift, inform the supervisor, and correct the unsafe practice before continuing.
Some more 20 common Rigger Level 3 interview questions with sample answers written in simple English:
1. What is the main role of a Rigger Level 3?
Answer:
A Rigger Level 3 is responsible for lifting and moving heavy loads safely using cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment. The main role is to plan, set up, and supervise complex lifting operations.
2. What are the duties of a Rigger Level 3 during a lift?
Answer:
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Inspect rigging equipment.
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Select the right lifting gear.
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Signal the crane operator.
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Ensure load balance and safety.
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Supervise the lift until the load is placed safely.
3. What safety checks do you perform before lifting?
Answer:
-
Inspect slings, shackles, hooks, and ropes for damage.
-
Check crane capacity and load weight.
-
Make sure ground is stable.
-
Ensure exclusion zone is clear.
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Confirm communication signals with the operator.
4. How do you calculate load weight?
Answer:
I check the load’s documents or markings. If not available, I calculate by measuring dimensions, using material weight charts, or asking engineering for details.
5. What is a lifting plan?
Answer:
A lifting plan is a document that explains how a lift will be done. It includes load weight, equipment, rigging method, roles, risks, and safety steps.
6. How do you ensure a lift stays within crane capacity?
Answer:
By checking the load chart, considering boom length, radius, and load weight. I make sure the load is under the safe working load (SWL).
7. What is the difference between SWL and WLL?
Answer:
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SWL (Safe Working Load): The maximum safe load the equipment can handle.
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WLL (Working Load Limit): The rated capacity set by the manufacturer. Both mean the safe load capacity.
8. What should you do if you notice damaged rigging equipment?
Answer:
I stop the job, remove the equipment, tag it as unsafe, and report it. Never use damaged gear.
9. What are the common lifting signals used with crane operators?
Answer:
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Stop
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Hoist up/down
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Boom up/down
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Swing left/right
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Emergency stop
10. How do you control a swinging load?
Answer:
Use tag lines, move the crane slowly, and keep clear communication with the operator.
11. What is tandem lifting?
Answer:
Tandem lifting is when two or more cranes lift the same load. It requires detailed planning and clear communication.
12. How do you avoid accidents during tandem lifting?
Answer:
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Prepare a detailed lifting plan.
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Assign one person in charge.
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Balance the load between cranes.
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Keep constant communication.
13. What steps do you take if weather conditions are bad?
Answer:
Stop the lift if wind speed or rain makes it unsafe. Wait until conditions improve.
14. How do you identify the center of gravity of a load?
Answer:
By checking drawings or markings. If unknown, I test lift slowly to find the balance point.
15. Why is communication important in rigging?
Answer:
Because the crane operator depends on signals. Clear communication avoids accidents and ensures safe movement.
16. How do you prevent overloading rigging equipment?
Answer:
By checking load weight, using proper slings and shackles, and never guessing the capacity.
17. What is a critical lift?
Answer:
A critical lift is high-risk. Examples: lifting near power lines, tandem lifts, or lifting loads over live equipment or people.
18. What PPE should a rigger wear?
Answer:
Helmet, safety shoes, gloves, hi-vis vest, safety harness (when working at height), and eye protection.
19. What is the purpose of a toolbox talk before lifting?
Answer:
To explain the lifting plan, assign roles, discuss hazards, and make sure the whole team understands the job.
20. How do you handle an emergency during a lift?
Answer:
Give the emergency stop signal, stop all movement, secure the area, and follow site emergency procedures.
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