Free Rigging Starter: 4 complete lessons
The first four lessons of the Level 1 rigging unit, free and open. Each one is the real lesson: the video, the written lesson with diagrams and worked examples in imperial and metric, a simulator challenge, a practice quiz and a printable textbook chapter. Extra help alongside your in-school training, and no email needed.
Canadian Rigging Rules, Roles and Signals
Who makes the rules, who does what on a lift, and how the crew talks to the operator
You'll be able to:
- Explain how the rules for a lift are layered in Canada: the law, the standards it names, the maker's manual and the site's lift plan.
- Describe what the employer, the supervisor, the operator, the rigger and the signaller each do on a lift.
- Apply the signaller rules: when a signaller is needed, where to stand, one signaller at a time, and a stop from anyone.
- Identify the load line signals: hoist, lower, main hoist, whip line and move slowly.
Load Weight and Centre of Gravity
Weigh it with a tape measure, find the centre of gravity, share the load
You'll be able to:
- Explain why the load weight and the centre of gravity come before every other part of a lift plan, and where to find the weight.
- Calculate the weight of steel plate and blocks from their dimensions, in imperial and metric.
- Calculate the weight of round bar, pipe and structural shapes.
- Find the centre of gravity of a load made of two or more parts.
Sling Angles and Load Angle Factors
Why a sling rated for the load can still be overloaded
You'll be able to:
- Explain what a sling's working load limit means, and why the design factor is not spare capacity.
- Explain, using force parts, why lowering the sling angle increases the tension in each leg.
- Calculate the load angle factor for any angle, and the tension in each leg, in imperial and metric.
- Convert an angle given from vertical, or an included angle, into the angle from horizontal.
Hitches and Load Control
One sling, four hitches: what each one can lift, and how to keep the load under control
You'll be able to:
- Explain how the hitch changes a sling's capacity from its vertical rating.
- Calculate the capacity of a choker hitch, including the angle-of-choke reduction, in imperial and metric.
- Calculate the capacity of a basket hitch with vertical or angled legs.
- Apply the D/d factor to a wire rope basket hitch.
How to use the starter
- Take the lessons in order. Each one builds on the last: rules and signals, then the load's weight and centre of gravity, then what the slings carry, then how the hitch changes it.
- Watch the video, then work each example on paper before you open the working.
- Try the simulator challenge, then the practice quiz. Aim for 80 %: that's the pass mark for a lesson check-in.
- Print the chapter for the shop or the bus. It's light on toner, with the answers at the back.
These are 4 lessons. The full Level 1 has 40.
Every Level 1 lesson comes like these, plus scored simulator challenges, unit tests, a timed level exam, progress tracking and a certificate of completion. Early access members also watch new episodes before they're on YouTube, with no ads.
Canadian dollars, before tax.
More free tools: free simulators · early episodes · study topics · practice exam.
Exam preparation, not a procedure. On the job, check the tag, the manufacturer's data and your lift or work plan.