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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Rigger 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102856  Occupational Certificate: Rigger 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  559  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-09-12  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
59729  National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  127  Complete 
59730  National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  121  Complete 
59731  Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  136  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
A Rigger uses basic, intermediate and advance lifting techniques to shift, lift, move, place and secure loads at end-points, without damage. The Rigger operates a variety of mechanical lifting equipment and supervises the operations of lifting machines to perform lifting operations. In addition, the Rigger provides access to the work area by means of erecting and dismantling scaffolding that is maintained for use throughout the working period. A Rigger also assembles fall prevention systems as a safe method of access to their working area and performs climbing techniques safely. They work with a variety of fibre and steel wire ropes.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Sling regular loads and lift loads using basic lifting techniques (Level 2).
  • Sling complex loads and lift loads using intermediate lifting methods (Level 3).
  • Lift loads using advanced lifting methods (Level 4).

    Rationale:
    This qualification is a combination of components from the following historically registered qualifications:
  • National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID: 59729).
  • National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID: 59730).
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID: 59731).

    The rigging occupation is characterised by the provision of support services within a broader engineering environment and across a variety of industry sectors, namely:
  • Manufacturing and Engineering (Metals, Plastics, Tyre and Rubber, Automotive Manufacturing).
  • Chemical and Petrochemical.
  • Mining.
  • Transport (Maritime, Road, Rail and Aviation).
  • Civil Engineering and Construction.
  • Other engineering-related industry sectors.

    There is a huge need for qualified riggers in all these industry sectors and even outside of these sectors.

    Stakeholders within the various industry sectors invest considerable sums of money in plant, equipment, processes, raw materials and other resources. These investments can only be justified if there is an assurance that goods, machinery, equipment and structures are lifted, moved and placed with the utmost care and efficiency by individuals who are trained and qualified to do so. The environments in which the lifting and rigging skills are practised are characterised by strict codes of safety and high levels of planning and preparation.

    Typically, learners would be new entrants to the industry who wish to pursue the rigging trade. Other learners would be those who have been working in rigging environments and who wish to advance their competencies especially in intermediate and advanced lifting techniques.
    Learners who complete this qualification will be able to become supervisors or foremen in the industry, lifting machinery inspectors, or other personnel positions in the rigging sector.

    As far as benefits to the learner are concerned, they will receive a high standard of training in rigging that is comparable with international standards, thus making it possible for them to pursue a rigging career abroad. The qualification will produce competent learners who are able to contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within the engineering support environment.

    Employers in the rigging industry will benefit because they will enjoy access to appropriately qualified artisans who will be able to conduct high-quality, efficient and safe rigging operations, with minimum disruption to productivity which results in loss
    As regards benefits to society and economy, employees will be able to progress from being riggers to becoming foremen to pursuing managerial positions in the rigging industry, thus providing for a range of job opportunities. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-01, The world of the rigger, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-02, Shielded metal arc welding and gas-cutting, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-03, Tools and equipment, Level 2, 7 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-04, Engineering materials, drawings and sketches, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-05, Scaffolding, working at heights, fall protection systems and ladders, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-06, Supervision of scaffolding operations up to 6m, Level 3, 11 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-07, Access scaffolding inspection, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-08, Ropes, knots, bends and hitches, lashings, attachments and splices, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-09, Steel wire ropes, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-10, Winder ropes, safety detaching hooks and sheave wheels, Level 4, 11 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-11, Basic slinging and lifting, and load securing operations, Level 2, 15 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-12, Slinging and intermediate lifting methods, Level 3, 25 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-13, Lifting equipment and machines (excluding hand powered lifting devices), Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-14, Advanced lifting methods, Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-KM-15, Management-related activities, Level 4, 4 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 163.

    Practical Modules:
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-01, Work safely and respond to emergencies, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-02, Fabricate simple components, manufacture basic rigging hand tools using hand, power and measuring tools and equipment, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-03, Arc weld and gas cut metals, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-04, Interpret engineering drawings, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-05, Work at heights, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-06, Erect and dismantle scaffolding, and use ladders, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-07, Supervise scaffolding operations up to 6m, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-08, Inspect access scaffolding, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-09, Work with fibre rope, make a steel wire rope specimen, 2, 8 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-10, Work with steel wire ropes, Level 3, 9 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-11, Work with winder ropes and sheave wheel, Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-12, Sling, lift and secure loads for transportation, Level 2, 13 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-13, Sling complex loads and use intermediate lifting methods to lift loads, 3, 26 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-14, Lift loads using advanced lifting methods, Level 4, 38 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-PM-15, Perform management-related tasks, Level 4, 5 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skills Modules: 164.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-01, Processes to implement fall protection plans and install lifelines, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-02, Processes to erect and dismantle access scaffolding up to 6, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-03, Processes to supervise scaffolding operations up to 6m, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-04, Processes to sling, lift and secure loads using basic lifting techniques, and to work with fibre and steel ropes, Level 2, 40 Credits.

    Context 1: Construction, Chemical and Marine Contexts:
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-05, Processes to sling, lift and secure loads using basic lifting techniques, Level 2, 40 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-07, Processes to lift loads using intermediate lifting techniques, and work with, steel wire ropes, Level 3, 68 Credits.
  • 68651501-000-00-00-WM-09, Processes to lift loads using advanced lifting techniques, and to examine and replace a winder rope and sheave wheel, Level 4, 84 Credits.
  • 84651501-000-00-00-WM-11, Workplace fundamentals and health and safety processes, Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Context 2: Mining Context:
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-06, Processes to lift loads using intermediate lifting techniques, and work with steel wire ropes, Level 3, 68 Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-08, Processes to lift loads using advanced lifting techniques, Level 4, 84 Credits
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-10, Processes to lift loads using advanced lifting techniques, and to examine and replace a winder rope and sheave wheel (mining sector), Level 4, 84, Credits.
  • 651501-000-00-00-WM-11, Workplace fundamentals and health and safety processes, Level 3, 8 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 232. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Sling regular loads and lift loads using basic lifting techniques.
    2. Sling complex loads and lift loads using intermediate lifting methods.
    3. Lift loads using advanced lifting methods. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The slinging method for a regular load is determined after ascertaining the load weight.
  • Planning to sling and lift a load demonstrates correct interpretation of drawings, organisation and assembly of human and physical resources for the task, identification and mitigation of hazards and risks, evaluation of environmental conditions, and isolation, demarcations and lockout procedures.
  • Loads are slung with or without lugs according to procedure, and lifting machine operator is directed using appropriate communication signals.
  • Basic lifting techniques are used for shifting, lifting, moving and securing loads (up to 3 tons) without damage at end-point (basic lifting techniques include shifting a load on an inclination, lifting and moving loads using manual lifting equipment and tackle, moving a load using rollers and sliders, lifting, placing and securing loads for transportation).
  • Slinging and lifting equipment are checked and stored appropriately.
  • Working with fibre ropes demonstrates the ability to reeve a block and tackle, tie knots, bends, hitches, lashings, attach rope ends, whip and seize fibre ropes, and splice fibre-ropes.
  • The tasks are completed within specified time.
  • Workmanship meets industry standards.
  • An understanding of the slinging regular loads, using basic lifting techniques and working with ropes is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The slinging and lifting method for a complex load is determined after ascertaining the load weight.
  • Planning to sling and lift a load demonstrates correct interpretation of drawings, organisation and assembly of human and physical resources for the task, identification and mitigation of hazards and risks, evaluation of environmental conditions, and isolation, demarcations and lockout procedures.
  • Complex loads are slung according to procedure, and lifting machine operator is directed using appropriate communication signals.
  • Intermediate lifting techniques are used for shifting, lifting, moving and securing loads without damage at end-point (intermediate lifting techniques include lifting loads (up to 5 tons) using mechanical lifting equipment, the floating technique, the lift and turn technique, the pick and carry technique, temporary construction lifting techniques, re-railing rail-bound equipment).
  • Lifting operations are directed according to procedure.
  • Lifting machines and their components are identified and inspected.
  • Working with steel wire ropes demonstrates the ability to splice steel wire ropes, worm, parcel and serve steel wire ropes, terminate a steel wire rope and connect end fittings.
  • The tasks are completed within specified time.
  • Workmanship meets industry standards.
  • An understanding of slinging complex loads, using intermediate lifting techniques and working with steel fibre ropes is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A rigging study is conducted to ensure that all critical factors, pertaining to a lift using any advanced lifting technique, are considered before the lifting task is carried out.
  • Planning to sling and lift a load using advanced lifting techniques demonstrates adherence to rigging study, organisation and assembly of human and physical resources for the task, identification and mitigation of hazards and risks, evaluation of environmental conditions and isolation, demarcations and lockout procedures.
  • Advanced lifting techniques are used for shifting, lifting, moving and securing loads without damage at end-point (advanced lifting techniques include moving a complex load using a winch, transferring a load between lifting equipment, transferring a load by means of snatching and anchoring, tandem lifting, removing a tube bundle, performing a boom conversion and tailing a load).
  • Advanced mobile crane operations are supervised.
  • A team of assistants is managed to ensure safe and efficient lifting activity.
  • The tasks are completed within specified time.
  • Workmanship meets industry standards.
  • An understanding of advanced lifting operations and supervision of advanced mobile crane operations is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated assessment criteria and the weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. The formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated summative external assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The aim of the international comparability study was to compare this qualification with similar qualifications or best practice in this field. The following countries were considered: New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

    New Zealand:
    The National Certificate in Rigging with strands in Basic Rigging, Intermediate Rigging, and Advanced Rigging is listed on the NZQA website. It is at Level 3 or 4 depending on the strand chosen and carries 128 - 188 credits (again depending on the strand chosen by the learner). There is increasing complexity in the use of equipment and technique as the learner moves from Basic to Advanced.

    The following standards form part of the qualification structure:
  • Load and unload a goods service vehicle (Level 2).
  • Sling regular loads and communicate during crane operations (Level 3).
  • Use, install and disestablish proprietary fall arrest systems when working at height (Level 3).
  • Use a safety harness for personal fall prevention when working at height (Level 3).
  • Interpret and apply the Health and Safety in Employment Act to rigging industry activities (Level 3).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Approved Code of Practice for Load-Lifting Rigging (Level 2).
  • Use and maintain rigging hand tools (Level 3).
  • Use and maintain rigging portable power and portable compressed air tools (Level 3).
  • Use and maintain rigging plant and equipment (Level 3).

    Basic Rigging Strand:
  • Plan and prepare basic rigging work (Level 2).
  • Complete basic rigging work (Level 2).

    Intermediate Rigging Strand:
  • Plan and prepare intermediate rigging work (Level 3).
  • Complete intermediate rigging work (Level 3).
  • Dismantle structures and/or plant at intermediate rigging level (Level 3).

    Advanced Rigging Strand:
  • Plan and prepare advanced rigging work (Level 4).
  • Complete advanced rigging work (Level 4).
  • Dismantle structures and/or plant at advanced rigging level (Level 4).

    United Kingdom:
    Certificate in Lifting and Positioning Engineering Construction Loads at Level 2.

    The following are the four mandatory units (16 credits):
  • Contribute to Effective Working Relationships in Engineering Construction.
  • Work Safely and Minimise Risk in Engineering Construction.
  • Identify and Deal with Hazards and Emergencies in the Engineering Construction Work Environment Principles of Moving Engineering Construction Loads.

    One of the following units must be attained:
  • Performing Simple Lifting and Positioning Operations in Engineering Construction.
  • Move Engineering Construction Loads under Supervision.

    Diploma in Moving Engineering Construction Loads at Level 3.

    The following are the seven mandatory units (59 credits):
  • Contribute to effective working relationships in engineering construction.
  • Work safely and minimise risk in engineering construction.
  • Identify and deal with hazards and emergencies in the engineering construction work environment.
  • Prepare loads for moving or lifting and positioning in engineering construction.
  • Move loads in engineering construction.
  • Determine resource requirements to achieve moving lifting and positioning objectives in engineering construction.
  • Lift and position loads in engineering construction.

    One of the following units must be attained:
  • Determine technical requirements to achieve moving lifting and positioning objectives in engineering construction.
  • Dismantle engineering construction assemblies for movement.
  • Contribute to the organisation of work activities in relation to the movement of loads in engineering construction.
  • Contribute to technical leadership in the movement of loads in engineering construction.

    Canada:
    In terms of best practice, the South African qualification compares very favourably with the "Hoisting and Rigging" Course offered by Infrastructure Health & Safety Association in Mississauga, Ontario.
    The course consists of:
    Section 1: Hoisting and Rigging Hazards.
    Section 2: Fibre Ropes, Knots, Hitches.
    Section 3: Hardware, Wire Rope, Slings.
    Section 4: Rigging Tools and Devices.
    Section 5: Introduction to Crane Operations.

    United States:
    In terms of best practice, the South African qualification compares very favourably with the "Rigging Techniques, Procedures and Applications" Course offered by the Department of the Army. Washington:
    Chapter 1: Rope (Section I Fibre Rope and Section II Wire Rope).
    Chapter 2: Knots, Splices. Attachments and Ladders (Section I Knots, Hitches and Lashings; Section II Splices; Section III Attachments; Section IV Rope Ladders).
    Chapter 3: Hoists (Section I Chans and Hooks; Section II Slings; Section III Blocks and Tackle Systems.
    Section IV Chain Hoists and Winches.
    Chapter 4: Anchors and Guy Lines (Section 1 Anchors; Section II Guy Lines).
    Chapter 5: Lifting and Moving Equipment.
    Chapter 6: Scaffolds.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares favourably with the qualifications from the United Kingdom and New Zealand and with the best practice examples from Canada and the United States. The New Zealand qualification compares best with the South African qualification. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Supervision of Construction Processes Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Lifting Machinery Inspection Level 5. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N//A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
  • In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • Learners must be sighted, be able to hear, be medically fit to work at heights and have no disabling condition that would prevent them from working at height.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
  • Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.
  • The curriculum title and code is: Rigger: 651501-000-00-00.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID 59729).
  • National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID 59730).
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID 59731).

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • National Artisan Moderating Body (NAMB). 

  • LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.