COMMUNICATIONS: Few job-site conditions are as important to the safety of the lift than the communications between the operator and the individual(s) controlling the lift. During this session participants discuss the importance of clear and concise direction, whether it is in the form of audio or visual communications. The qualifications and responsibilities of the "Designated" signal person are discussed.

RIGGING HARDWARE: This session deals with various types of rigging hardware commonly used in the craning industry. Identification, inspection procedures, application and removal from service criteria are presented through video and hands-on demonstration.

SLING SELECTION AND APPLICATION: During this presentation and in-class exercises, participants learn how to select, inspect and apply various types of slings and determine the safe working load that can be applied to them. The effect that the sling's angle to the load has on its rated capacity is discussed and calculations are made to determine actual and Safe Working Loads.

DETERMINING LOADS' CENTER OF GRAVITY: This segment emphasizes the importance of knowing the location of the loads center of gravity to assist in the selection of the proper rigging necessary to produce a "stable" load when lifted. It is important also to recognize what happens to the center of gravity of a load once the load is lifted into the air.

EQUALIZER AND SPREADER BEAMS: The difference between equalizer and spreader beams and their particular applications are studied. With equalizer beams the class participants learn, through practical exercises and lift simulation, how the load is proportionally shared between the cranes making the lift and how these proportions can be altered to suit the crane capacities available by adjusting the location of the load on the beam.

MULTIPLE CRANE LIFTS: The extra precautions such as avoiding shock and sideloading of the booms when the use of multiple cranes is necessary to make a single lift are studied. As part of the pre-lift planning the class discovers through practical exercises how to determine what the actual load on each of the cranes will be throughout the lift process. The class also learns how the load sharing on the cranes can be altered by manipulating the lift points.

HANDS-ON APPLICATION: Through hands-on exercises participants learn the proper selection and application of various types of slings and rigging hardware.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TEST: At the conclusion of this training program participants are required to complete a written course test. This test will be of the open book type but will still challenge the individuals' knowledge of rigging principles and applications.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: Certificates of completion are awarded to those course participants who "successfully complete" the course test.