Construction riggers assemble, install, position and secure construction rigging such as working platforms, pulleys and winches used to undertake heavy lifting for construction projects. They determine the most effective manner in which to lift the object by examining it, determining its size and weight and deciding on the right equipment. They install and secure cables, ropes and other equipment like pulleys and winches, and erect cranes to assist in the job. They may also erect structural steel or concrete framework, as well as inspecting, repairing and maintaining rigging equipment. Construction riggers work all over the States and Territories, from large office buildings to mining sites and schools or hospitals in rural towns.

ANZSCO ID: 821711

Specialisations: Dockside Rigger

Knowledge, skills and attributes    

• enjoy practical outdoor work

• to be physically strong and fit

• to enjoy manual tasks

• able to cope with the physical demands of the job

• a good sense of balance

• able to work at heights

• good hand-eye coordination

• good with hands

• safety-conscious

• able to work as part of a team

 

(Source: AP Crane Training)

 

Duties and Tasks

• examine objects to be moved, estimate their size, shape and weight and decide on the type of equipment necessary to move them
• erects lifting tackles by attaching pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, and installs cables and attaches counterweights.
• erect a temporary jib or derrick (lifting devices) if required, and install cables, pulleys and other tackle
• signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads
• test rigging to ensure safety and reliability
• use pulleys and blocks to assemble rigging and align cables
• attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving
• select gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules
• control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment
• tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to manoeuvre over, under, or around obstacles
• use clamps, hooks, bolts, and knots to position and reinforce scaffolding and rigging.
• attaches slinging gear to hoisting equipment and objects to be moved using clamps, hooks, bolts and knots.
• fits and bolts tubes, support braces and components to form bases and build up scaffolding
• lifts and positions sections of scaffolding
• choose or make slinging equipment and attach it to the load
• erect cranes and mobile crane booms, and increase the height of tower cranes by bolting component parts in place and rigging cables
• splice ropes and cables to make slings and tackle
• erect structural steel for buildings or plants under construction
• erect precast concrete panels used on facades of buildings
• inspect, maintain and repair equipment
• erects guard rails, guy wires, ropes and clears, lays planks and hangs safety nets
• make sure that safety requirements are met at all times

.

(Source: CareerFAQS)

Working conditions

Construction riggers work on building and construction sites. They often work at heights, and conditions may be dangerous. They work in most weather conditions, excluding heavy rain or high winds. They usually work regular hours.

Riggers mainly work outdoors on construction sites, but can also work on ships, in factories and mines, and in the entertainment industry completing tasks such as setting up stages.

Tools and technologies

Construction riggers work primarily with rigging equipment such as ropes, chains, pulleys, winches and cables. They also use hand tools such as scaffold spanners and hammers, as well as ladders, safety harnesses and protective clothing such as helmets and work boots. Riggers may also drive vehicles that can be used for transporting rigging equipment, such as utility vehicles or flat-bed trucks.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can also complete a traineeship. The rigging traineeship usually takes 24 months to complete. To become a rigger you need to have a national licence to Perform High Risk Work issued by the relevant authority in your State. Before you can apply for this licence, a registered training Organisation (RTO) must assess your training, skills and knowledge under realistic workplace conditions. To obtain your licence you must also be at least 18 years of age, work under a licensed operator, and be able to use English at a level that enables the safe performance of high risk work

You can also become a rigger through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Rigging. Generally employers require a junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). Authorised training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations.

 

Employment Opportunities

Employment of riggers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Riggers work in all fields of construction, and demand for riggers will mirror the level of overall construction activity. The growth in new residential and commercial construction, as well as building, repairing and replacing infrastructure, should result in steady demand for riggers.

 

 

   Houses & Buildings

 

Dockside Rigger splices and braids rope and wire to manufacture a range of safety products such as cable stockings and hose restraints for high pressure hoses and pipes; embarkation ladders and gangway nets; and cargo and safety nets for lifting cargo to and from ships. They also work on site, assembling and installing rigging equipment in shipyards and dockside loading facilities.

Riggers in the shipbuilding environment are responsible for the lifting and moving of heavy and bulky objects, whether aboard ships or around the shipyard. They must develop a working knowledge of selecting and using the various rigging hardware, such as ropes, slings, shackles, clamps, chain falls, and come-a-longs. The rigger apprentice is trained on the proper hand signals involved in heavy lifts. Riggers must also be able to calculate the weight factors and angles used in the proper lifting and transferring of those heavy loads. They are responsible for installing the safety nets, anchor chains, elevator cables, and mooring ropes onboard the ships and for line handling of the cables and ropes when docking or undocking the ships.

 

Dockside Rigger in training
(Source: Hunting Ingalls)

 

 

   Houses & Buildings

 

 

Scaffolders plan, build and erect scaffolding and working platforms for construction and building sites. They can also erect and dismantle for short-term structures such as catwalks, stages, building stands and tiered seating for public events such as concerts or sporting events. They inspect the area that requires scaffolding and make calculations to determine what kind of scaffolding is required, unload it, fit its tubing and braces together to form frameworks, and fix ladders, rails and other attachments to the scaffolding. They are also responsible for checking and maintaining scaffolding equipment, inspecting scaffolding structures for safety, and taking down scaffolding when the job is done. Scaffolders work all over Australia, assisting and enabling the construction of everything from schools to skyscrapers.

Scaffolders may set up scaffolding around a structure, or inside a building undergoing construction, renovation or demolition.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to become a rigger. 

 
(Source: Skelscaff)

 

ANZSCO ID: 821712

Alternative names: Scaffolding Technician
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

To be a scaffolder, you would need:

• to be physically strong and fit

• to enjoy manual tasks

• the ability to work at heights

• a good sense of balance

• good hand-eye coordination

• teamwork skills

• an understanding of health and safety regulations

• at least 18 years of age

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

As a scaffolder, you would:

• use drawings or instructions to work out materials required

• ensure the ground condition is appropriate for erecting scaffolding

• form secure bases to build from

• Fits and bolts tubes, support braces and components to form bases and build up scaffolding.

• Lifts and positions sections of scaffolding.

• Erects guard rails, guy wires, ropes and clamps, laying planks and hanging safety nets.

• Dismantles and removes scaffolding from building sites.

• create platforms at set points

• secure scaffolding to other buildings or structures to make it more secure

• check levels in scaffolding structures

• lay planks across scaffolding for workers to walk on

• fix rails and safety netting to finished scaffolding

• make sure completed scaffolding applies to all health and safety regulations

• use prefabricated scaffolding in some situations.

 

Working conditions

Scaffolders work on a wide variety of building projects where construction processes need to be undertaken at heights. Because they construct and erect the scaffolding, scaffolders themselves work at heights, which may be dangerous. They work in most weather conditions. Scaffolders usually work regular hours but may be required to work longer hours if working to a deadline.

The work is physically demanding and requires strict safety standards be maintained. Protective and safety clothing would be worn.

Tools and technologies

Scaffolders work primarily with scaffolding, which is usually comprised of metal pipes or tubes connected with couplers, and boards or other platforms on which workers stand. They use hand tools such as scaffolding spanners, socket wrenches and hammers, and ladders to get up and down the scaffolding. They often drive trucks or utility vehicles to transport scaffolding equipment to and from the building site, and are usually required to wear safety gear such as helmets, harnesses, workboots and tool belts.

 

(Source: CareerFAQS)

Education and training/entrance requirements
  

To become a scaffolder, you usually need to gain a qualification in scaffolding. To become a scaffolder you need to have a national licence to Perform High Risk Work issued by the relevant authority in your State. Before you can apply for this licence, a registered training Organisation (RTO) must assess your training, skills and knowledge under realistic workplace conditions.To obtain your licence you must also be at least 18 years of age, work under a licensed operator, and be able to use English at a level that enables the safe performance of high risk work.

You can also become a scaffolder through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Scaffolding. Generally employers require a junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.
All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). Authorised training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations.

Short courses in basic, intermediate and advanced scaffolding are available at registered training organisations throughout Australia. You can also undertake a traineeship in scaffolding (level 3). The traineeship usually takes 12 months to complete.

Apprenticeships and traineeships
  
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

Required registration and licensing

To work as a scaffolder in Australia, you must obtain a High Risk Work Licence from WorkSafe.

Scaffolders working in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Training Card (commonly known as a "White Card").

Employment Opportunities

Employment of scaffolders is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Scaffolders work in all fields of construction, and demand for scaffolders will mirror the level of overall construction activity. The growth in new residential and commercial construction, as well as building, repairing and replacing infrastructure, should result in steady demand for scaffolders.

Scaffolders are mainly employed by construction firms and related subcontractors. Job prospects depend on the level of activity in the construction industry and can fluctuate. A small amount of work is generated from other areas that require erection of scaffolding (such as entertainment, building maintenance and cleaning work).

 

 

Did You Know? Various events that take place in the music and entertainment industry require the services of scaffolders. They erect structures for events that include fashion shows, industry awards nights and music concerts. These scaffolders normally work for companies involved in servicing the entertainment industry in these events. This category of scaffolders also build tiered seating and stands for public events like concerts and sporting events. Whatever the project, the scaffolder is responsible for inspecting the area and pinpoint what type of scaffolding is required. Once this is done, the scaffolder unloads it, fits its braces and tubing together to form the frameworks that eventually become the scaffold. He will fix all the attachments including ladders and rails to create the scaffold. Their work doesn’t end there. Scaffolders are also tasked to check and maintain scaffolding equipment throughout its use. They inspect the scaffolding structure to ensure it is safe to use and eventually take it down after the work is done. (Source: Skelscaff)

 

  Houses & Buildings

 

 

Structural Steel Erectors erect and dismantle structural steel frames of buildings and other structures. A steel erector is responsible for creating the ‘skeleton’ frameworks for construction projects of all shapes and sizes. A steel erector, or ironworker, is a construction worker who specializes in working with steel. They are essential in building new steel structures, such as buildings, or improving the integrity of existing ones, such as bridges and highways. They may work in one area, such as in a fabrication shop creating steel components, or in many areas, such as a variety of job sites. Steel erectors create, install, place, align and reinforce steel structures and frameworks. This involves working with steel beams, steel girders, columns and a variety of tools and heavy machinery. Steel erectors may also assemble scaffold and steel structural components. Steel erectors often work closely architects to achieve what they designed in blueprints. However, some steel erectors focus on completing ornamental or architectural work. They may create pieces like:

Bars
Catwalks
Door frames
Entrances
Fences
Gratings
Stairways
Windows

Steel erectors, also known as iron workers, construct the frames of tall structures, including skyscrapers, hospitals, parking garages, air traffic control towers, manufacturing plants and universities. They perform a range of services from shear stud or joint installation to building renovation to metal decking. Steel erectors either control derricks and cranes, or direct crane operators, in transporting buckets of concrete, reinforcement bars, structural steel components and other necessary materials to their position on the building.

For each new project, steel erectors collaborate with their team to create construction and safety plans, evaluate location-specific hazards, review drawings in detail and determine procedures for welding and crane logistics. Steel erectors cut various materials for installation and weld or use bolts to connect beams, girders and columns to other structural pieces. Depending on the specifications of the project, they may install wires, ladders, gauges, flanges, valves, sealing strips or insulated materials.

(Source: Your Career)

ANZSCO ID: 821714

  

Alternative names: Steel Erector; Ironworker; Steel Building Erector;
  

Knowledge, skills and attributes     

• Knowledge of construction

• Logical thinking skills

• Good level of physical fitness

• Confidence to work at height

• Awareness of health and safety guidelines

• Good team working skills.      

(Source: CareerTrend)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Reviewing technical plans drawn by architects and engineers

• Planning project assembly

• Cutting and shaping steel

• Operating hand and power tools

• Handling and working on different frames and girders to construct steel structures
• Unloading, stacking and lifting into place prefabricated steel
• Moving steel components into place using cranes, cabling, forklifts or other equipment
• Helping correctly position structural members through physical alignment or signals
• Verifying the proper alignment of steel frames
• Interpreting and following blueprints to weld girders, columns and beams
• Creating components for steel frames
• Reviewing technical plans and blueprints drawn by engineers and architects
• Cutting and shaping steel
• Creating project plans and assembly
• Reinforcing steel bars with lasers, levers, taglines and plumb bobs
• Using hand tools and power tools
• Connecting iron and steel components with welding, wires and bolts
• Setting up edge rails and safety netting
• Following safety guidelines
• Working outside, often at extreme heights
• Installing vertical and horizontal cladding systems and roofs
• Operating mobile elevated work platforms
• Assembling and installing personnel lifts and hoists
• Installing and layering metal decking

• Installing and fixing together steel girders, pipework and beam sections to make a steel framework

• Using elevated work platforms and scissor lifts

• Laying metal decking

• Fixing safety netting and edge rails

• Lifting and guiding components into position with tower cranes

• Lining up and levelling steelwork before bolting it in place

• Working on-site, often at height.

• Erects lifting tackles by attaching pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, and installs cables and attaches counterweights.

• Attaches slinging gear to hoist equipment and objects to be moved using clamps, hooks, bolts and knots.

• Fits and bolts tubes, support braces and components to form bases and build up scaffolding.

• Lifts and positions sections of scaffolding.

• Measures, cuts, bends and fits welded wire mesh into concrete areas to be mesh-reinforced.

• Fixes mesh and reinforced steel into position in formwork for concrete pours.

• Sets up winches and rigging equipment to raise and position girders, plates, columns and other steel units.

• Erects guard rails, guy wires, ropes and clears, lays planks and hangs safety nets.

Working conditions
  

Steel erectors often complete rigorous, dangerous work. Their work is often physically demanding, and they typically work outside in stressful environments. Steel erectors typically work at great heights, and they occasionally work in uncomfortable or inclement weather. However, steel erectors typically do not work at great heights if there is extreme wet, icy or windy conditions.

A steel erector's typical work environment highlights the need for workplace safety. It's important for each ironworker to be familiar with and practice the best workplace safety standards. Steel erectors may wear additional safety equipment, such as harnesses, and install and use hardware for safety measures, such as decking, netting or hand rails.

Tools and technologies

Here is a list of tools used: Operating hand and power tools; safety netting; edge rails; steelwork; tackles; pulleys; blocks; cables; counterweights; slinging gear; clamps; hooks; bolts, knots; braces; wire mesh;

Education and training/entrance requirements
  

You can work as a Structural Steel Erector without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. A certificate II or III in steelfixing or rigging might be helpful.

  
Employment Opportunities
  

As a steel erector, you could move into a related role such as a welder or a steel fixer. With experience, you could progress into more senior roles such as a site supervisor, team leader or construction manager.

Alternatively, you could become an instructor, and pass on your knowledge and experience to trainees.

 

 

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Architect	Bricklayer	Carpenter	Concreter Steel Fixer
Construction Worker	Construction Project Manager	Crane Operator Crane Chaser (Dogger)	Road Worker
WHS Officer	Waterside Worker

 

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Construction Rigger];
CareerHQ [Scaffolder; Rigger;  ]
CareersOnline [Rigger; Scaffolder;]
Ingalls Huntington [Rigger; ]
Go Construct [Steel Erector; Scaffolder; ]
Indeed [Steel Erector; ]
CareerTrend [Steel Erector; ]
Skelscaff
Your Career [Construction Rigger; Structural Steel Erector; Scaffolder; ]