Live Event Rigger

Working in a sometimes fast paced and pressured environment, Live Event Riggers will show logic and ability to safely work individually, as well as being part of a team, to meet client deadlines. The work environment may vary and comprise exhibitions, conferences, concerts, sport as well as other related environments. Live Event Riggers may work at both indoor and outdoor events in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. They could work unsociable hours, but need to ensure adequate rest periods are maintained. The Live Event Rigger will work under the direction of a Rigging Supervisor(s). The Live Event Rigger will be able to work from plans and follow method statements to plan and safely undertake rigging installations. They will liaise with clients, venue management, consultant riggers and structural engineers. The Live Event Rigger will have a thorough underpinning knowledge and be able to practically use and inspect rigging equipment, particularly lifting equipment, structural systems and essential ancillary equipment. In doing so they will be capable of undertaking and documenting risk assessments and adhering to safe systems of work whilst accurately identifying and reducing risks.

Skills

? Follow safe work method statements.
? Be responsible for their own health & safety and show awareness of the health and safety of other individuals in their vicinity.
? Carry out work activities safely to avoid creating hazardous situations.
? Use tools and equipment safely in accordance with regulations, procedures and instructions.
? Follow procedures relating to manual handling, accident reporting, wearing personal protective equipment etc.
? Show how to act in an emergency and how to deal with problems.
? Show how to work securely, following security procedures and to deal with security breaches.
? Demonstrate their ability to carry out and document suitable and sufficient risk assessments and safe systems of work.

? Prepare for work and maintain safe, clean, effective and efficient work methods.

? Identify and minimise hazards and risks.

? Select, use, store and maintain equipment, tools and materials.

? Follow and maintain work procedures, method statements and production records.

? Make the most efficient and effective use of resources, time and materials. ? Work from plans and estimate loads and forces.

? Pre-plan and organise the correct equipment for the job in job sheets and kit lists.

? Check rigging assemblies and assess any hazards.

? Read and interpret designs, scaling from drawings to mark out work on site.

? Select suitable components based on load capacity.

? Carry out rigging activities for an event.

? Rig hoists/ sling loads/ use modular structural products such as aluminium trusses.

? Select and use appropriate lifting equipment and accessories.

? Inform others of rigging intentions, caution required and action to be taken.

? Understand the need for venue permissions.

? De-rig and disassemble equipment and structures and return to storage leaving a tidy workplace.

? Comprehend legislation, hierarchy of controls, risk assessments, specific hazards and risks, site assessment, rescue procedures.

? Use means of access, adhere to best practice and the correct use of personal fall protection systems (PFPS).

? Locate anchor points and suitability for use.

? Correctly use and store PFPS, maintain and inspect equipment when not in use.

? Effectively communicate with the Rigging Supervisor.

? Use appropriate rigging terminology.

? Use different types of communication.

? Manage time and adhere to schedules.

? Work closely with colleagues and line manager.

? Be cooperative and helpful in the workplace. Share and pass on information to colleagues, keeping them informed of activities/ problems.

? Motivate, build relationships. ? Continually develop own competence.

Knowledge 

? How to work to safe work method statements.

? The relevant legislation, responsibilities, PPE, safe working, manual handling etc.

? Hazards and risks in the work environment and procedures for reporting and dealing with them.

? Responsibility under the Health and Safety Statutory Legislation Regulations including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).

? Fire and emergency precautions and procedures.

? Forms of accidents and emergencies and the actions, and limitations, to be taken in the event of an occurrence.

? Security procedures, what action to take in event of breach and the methods of doing so.

? Who is responsible for Health and Safety in the workplace and the policies relevant to your working practices.

? Their own roles and responsibilities and that of others in the workplace.

? Organisational rules for conduct at work, including grievance and disciplinary procedures.

? The purpose and uses of rigging equipment.

? The range equipment and tools used by riggers with the skill to inspect each item.

? Other event trades who could be working on a project and how the roles interlink.

? Different ‘truss’ systems and ancillary equipment. ? How to store and maintain lifting equipment.

? The manufacturer’s instructions, law, terminations, inspection.

? The importance of pre-use checks.

How to read plans, accurately scale and mark out rigging operations and set up lifting equipment.

? How structural requirements can be met.

? How to estimate loads and forces.

? Allowable loads on structures, how to rig and de-rig a hoist and safely attach or sling loads.

? The advantages and restrictions of a range of access equipment (see Working at Height).

? The basic properties of trusses and tubes. ? Assembly, compatibility, orientation and alignment of equipment.

? How to inform members of production about rigging activities, explaining action they must take.

? How to deal with deviations from design. ? When to sign off completed work.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005, safe access, egress and rescue plans for work at height.

? The types of access equipment: existing facilities, access machines, access towers, fixed platforms, scaffolding, ladders, Tallescopes, rope ladders, rope access.

? How to use work restraint/positioning and fall arrest equipment following manufacturer’s instructions. Detecting defects, reporting procedures.

? The importance of effective working relationships.

? The lines of communication in the workplace.

? The signs and signals used on site.

? The importance of communication, listening and questioning at briefings and discussions.

? How to consider the effectiveness of their own communications and dealing with situations where this has not been achieved.

? Reporting procedures, feedback. ? Change including trends and changes in legislation

Behaviours

-Live Event Riggers are expected to:

? Have a strong work ethic: be motivated, proactive and committed.

? Work safely and reliably with minimal supervision, reporting accidents, near misses and unsafe practices without delay, yet be aware of own limitations.

? Act upon instructions and information promptly and make decisions under pressure.

? Communicate clearly and appropriately, seeking clarification when necessary, with Supervisors, Riggers, Clients and other technicians.

? Have an attention to detail and an ability to accurately assess risks and make the correct decisions.

? Display progressive leadership skills, offering appropriate guidance to the less experienced, be good listeners with a mature outlook whilst working ethically taking account of diversity and equality in the workforce.

Entry Requirements 

These will be set by employers however the candidate must be a minimum of 18 years old (for health and safety reasons) and be physically fit with an ability to work at height. It is recommended that they hold a minimum of 3 GCSEs (Grade C or above) in Maths, English and Science and have basic IT skills. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their Apprenticeship.

Duration

The programme will typically last 36 months.

Professional Qualifications / Recognition

This apprenticeship will include L2 assessment for the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) National Rigging Certificate, an industry recognised qualification. 

Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.