Find out everything you need to know about becoming an Underground Rigger.

Job Title – Underground Rigger

Description

The traditional definition of an Underground Rigger is a person that uses hoists and pulleys. The industry extends the term, however, to define anyone engaged in the lifting, moving and transporting, positioning, pulling and securing of heavy equipment, machines and oversized loads.

A rigger moves loads varying in size, weight and shape such as manufacturing machines in factories, X-ray machines in hospitals, and storage silos on farms.

A rigger uses cranes, overhead lifting gear, pulleys, load moving dollies, hydraulic jacks, and flatbed trucks.

A rigger is primarily found in industrial and commercial industries such as in oil, gas, mining, ship building, construction, manufacturing, power and telecommunication, hospitals, etc...

Typical Job Activities

Aligns, levels, and anchors machinery
Attaches loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools
Attaches pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps
Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chain falls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment
Dismantles and stores rigging equipment after use
Fabricates, sets up, and repairs rigging, supports structures, hoists, and pulls gear, uses hand and power tools
Manipulates rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets
Selects gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules
Signals or verbally directs workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads, in order to ensure safety of workers and materials

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Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matric exemption
Valid Rigger Trade Test Certificate (Preferably Section 13)
Minimum N2 Certificate In Mechanical Engineering
At Least 5 Years’ Experience As A Rigger In An Underground and Shaft Environment
Experience In Double Drum Winders and Koepe Winders – Indicate On CV
Experience In Splicing Steel Ropes – An Advantage – Indicate On CV
Valid Drivers’ License (EB)

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Trade Theory, Mathematics, Metalwork, Technical Drawing, and Physical Science

Apprenticeship Training

If you want to become a rigger you need to register with an employer providing suitable training.
- Theoretical training: At a technical (FET) college or a correspondence course at Technisa
- Practical training: At an accredited training centre
- In-service training: Under supervision of a qualified tradesman
- Duration of course: 4 years but it can be completed in a shorter period provided that the candidate has higher educational qualifications
- Final examination: A compulsory trade test set by the Department of Labour to qualify as an artisan

Additional Requirements

If you want to become a rigger you must be at least 16 years old

Note

Changes in the training of artisans are subject to the official approval of the Registrar of Labour Training
A new system of apprenticeship training will be introduced within the next few years. Each industry will make use of its own methods and time to implement the system

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be mentally and physically sound and healthy
Possess endurance
Not be afraid of heights
Be responsible and safety-conscious
Be able to work quickly and efficiently
Be willing to do heavy physical work
Move around a lot and work in different positions

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Employment Opportunities 

Low

Market Competitiveness

Low

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

Low

International Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Possible Employers

Building industry
Eskom
Heavy engineering concerns
Iscor
Mines
Sasol
Transnet

Browse companies hiring now.

Relevant Contact Details

The Engineering Council of South Africa
https://www.ecsa.co.za/

South African Qualifications Authority
http://allqs.saqa.org.za/

The Metal and Engineering Industries Education and Training Board
Tel: (011) 4921533

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific fields
Work performance

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

The need is determined by government
The need is determined by private companies
I can work with my hands
I can apply my special skills