A rigger is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in the assistance of manual
mechanical advantage device
A simple machine that exhibits mechanical advantage is called a mechanical advantage device - e.g.:
* Lever: The beam shown is in static equilibrium around the fulcrum. This is due to the moment created by vector force ''"A"'' counterclockwise ( ...
comprising
pulley,
block and tackle
A block and tackle or only tackle is a system of two or more pulleys with a rope or cable threaded between them, usually used to lift heavy loads.
The pulleys are assembled to form blocks and then blocks are paired so that one is fixed and on ...
or motorised such as a
crane or
derrick
A derrick is a lifting device composed at minimum of one guyed mast, as in a gin pole, which may be articulated over a load by adjusting its guys. Most derricks have at least two components, either a guyed mast or self-supporting tower, and a ...
or
chain hoists (chain fall) or
capstan winch
Capstan may refer to:
* Capstan (band), an American post-hardcore band
* Capstan (cigarette), a brand of British cigarette
*Capstan (nautical), a rotating machine used to control or apply force to another element
*Capstan (tape recorder), rotating ...
.
Etymology
The term comes from the days of
sailing ship
A sailing ship is a sea-going vessel that uses sails mounted on masts to harness the power of wind and propel the vessel. There is a variety of sail plans that propel sailing ships, employing square-rigged or fore-and-aft sails. Some ships c ...
s, when a rigger was a person who worked with
rigging, that is, ropes for hoisting the sails. Sailors could put their rope skills to work in lifting and hauling. In an era before mechanical haulage and cranes, ropes, pulleys and muscle power were all that was available to move heavy objects. A specialized subset are
telecommunication riggers,
entertainment industry riggers. In time,
rigging became a trade in itself, giving rise to modern usages with some original terminology remaining, with its roots all but forgotten.
Description
Riggers attach loads of equipment to cranes or structures using shackles, cables, chains, clamps or straps, employing pulleys, winches, lifts or chain hoists (aka chain motors). Quick load calculations are necessary for each load and engineering principles are always in play. Riggers use various suspension techniques to get their load around obstacles on a construction site or loading dock or event site to the desired location and height.
See also
* ''
World's Toughest Fixes'', an American reality-TV series with a focus on industrial rigging
References
{{Reflist
External links
Specialized Carriers and Riggers AssociationWhat is a Rigger?
- Rigger.com, by Toolwell
Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Qualified Rigger
- OSHA - 2010
Construction trades workers
Marine occupations