NCCER Rigger study materials
NCCER Rigger study resources

NCCER Rigger flashcards

NCCER Rigger · Build recall with a focused review session.

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Sling angle factor
Multiplier applied to load to find sling tension: 1 divided by the sine of the angle from horizontal. At 30 degrees the factor is 2.0.
Two-leg bridle tension
Tension per leg equals load weight divided by twice the sine of the sling angle from horizontal. Lower angles sharply increase tension.
Choker hitch capacity
A choker hitch develops approximately 75 to 80 percent of the sling's single-leg vertical rated capacity because of bending and compression at the choke.
Basket hitch capacity
A basket hitch with vertical legs can develop up to twice the single-leg vertical capacity because the load is supported by two parts of the sling.
Vertical hitch capacity
A single-leg vertical hitch develops the full rated capacity marked on the sling, assuming the load is directly below the hook.
Center of gravity rule
The load's center of gravity must hang directly below the hook. An offset center of gravity causes tilt and unequal loading among sling legs.
Load weight formula
Weight equals volume multiplied by material density. Steel is about 490 pounds per cubic foot; concrete about 150; water about 62.4.
Critical lift definition
A lift commonly classified as critical when the load exceeds 75 percent of rated capacity, involves multiple cranes, or passes over occupied areas.
Crane capacity and radius
Rated capacity decreases as the horizontal distance from the crane's rotation center to the load increases. Always verify capacity at the actual working radius.
Outrigger setup requirement
Outriggers must be fully extended with floats or pads on stable, competent ground. On-rubber capacity charts are substantially lower than on-outrigger charts.
Crane leveling tolerance
A crane must be level within the manufacturer's tolerance, commonly one percent, before lifting. An unlevel crane causes side loading and capacity loss.
Tag line purpose
A tag line controls load rotation and sway. It is not rated rigging and must never be used to restrain the load's weight.
Designated signalperson rule
Only one designated signalperson directs the crane operator. However, anyone may give an emergency stop signal at any time.
Sling assembly capacity
The rated capacity of a sling assembly is limited by its weakest component, including shackles, hooks, master links, and the sling itself.
Wire rope D/d ratio
The ratio of sheave or pin diameter to rope diameter. Smaller D/d ratios reduce sling efficiency, roughly halving strength at very low ratios.
Chain sling grades
Grade 80 and Grade 100 are standard alloy chain sling grades. Chain slings must never be repaired or heated, and damaged links are removed from service.
Shackle pin seating
Shackle pins must be fully seated with minimal thread exposure, and screw-pin shackles should not be side-loaded during lifting.
Web sling color code
Industry color convention for single-leg vertical capacity: purple 1 ton, green 2, yellow 3, red 5, blue 8, orange 10 tons.
Hook latch requirement
Hooks must have a functioning latch or mousing. The load should bear on the saddle, never on the tip or the latch.
Eyebolt loading rule
Shoulder-type eyebolts are rated for angular loading. Plain, non-shoulder eyebolts are intended for vertical lifts only.
Web sling removal criteria
Remove synthetic web slings from service for cuts, burns, ultraviolet degradation, or missing or illegible identification tags.
Bowline knot
A fixed loop that will not slip under load. It reduces rope strength by roughly 25 to 40 percent, so it is not a rated connection.
Clove hitch use
A temporary attachment knot used to secure a line to a post or rail. It can slip if the load direction changes, so it needs backup.
Trial lift procedure
Raise the load a few inches, then verify balance, rigging security, and brake holding before continuing the full lift.
Spreader beam function
A spreader beam keeps slings near vertical at the load, reducing sling tension and horizontal compression on the load compared with a direct bridle.
Rigging weight inclusion
Total load must include slings, shackles, and spreader beams. Rigging weight can be a significant fraction of a light load.
Four-leg load sharing
With more than two legs, only two are assumed to share the load unless the load is rigid and the geometry proves equal loading.
Off-center load share
When the center of gravity is off-center, load share among attachment points is inversely proportional to horizontal distance from the center of gravity.
Power line approach distance
Minimum approach distance to energized lines is typically 10 feet for lines up to 50 kV. A spotter is used when working near lines.
Lift plan contents
A lift plan identifies load weight, center of gravity, rigging arrangement, crane capacity at radius, ground conditions, travel path, and signalperson.
Pre-use sling inspection
Slings and hardware are inspected each shift before use. Damaged gear is removed from service and tagged so it cannot be reused.
Ground bearing pressure
The pressure exerted through outrigger floats onto the ground. Soft or sloped ground requires mats or cribbing to spread the load.