Rescuers that operate at structural collapse situations need to have a variety of skills to overcome the various entrapment situations that they may face. In addition to the lifting, breaching, and cutting skills, rescuers need to acquire a strong competency in the area of rigging operations.

Rigging operations refers to the skills needed to utilize wire rope slings, fabric slings, chains, shackles, drop pins, come-a-longs, hand winches, and other rigging equipment to lift, move, and/or secure heavy building components during rescue operations.

The focus will be away from rigging in conjunction with crane operations, and instead will focus on rigging operations that are required inside the collapse structure. This will include situations where lifts are required inside void spaces, during concrete segmental lift-outs, or in situations where rigging is needed to stabilize or move a heavy load horizontally or vertically.

Students will learn the capabilities, limitations, and applications of various forms of rigging equipment and mechanical advantage equipment. The proper use, inspection, and maintenance of rigging equipment will be discussed.

Various problem-solving situations based on actual field experience will be introduced where rigging skills will be applied. The use of bolting equipment for concrete breaching and lift-outs will be taught.

This is a two-day course.