RIGGER III
Certification Study Guide
Job Skills Curriculum & Testing Unit
Program Development & Evaluation Division
Training & Development
April 2019
© Copyright Saudi Aramco, 2019.
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, by any process
or technique, without the express written consent of Saudi Aramco.
RIGGER III
Certification Study Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Rigger III Written Certification Test............ 1
Introduction to the Rigger III Performance Certification Tests.... 2
Introduction to the Rigger III Re-Certification Test.................... 3
Introduction to the Study Guide.................................................. 6
Written Certification Test (Pre-Test)............................................ 7
Performance Test........................................................................ 27
INFORMATION SHEET
INTRODUCTION TO THE RIGGER III
WRITTEN CERTIFICATION TESTS
Purpose
The purpose of the Rigger III written certification test
is to determine if the Saudi Aramco or contractor
employee has the necessary theoretical knowledge to
satisfy Rigger III requirements.
Description
The Rigger III written certification test is an online,
computer-based test consisting of approximately 50
theoretical questions, which covers safety equipment,
equipment inspection, hitch arrangements, lifting
equipment capacities, calculations, formulas and crane
hand signals.
Who Should Apply?
An applicant for the Rigger III written certification test
should be a Saudi Aramco or contractor employee who
does not have a Saudi Aramco Rigger III certificate, or
who requires a Saudi Aramco Rigger III re-certificate
(an applicant applying for re-certification should apply
approximately one (1) month before the expiry of his
certificate).
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INFORMATION SHEET
INTRODUCTION TO THE RIGGER
III PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATION
TESTS
Purpose
The purpose of the Rigger III performance certification
test it to determine if the Saudi Aramco or contractor
employee has the practical performance skills that are
set out in G.I. 7.025 Rigger III certificate requirements.
Description
The Rigger III performance certification test provides
individual assessment of each candidate’s rigging
capabilities on different load types.
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INFORMATION SHEET
INTRODUCTION TO THE RIGGER III
RE-CERTIFICATION TEST
Purpose
The purpose of the Rigger III re-certification test is to
determine if the Saudi Aramco or contractor employee
has retained the practical performance skills that are
set out in G.I. 7.025 Rigger III certificate requirements.
Description
The Rigger III re-certification test consists of a
(theoretical) online, computer-based test and a (practical)
performance test.
Who Should Apply?
An applicant for the Rigger III re-certification test should
be a Saudi Aramco or contractor employee who has
approximately one (1) month before the expiry of his
certificate.
Note: Line organizations are responsible for tracking expiration
dates and submitting employees’ nominations with sufficient lead
time to prevent a lapse in certification validity.
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4
RIGGER III (THEORITICAL) WRITTEN CERTIFICATION FLOW CHART
April 2019
Initial (first) test Second re-test Third re-test
INFORMATION SHEET
Candidate fails first Rigger III Candidate fails second Rigger III Candidate who fails his
Candidate takes Rigger III written certification test and written certification re-test and is third test must wait 12
written certification test is allowed a second test after allowed a third test if he submits months before being
30 days proof of remedial training allowed another Rigger III
Fails Fails certification test
Fails
Passes Passes Passes
Rigger III (Theoretical) Written Certification Flow Chart
Candidate takes Rigger III Candidate takes Rigger III Candidate takes Rigger III
performance certification test performance certification test performance certification test
Passes Passes Passes
Rigger III certificate Rigger III certificate Rigger III certificate
Issued Issued Issued
Rigger III
RIGGER III (PRACTICAL) PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATION FLOW CHART
Certification Study Guide
Initial (first) test Second re-test Third re-test
Candidate fails first Rigger III Candidate fails second Rigger III
performance certification test performance certification test
Candidate takes Rigger III and is allowed a second and is allowed a third if he Candidate who fails his third test
performance certification test test after 30 days submits proof of remedial must wait 12 months before
training being allowed another Rigger III
Rigger III (Practical) Performance Certification Flow Chart
certification test
Fails Fails Fails
Passes Passes Passes
Rigger III certificate Rigger III certificate Rigger III certificate
Issued Issued Issued
April 2019
5
INFORMATION SHEET
INFORMATION SHEET
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY GUIDE
Purpose
This study guide is designed to prepare a Saudi Aramco
or contractor employee for the Saudi Aramco Rigger
III written and performance certification tests. It will:
• inform you of what topics and skills are covered
on the tests
• give you (theoretical) written sample questions
Note: All candidate must have sufficient computer skills and
understanding of English to be able to undertake the Saudi Aramco
Rigger III certification test. For any further information, please contact
the Heavy Equipment supervisor.
Test Duration and Contents
The Saudi Aramco Rigger III certification test consists
of a (theoretical) online, computer-based test and a
(practical) performance test. Successful completion of
the (theoretical) online, computer-based test qualifies
the candidate to take the (practical) performance test
The duration of the Saudi Aramco Rigger III online,
computer-based test is one hour and 30 minutes (90
minutes) and consists of approximately 50 questions.
The Saudi Aramco Rigger III performance certification
test is conducted over a period of one (1) day for
two candidates and two (2) days for four candidates.
Candidates are tested individually on different rigging
tasks.
The Saudi Aramco Rigger III re-certification test is the
same as the initial certification test.
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INFORMATION SHEET
WRITTEN CERTIFICATION TEST
(PRE-TEST)
Introduction
In the written certification test (pre-test) you will be
asked to do the following:
• identify personal and work safety practices
• identify rigging equipment and its applications
• inspect rigging equipment
• identify basic hitch arrangements
• determine sling sizes
• determine hitch capacities
• identify crane hand signals
• identify types of cranes and their major parts
The following section includes some sample questions
for each of the topics on which you will be tested.
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INFORMATION SHEET
Figure 1
Safety Poster
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INFORMATION SHEET
Sample Questions
Personal and Work Safety Practices
1. When hand carrying a load, how should it be
carried? Select the correct answer below.
a. close to your body
b. away from your body
c. under your arm
d. on your shoulder
2. If you find a fire exit blocked by a wooden pallet,
what should you do? Select the correct answer
below.
a. leave it
b. move it at quitting time
c. move it immediately
d. wait for someone else to move it
3. What should you do to your hard hat at least
once a month? Write your answer in the space
provided.
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INFORMATION SHEET
4. Who is responsible for keeping the work area
clean? Write your answer in the space provided.
5. Why should you look for possible pinch points?
Write your answer in the space provided.
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INFORMATION SHEET
Identify Rigging Equipment
1. What is the name of the pictured rigging
equipment? Select the correct answer.
a. chain hoist
b. come-along
c. hand-operated winch
d. plate clamp
Figure 2
Chain Hoist
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INFORMATION SHEET
2. What is the name of the pictured rigging
equipment? Select the correct answer.
a. wire rope clip
b. shackle
c. eye bolt
Figure 3
Wire Rope Clip
d. beam clamp
3. What must you do with all items of rigging
hardware before use? Write your answer in the
space provided.
4. What is the purpose of centering the load before
lifting it? Write your answer in the space provided.
5. What must be stamped on all detached hooks?
Write your answer in the space provided.
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INFORMATION SHEET
6. What can be used to increase or decrease tension
in a sling or line? Write your answer in the space
provided.
Uses of Rigging Equipment
1. What is a beam clamp used for? Select the correct
answer.
a. lifting steel plates
b. connecting slings
c. temporary overhead support
d. lifting I-beams
2. What are eye bolts used for? Select the correct
answer.
a. turnbuckles to be attached
b. hooks to be attached
c. slings to be attached
d. ropes to be attached
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INFORMATION SHEET
3. What are three applications for which you can
use a come-along? Write your answer in the space
provided.
4. What chain do you pull to raise a load attached
to a spur gear chain hoist? Write your answer in
the space provided.
5. Why would a belt sling be used instead of a
wire-rope sling? Write your answer in the space
provided
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INFORMATION SHEET
Damage to Rigging Equipment
1. What damage would you check for on a synthetic
fiber sling? Select the correct answer.
a. broken stiches
b. cut wires
c. kinks
d. broken links
2. What damage would you check for on a shackle?
Select the correct answer.
a. broken safety latch
b. distorted handle
c. cracked U-bolt
d. damaged threads
3. When inspecting a belt sling you see red yarn
showing through, what does this suggest?
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INFORMATION SHEET
Identify Basic Hitches
1. What is the name of the following hitch
arrangement? Select the correct answer.
a. double-wrap basket hitch
b. two-leg bridle hitch
c. single-choker hitch
d. double-wrap choker hitch
Figure 4
Hitch Arrangement
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INFORMATION SHEET
2. Refer to the picture and identify the correct hitch
arrangement for each of the loads shown. Write
your answer in the space provided.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7
Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10
Figure 11 Figure 12
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INFORMATION SHEET
Identify Hitch Required
1. What is the best hitch arrangement for the below
load? Select the correct answer.
a. double-choker hitch
b. double-wrap choker hitch
c. two-leg bridle hitch
d. double-basket hitch
Figure 13
Best Hitch Arrangement
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INFORMATION SHEET
2. Refer to the picture and identify each of the hitches
shown. Write your answer in the space provided.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17
Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20
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INFORMATION SHEET
Sling Size Requirements
1. Using a sling chart for 6 × 19 FC wire rope slings,
what is the correct sling size for the below load
using a double choker hitch? Write your answer
in the space provided.
Figure 21
Sling Size
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INFORMATION SHEET
Hitch Capacity
1. Using a sling chart for 6 × 19 FC wire rope slings,
what is the capacity of the hitch below? Write
your answer in the space provided.
Figure 22
Hitch Capacity
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INFORMATION SHEET
Crane Hand Signals
1. What is the meaning of the hand signal shown?
Select the correct answer.
a. lower the load
b. lower the beam
c. lower the load slowly
d. lower the whip line
Figure 23
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INFORMATION SHEET
2. What is the meaning of the hand signal shown?
Select the correct answer.
a. stop
b. dog everything
c. emergency stop
d. swing the boom
Figure 24
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INFORMATION SHEET
Types of Crane and Their Parts
1. What type of crane is shown here? Select the
correct answer.
a. crawler crane
b. mobile lattice crane
c. tower crane
d. mobile hydraulic crane
Figure 25
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INFORMATION SHEET
2. What type of crane is shown here? Select the
correct answer.
a. whip line
b. main hoist
c. boom
d. counterweight
Figure 26
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INFORMATION SHEET
3 Name the crane part indicated by the arrow. Select
the correct answer.
a. counterweight
b. main hoist
c. main block
d. outrigger
Figure 27
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INFORMATION SHEET
PERFORMANCE TEST
Introduction
For the performance section of the Rigger III certification,
you will be required to perform two (2) separate rigging
tasks.
Using the correct procedures and equipment, you will
rig, lift and move the loads to a pre-designated area.
Sample of Loads
• valves
• electrical motor
• pipe spool
• pumps
• pump covers
• gear box
• vessels
• skid assembly
• actuator
Task Skills
You will be required to perform the following skills
when given a load to lift.
• calculate the correct rigging equipment to lift the
load
• select the correct hitch arrangement
• inspect the rigging equipment before use
• attach the rigging equipment to the crane correctly
• use the correct hand signals to move the load
• lift and move the load to a designated area
• take all necessary safety precautions while lifting
the load
• remove, re-inspect and return all rigging equipment
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INFORMATION SHEET
Sling Chart
The lifting capacity (SWL) of a sling can change based
on the hitch arrangement.
To calculate the (SWL) of a hitch arrangement you
must be able to select the correct chart and locate the
information that you need.
Sling charts list the sizes and capacities for a number
of slings.
Figure 28
Wire Rope Sling
To select the correct chart for the hitch arrangement
you must know the sling type, hitch arrangement, sling
angle, and the weight of the load being lifted.
Each sling material has its own sling chart. Make sure
the chart is for the sling material you want to use.
For wire rope slings, you must also know the classification
group, type of steel, and type of core used to make
the wire rope.
For nylon slings, you must know the type of sling material
and its capacity per inch of width. This information is
stamped on the sling end fittings or printed on the
Figure 29
Nylon Sling
sling itself.
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INFORMATION SHEET
How to Read a Sling Chart
STEP PROCEDURE
1 Finde the correct table for the type and
material of sling.
2 Find the column listing that matches the type
of hitch.
3 Look down the middle of the column until
you find the first number greater than the
load weight.
4 On the far left side of the table, find the
mainimum required diameter or width of the
sling you must use.
Figure 30
Example Single Vertical Calculation
The capacity of a single vertical hitch made with a ½”
wire rope sling (6 × 19 IWFC) is 4400 lb
Wire Rope Sling Chart
Figure 31
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INFORMATION SHEET
How to Find Hitch Arrangement SWL
To find the capacities of single vertical, single choker,
single basket (vertical or inclined legs), or two-leg bridle
(60°/45°/30°) hitches, simply refer to the relevant columns
of the sling chart.
STEP PROCEDURE
1 Find the correct table for the type and material
of the sling.
2 Find the column for the type of hitch
arrangement.
Wire Rope Sling Chart
Figure 32
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INFORMATION SHEET
Example of a Two-leg Choker
To calculate the capacity of a two-leg choker hitch, you
must refer to the chart listing for a two-leg bridle with
the same sling angle and multiply this figure by 0.75.
Hitch Arrangement SWL Examples
Figure 33
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INFORMATION SHEET
Example Double Basket
To find the capacity for a double basket hitch, refer to
the chart for single basket with the same sling angle
and multiply this figure by 2.
Example Four-leg Bridle
To calculate the capacity for a four-leg bridle hitch, first
check if it is for a rigid or flexible load. For a rigid load,
calculate as for a two-leg bridle. For a flexible load,
calculate as for a two-leg bridle, then multiply by 2.
Sling Angle
When bridle, basket or double
choker hitches are attached to
a single lifting hook, the sling
legs are not vertical. This sling
angle has an important effect
on the capacity of the sling.
For these hitches, you must look
in one of the three columns at
the far right of the sling chart
to find the sling/hitch capacity.
Figure 34
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INFORMATION SHEET
Sling Angles and Capacity
Sling angles are always between 0º and 90º. Lifting
capacity decreases as sling angle decreases.
For example, the capacity of a basket hitch with 60ºlegs
is much lower than for the same hitch with vertical
(90º) legs. This is why, when possible, you must use
sling angles greater than 60º.
Adjustment of Sling Capacities
Sling chart capacities are based on assumptions about
the type of slings or hitches used. The actual capacity
of the sling you use may be more or less than shown
on the chart.
Figure 35
Capacity depends on the
sling construction, the hitch
arrangement and the number
of slings used to lift the load.
Notes at the bottom of the
sling chart tell you how to
adjust sling capacities.
Sling diameters (or widths) are
on the left side of the chart.
For a given load weight, find
the sling capacity shown on
the chart that is equal to or
greater than the load weight.
Figure 36
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INFORMATION SHEET
Sample Problem
If you adjust sling/hitch capacity, re-check the capacity
of the sling after selecting a size. You must make sure
the sling size is strong enough to support the load in
the specified hitch arrangement. Compare the adjusted
capacity of the sling to the load weight. If the adjusted
sling capacity is less than the load weight, try the next
larger sling size. Adjust the capacity of the larger sling
size as required for the hitch and re-check the capacity.
Do this until you find a sling size with a capacity equal
to or greater than the load weight. The capacity of
the sling/hitch arrangement must be equal or greater
than the load weight after all required adjustments
have been made.
Figure 37
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INFORMATION SHEET
Activity
Calculate the capacity of a ½” wire rope with a hand-
tucked eye splice. Assume a single vertical hitch is used.
Classification is 6 × 37 fiber core.
Lifting capacity = 90% of 4000 lb = 3600 lb
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INFORMATION SHEET
Saudi Aramco Rigger III Certification
Process
1. Saudi Aramco or contractor employee submits his
certification request to a Saudi Aramco initiator
2. Saudi Aramco initiator uploads the request onto
the Certification Tracking System (CTS)
3. Candidate is scheduled for his written certification
test.
4. Successful written test candidates are scheduled
for their performance test.
5. Successful candidates are issued Saudi Aramco
Rigger III certificates.
Note: As per TOI 07-05 requirements, a candidate who fails his initial
certification online or performance test must wait 30 days before
being allowed a second test.
A candidate who fails his second certification online or performance
test must submit proof of remedial training (Saudi Aramco employees
must complete an ITC refresher course) to be allowed a third
certification test.
A candidate who fails his third certification online or performance
test must wait 12 months before being allowed another certification
test.
G.I.7.025 Rigger III Definition
A certified Rigger III can rig loads up to 10 tons, except
loads that require a Rigger I.
36 April 2019 Rigger III
INFORMATION SHEET
Figure 38
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INFORMATION SHEET
Figure 39
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INFORMATION SHEET
STOCK DIAMETER INSIDE WIDTH AT MAX. SAFE WORKING MAX. SAFE WORKING
(INCHES) PIN (INCHES) LOAD SINGLE LOAD SINGLE
A B VERTICAL PULL VERTICAL PULL (kg)
(POUNDS)
3/16 3/8 665 302
1/4 15/32 1,000 454
5/16 17/32 1,500 680
3/8 21/32 2,000 907
7/16 23/32 2,000 1,361
1/2 13/16 4,000 1,814
5/8 1 1/16 6,500 2,948
3/4 1 1/4 9,500 4,309
7/8 1 7/16 13,000 5,897
1 1 11/16 17,000 7,711
1 1/8 1 13/16 19,000 8,618
1 1/4 2 1/32 24,000 10,886
1 3/8 2 1/4 27,000 12, 247
1 1/2 2 3/8 34,000 15,422
1 3/4 2 7/8 50,000 22,680
2 3 1/4 70,000 31,751
2 1/2 4 1/8 100,000 45,359
3 5 150,000 68,038
3 1/2 5 3/4 200,000 90,718
4 6 1/2 260,000 117,933
Figure 40
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INFORMATION SHEET
EYE BOLTS
—SHOULDER TYPE ONLY
—FORGED CARBON STEEL
STOCK SAFE WORKING LOADS (LBS) CORRESPONDING TO ANGLE OF FULL
DIAMETER VERTICAL 75° 60° 45° LESS THAN 45°
(INCHES)
1/4 500
5/16 800
3/8 1,200
1/2 2,200
5/8 3,500 REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE
VERTICAL VERTICAL VERTICAL NOT
LOADS BY LOADS BY LOADS BY RECOMMENDED
3/4 5,200 45% 65% 75%
7/8 7,200
1 10,000
1 1/4 15,200
1 1/2 21,400
Note: S.W.L. for plain (shoulderless) eyebolts are the same as for shoulder bolts under
vertical load angular loading is not recommended.
Figure 41
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INFORMATION SHEET
Conversion Chart
IF YOU KNOW THE MULTIPLY BY TO FIND
FIGURE IN
tons (metric) 2200 pounds (lb)
tons (metric) 1000 kilograms (kg)
kilograms (kg) 2.2 pounds (lb)
meters (m) 3.28 feet (ft)
meters (m) 39.37 inches (“)
feet (ft) 12 inches (“)
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