Unusual launches new rigging course

24th July 2020

Unusual Rigging has launched a new ‘General Event Rigging Course’ which is set to take place on a monthly basis at its Bugbrooke HQ. The training has been designed to aid riggers of all levels of experience with the course comprising of a series of lectures, demonstrations and the opportunity to take part in ‘hands on’ activities.

Speaking about the company’s new offering, director Steve Porter commented: “As an industry we are poised to deal with new COVID-19 regulations and safety guidelines, and no rigger can afford to be complacent. The past few months have been an unsettling time for the live production sector and riggers – whether employed by a company full time or freelance - have seen their work drop off a cliff. That’s hours of hand-on experience lost and lots of time spent with very little to do. The aim of the course is to act as a refresher for those in the industry with decades of experience under their belts as well as relative newcomers who want to expand their knowledge and skillset.”

Courses will start in August and will take place in a safe and socially distanced environment. Over the course of the event, candidates can expect to cover

• Current legislation and regulations, including HASAWA, PUWER and LOLER
• Work at height regulations
• Risk assessments
• Working at height including work restraint, work positioning and fall arrest
• Pre use checks to lifting equipment and PPE
• Principles of lifting and safe systems of work
• Marking out
• Rigging with equipment including steels, round slings and shackles
• Calculating simple bridles and weight distribution relating to bridling
• Correct use of trusses, slinging and load distribution
• Operating chain hoists using direct control and low voltage hoist controllers
• Steel wire rope terminations 

Steve continued: “We want to use this quieter period to help equip riggers with a thorough knowledge – both theoretical and practical – of the skills they need to work effectively in the industry. The UK rigging industry has always been the envy of the world – you can never have too many strings to your bow. All candidates will come away with a certificate of course completion and hopefully an enjoyable, albeit socially distanced experience and the chance to catch up with their industry peers.”
 
Dates for the August course will be confirmed shortly. Those interested in receiving more information should register their name and contact details by emailing sales@unusual.co.uk