Rigger

To carry out safe rigging, lifting, shifting, loading, unloading and positioning of heavy equipment, machinery, pipelines and materials within the API manufacturing plant. The role involves handling lifting tools and tackles, assisting crane and hoist operations, and supporting mechanical maintenance and plant shutdown activities while ensuring strict compliance with EHS requirements.
2. Key Roles & Responsibilities
A. Rigging & Lifting Activities
1. Carry out rigging activities for lifting and shifting heavy equipment, machinery and engineering materials.
2. Assist in lifting and positioning reactors, vessels, pumps, motors, gearboxes, heat exchangers and other mechanical equipment.
3. Select appropriate slings, shackles, hooks, belts and other lifting tackles as per approved lifting plans.
4. Perform proper slinging, hooking, unhooking and load securing activities.
5. Ensure proper load balancing and centre-of-gravity considerations under the direction of the lifting supervisor.
6. Assist crane operators during lifting operations using standard hand signals and approved communication methods.
7. Support lifting and shifting of equipment during installation, maintenance and replacement activities.
B. Material Handling & Shifting
1. Perform loading and unloading of mechanical equipment, spare parts, pipes and engineering materials.
2. Shift materials using chain pulley blocks, lever hoists, trolleys, pallet trucks and other approved lifting equipment.
3. Assist in positioning heavy equipment at designated locations.
4. Support movement of machinery during installation and plant modification activities.
5. Ensure materials are properly secured during lifting and transportation.
6. Prevent damage to equipment, pipelines, structures and surrounding facilities during shifting.
C. Lifting Tools & Tackles Management
1. Inspect slings, wire ropes, shackles, hooks, D-shackles, chain pulley blocks and lifting belts before use.
2. Check lifting accessories for visible damage, wear, deformation and defects.
3. Ensure lifting tackles have valid identification, safe working load (SWL) markings and inspection status.
4. Never use damaged, uncertified or unidentified lifting accessories.
5. Maintain proper storage and housekeeping of lifting tools and tackles.
6. Report defective lifting equipment to the supervisor immediately.
7. Ensure lifting accessories are used within their rated capacity.
D. Mechanical Maintenance Support
1. Assist mechanical maintenance teams during equipment installation, dismantling and replacement activities.
2. Support shifting of motors, pumps, gearboxes, mechanical assemblies and other maintenance components.
3. Assist in positioning equipment during alignment and foundation work.
4. Support plant shutdown and annual maintenance activities involving heavy lifting.
5. Assist in movement of maintenance materials and equipment to designated work locations.
6. Coordinate with mechanical technicians and engineers for execution of lifting-related jobs.
E. Crane, Hoist & Equipment Handling
1. Assist in crane, hydra, forklift and hoist operations as an authorized rigger.
2. Guide crane operators through standard hand signals and approved communication systems.
3. Ensure the lifting area is barricaded and unauthorized personnel are kept away.
4. Verify that the load path is clear before lifting and shifting.
5. Ensure tag lines are used wherever required to control load movement.
6. Never stand or permit anyone to stand beneath a suspended load.
7. Immediately stop lifting operations if unsafe conditions arise.
F. Safety, EHS & GMP Compliance
1. Strictly follow plant safety procedures and EHS guidelines during all rigging activities.
2. Obtain approved work permits and lifting authorization before starting work.
3. Follow approved lifting plans and risk assessments for critical and non-routine lifts.
4. Use appropriate PPE, including safety shoes, helmet, gloves, reflective jacket and safety harness wherever required.
5. Follow work-at-height requirements when performing rigging activities at elevated locations.
6. Ensure safe distances from electrical lines, process pipelines and operating equipment.
7. Follow confined-space and hazardous-area safety requirements wherever applicable.
8. Maintain proper housekeeping and ensure no obstruction in plant movement areas.
9. Report near misses, unsafe acts, incidents and equipment defects immediately.
10. Follow applicable GMP requirements while working in API manufacturing areas.
G. Documentation & Reporting
1. Maintain records of lifting tools and tackles inspections as assigned.
2. Report daily rigging activities and job completion status to the supervisor.
3. Communicate lifting requirements and equipment shortages in advance.
4. Maintain proper records of material shifting and lifting activities wherever required.
5. Coordinate with Engineering, Production and EHS teams for safe execution of jobs.
3. Equipment & Tools Knowledge
The candidate should have practical knowledge of:
- Wire rope slings and synthetic webbing slings.
- D-shackles and bow shackles.
- Chain pulley blocks.
- Lever hoists and chain blocks.
- Eye bolts and lifting hooks.
- Turnbuckles and lifting clamps.
- Tag lines and guide ropes.
- Mobile cranes and hydras.
- Forklifts and material handling equipment.
- Hydraulic jacks and lifting accessories.
- Trolleys and material shifting equipment.
4. Educational Qualification & Experience
- Minimum 10th / 12th pass.
- ITI Fitter qualification preferred.
- 2–5 years of experience in industrial rigging and material handling.
- Experience in API, chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical or heavy engineering industries preferred.
- Practical knowledge of slinging, load securing and lifting operations.
- Knowledge of standard rigging hand signals.
- Relevant rigger competency certification preferred.
5. Key Skills & Competencies
1. Practical knowledge of industrial rigging operations.
2. Understanding of load handling and safe lifting practices.
3. Ability to identify defective lifting accessories.
4. Knowledge of SWL and basic load-handling requirements.
5. Ability to communicate effectively with crane operators.
6. Safety awareness and disciplined working practices.
7. Team coordination and execution capabilities.
8. Physical fitness for industrial material handling activities.
6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
KPI Performance measurement
Safe lifting operations Zero lifting-related incidents
Job completion Timely execution of assigned rigging jobs
Tools inspection 100% pre-use inspection compliance
Safety compliance Compliance with permits and lifting procedures
Equipment handling Zero damage during lifting and shifting
Shutdown support Timely completion of assigned lifting activities
Housekeeping Proper storage of lifting tools and tackles
Reporting Timely reporting of unsafe conditions and defects

7. Working Conditions
- Work within API manufacturing plant premises.
- Involvement in heavy equipment lifting and shifting activities.
- May require working at height and in restricted industrial areas with appropriate authorization.
- May be required to work during plant shutdowns and emergency maintenance.
- Must follow all EHS, GMP and statutory safety requirements.
8. Scope of Responsibility & Limitations
The Rigger will be responsible for rigging, slinging, load securing, lifting assistance and material shifting.

The Rigger shall not independently:
- Operate cranes, hydras or forklifts without relevant authorization and competency.
- Approve critical lifting plans.
- Perform lifting operations without an approved lifting arrangement.
- Use damaged or uncertified lifting accessories.
- Enter restricted or hazardous areas without authorization.
- Perform welding, fabrication or mechanical repair without appropriate authorization.