Qualification versus Certification

These two words are probably the two most misunderstood words used today. They are often used incorrectly and interchangeably, and understanding of these two words often varies from company to company. If you look in a dictionary and you will find the following definitions:

QUALIFICATION: “A quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task”

CERTIFICATION: “The written testimony of the qualification”

On the surface, this seems to clarify what these two terms mean. But as one looks closer at these terms the meanings become “fuzzy”. For instance, let’s look at what the OSHA terminology is:

QUALIFIED PERSON: ”One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project”

CERTIFICATION: ”Does not constitute an expert; however, the individual meets certain standards and requirements which are learned in a training environment”

COMPETENT PERSON: ”One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them”

So what does it really mean when someone claims to be “certified”? Basically it means that the individual has current knowledge of a certain task or skill, and has successfully passed the related examination. A determination through this testing process validates that the individual has the knowledge and/or skills necessary for the task they are certified for. The certification is really nothing more than a sound training and documentation process that verifies what the individual has learned.

Currently there are no OSHA (29CFR1910 General Industry) requirements that specifically address the certification criteria for riggers, however many state and local regulations are starting to revise their codes to include more specific certification requirements.

However, rigging training is required in many standards. For example; many of the ASME B30 standards now require that "users shall be trained in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environment, and rigging practices".

The only standards that currently have the term “Qualified Rigger” are:
  • ANSI A10.42.2000 “Construction and Demolition Operations”
  • 29 CFR Part 1926 "Safety Standards for Steel Erection"
  • API RP-2D "Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes"
 

Although not currently required by federal OSHA, many employers and insurance companies have identified the importance of using qualified personal to operate cranes and perform rigging. And in legal situations, companies that require their crane operators and riggers to be trained and certified demonstrate “due diligence” towards potentially hazardous hoisting activities and substantially reduce their liabilities. However, the certification criterion for riggers needs to be specific to the type of equipment and activity being performed. Let’s look at a few examples of the different types of rigging that can be performed by an individual.

1. Manufacturing related rigging activities (basic rigging):
  a. Unloads bulk materials from delivery trucks using overhead crane
  b. Typically the same type of materials (steel stock, sheet metal, etc)
  c. Load weight and center of gravity is usually known
  d. Relatively simple rigging equipment is used

2. Maintenance related rigging activities (advanced rigging):
  a. Needed to disassemble and repair machinery and equipment
  b. Seldom are the size, shape, and rigging the same from one job to another
  c. Involves complex rigging, planning, and a variety of rigging equipment
  d. Loads have unknown weights and a complex center of gravity
  e. Requires the use of chainfalls and small hoists instead of overhead cranes
  f. May require moving loads horizontally as well as vertically
  g. May require turning the load in order to perform repairs

These are just two simple examples of how diverse the training and qualifications need to be for each job. Most training companies will offer different levels of certification; this is typically based on the need of the end user and is directly addressed in the course objectives.

A certification process is designed to evaluate the individual’s qualifications against a set standard of competence through an examination process. When dealing with rigging certifications this can range from the ability of the individual to understand OSHA regulations, perform related mathematical calculations, or even demonstrate their ability to actually select and attach rigging to a load. Typically the majority of certified riggers need not be “experts” in all areas involving rigging; only on the types of tasks they are routinely performing.

So whenever you are evaluating a training program that is providing certifications or qualifications, you need to ask what exactly they are qualifying the individual for. Remember – there is NO standard (in the U.S.) that defines what a “Certified Rigger” or “Qualified Rigger” really is.

If you are a subcontractor that needs to supply “qualified riggers” to a job site then your employees should be trained and qualified for the typical types of rigging they may expect to encounter during their work assignments. Some companies may accept certifications performed by a reputable third-party training company. However some industries like power plants, government facilities, or the nuclear industry may only recognize these third-party certifications as proof that the individual has attended and passed formal rigging training. These companies may still require these individuals to pass a site-specific rigging examination before allowing them to perform rigging at their facility, and then they will issue their own company specific “qualified rigger” certification card.

© 2006, Jerry Klinke - ACRA Enterprises, Inc. all right reserved.
The author provides this information in an effort to help eliminate some of the confusion regarding the terms "certification" and "qualification. Please be advised that due to the complexity of the subject matter, this information is not intended to address all situations.