1.2 Practical Tasks and Examination-Specific Rules

Separate the course rules from field practice

The Level II practical examination assesses a level lift and a controlled frame rotation. It is a defined test course with selected equipment, time limits and scoring instructions. Its exceptions are not permission to disregard manufacturer installation procedures on a job. In particular, the handbook’s hand-tightening and softener instructions belong to this examination only.

Before testing, read the Level II practical outline in the current handbook rather than applying the Level I outline. Level I includes separate pre-use inspection and connection tasks. For Level II, the provided slings and hardware are approved for use and do not require pre-use inspection during the exam. Candidates receive up to three minutes to evaluate the gear before starting. This familiarization period is time to identify available components and plan the task, not a substitute for learning the equipment beforehand.

An unsafe act is an uncontrolled or reckless action sufficient to create concern for persons or property. The proctor may stop the test for safety. Disqualification for an unsafe act prevents additional practical examinations that day. Do not invent a complete list of automatic failures from field anecdotes; learn the actual handbook instructions and ask the proctor about an unclear direction before the task begins.

Task 1: Level Lift

The level lift is performed first. On the proctor’s start indication, timing begins and the candidate selects and applies slings or hardware to the frame. The objective is a suspended position within one degree of true level. The larger measurement in the two planes is used for final level evaluation after the candidate says “Done.” A result outside the stated tolerance on the final attempt produces a performance deduction.

The candidate has a maximum of 15 minutes and two lifting attempts. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the frame must return to the original starting position before another attempt. Any frame movement caused by hoisting counts as a lifting attempt. Taking tension until the frame moves and then calling it “only a check” does not erase that attempt.

Use at least three and no more than four sling legs on the frame. The second chain-fall hoist may not be used for this task. Select attachment points and sling lengths before requesting motion; an off-center center of gravity makes equal sling lengths an unreliable assumption for a level frame. Use the same moment and geometry reasoning taught in the calculation chapters, within the permitted equipment and course constraints.

Task 2: Rigging Frame Rotation

For rotation, lift the frame clear of the ground and rotate it 90 degrees under control. A rope tied on the frame marks the required final “up” side. The final frame must be within two degrees of true level, with a maximum of three attempts and 30 minutes. This is not an unrestricted 180-degree turnover task.

Begin with three or four slings and finish with tension on at least two pick points. The second chain-fall hoist may be used for rotation. Its load chain must remain straight throughout the attempt; failing that instruction is an unsafe act. Consider how the selected slings change position, tension and contact as the frame rotates, instead of checking only the starting arrangement.

An unsuccessful attempt requires return to the original starting position. If the frame touches the ground during the first or second rotation attempt, return to the original starting position before the next attempt. Ground contact during the third attempt ends the task. Before the frame leaves the ground, rotation on the ground may not exceed 15 degrees.

Instructions that apply to both tasks

The frame starts on either side in its “L” position. Do not attach rigging at the center of gravity or within 12 inches of it. Do not climb on the frame, point-load rigging over its corner while freely suspended, or add, adjust or remove rigging while the load is suspended. An adjustment requires an appropriate set-down, not reaching into tensioned hardware.

The handbook directs candidates to hand-tighten hardware and nuts only and states that softeners are not used or provided for these tasks. In field service, a hoist ring may require specified installation torque, and a sling may require selected edge protection. Follow those field instructions outside the practical course. Memorizing the exception without its examination context would teach an unsafe habit.

After each task, break down the rigging and return components to the rigging table. The handbook addresses additional scoring details such as tag location, twists, binding and contact between the hook and chain-fall housing. Binding means hardware is prevented from aligning with the applied force. Evaluate the connection through the entire maneuver so a freely moving shackle at the start does not wedge against the frame during rotation.

A preparation decision

A candidate practicing with a suspended frame notices that a sling has trapped an adjustment device against an edge. The useful response is to stop, safely return to the starting support, and redesign the connection. Pushing the fitting into alignment by hand while the frame hangs is inconsistent with the no-adjustment rule and places the candidate near a pinch point. Practice should build a predictable sequence of planning, connecting, clearing personnel, moving, evaluating and setting down.

Source: CCO Rigger Candidate Handbook, Level II practical outline.