Standards play a critical role in the field of occupational safety and health, providing a set of regulations and a level of excellence that must be met to improve safety and quality of life, while enhancing competitive advantage for global businesses. The American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) Standards Development Committee announced in a recent press release the reaffirmation of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A10.42-2000 (R2010) standard. The standard, “Rigging Qualifications and Responsibilities in the Construction industry,” was reaffirmed March 24, 2010, and establishes the minimum criteria of knowledge and performance requirements for a qualified rigger in the construction and demolition industry.

The A10.42-2000 (R2010) standard is one of a series of standards that focus on construction and demolition operations. The standard is designed to assist in achieving reasonable safety of all people and materials during the process of, or as the result of, rigging, lifting or moving loads.

ASSE serves as the secretariat for the A10 Accredited Standards Committee on construction and demolition operations. The A10 standards serve as guides to contractors, labor and equipment manufacturers in the construction and demolition industry. In addition, ASSE serves as the secretariat for 10 other standards projects, ensuring that there is a timely revision process in accordance with ANSI procedures and publishes the final product. ASSE has published over 60 standards and has several currently under development.

The A10.42-2000 (R2010) standard, “Rigging Qualifications and Responsibilities in the Construction Industry,” will soon be available in both print and electronic formats. For more information, contact ASSE Customer Service at 847-768-2929 or visit www.asse.org.