Swing Stage (Suspended Work Platform Systems) - User/Installer/Rigger
Duration: Two Days
Working at height requires precision, planning, and complete confidence in the equipment and the team assembling it. For suspended work platforms—commonly known as swing stages—this begins with proper installation. In Ontario, anyone who installs, alters, or dismantles these systems must be specifically trained and competent under the Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91).
Elevate Your Expertise: From Swing Stage User to Certified Installer/Rigger
If you've spent time on a swing stage, you understand the demands of working at height and the critical importance of safety. You've experienced firsthand the necessary skills, experience, focus, and trust required when operating these essential suspended access systems.
But what if you could take your involvement to the next level?
For those with valuable hands-on experience as swing stage users, the natural progression is often to master proficiency in installation and rigging. This isn't just a step up; it's a fundamental shift in responsibility and skill set that opens doors to new challenges and greater professional satisfaction.
Course Overview
Our Suspended Work Platform System (SWPS) Installer (Swing Stage Rigger) training course is designed to meet the safety and regulatory requirements outlined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Ontario Regulation 213/91 Construction Projects. This program equips participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to not only safely operate suspended access equipment (commonly known as swing stages) used on construction sites and high-rise buildings, but also to be able to properly inspect, rig and set-up a SWPS system.
Key Safety Topics Covered
This two-day course, led by qualified and experienced instructors, covers the hazards and control measures for the specific hazards that workers will face when using swing stages. You'll also learn about critical safety aspects like inspection requirements, site-specific work plans, understanding proper load distributions and rescue planning. This comprehensive coverage helps protect not only the workers directly involved, but also those in the vicinity.
Who Needs This Training?
Swing Stage Installers training is necessary for anyone that erects, moves, dismantles and/or inspects suspended platforms to work at heights. Construction crews, window cleaners, engineers and maintenance workers, among others enroll in this program and earn their certification to reflect their compliance, competency and acquired skills when using the SAE in this manner.
Our swing stage and suspended access training for riggers/installers is beneficial if:
- You frequently use suspended work platform systems in your job
- You are an employer, a manager or a supervisor
- You are a part of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)
- You are a Health & Safety Representative (HSR)
- You are responsible for the inspection, set-up, movement or alteration of the system
Industries that use suspended access equipment
- Window washing
- Building maintenance and repair
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Building envelope
- Confined space
- Window glazing
- Painting
- Mining
What Is Suspended Access Equipment?
During construction or regular maintenance, workers may be required to work at heights. Certain types of systems that are needed to work at such heights fall under the umbrella of suspended access equipment (SAE). More specifically, this type of system includes powered platforms, swing stages, suspended scaffolding systems and bosun’s chairs.
The core purpose of each of these platforms is to ensure workers get the right kind of support and have a safe means of elevation to perform jobs at a height. They are commonly used for a wide range of tasks such as facade maintenance, window cleaning, inspection work and construction.
Specifically, suspended work platforms systems are defined as “an access system comprising of one or more overhead fixed supports, one or more suspension lines, hoisting devices, if any, and one or more work platforms that can be moved vertically, but it does not include a boatswain’s chair or a multi-point suspended work platform” (as per Construction Regulations 213/91).
Operating these requires skills and expertise.
Take our suspended access training to become a certified rigger of swing stages!
Swing Stage & Suspended Access Training: What You Need To Know
Hone your technical abilities in the installation of swing stages
Duration: 2 days
A great blend of theory and hands-on experience, our suspended work platforms systems training program for installers (often referred to as riggers) ensures workers and employers get a comprehensive breakdown of how to operate, inspect and install the associated equipment.
Available 7 days of the week at a time slot that suits you, our Suspended Work Platform System Installer training course offers both in-classroom and onsite training options. The course provides workers with the information and skills they need to keep themselves safe on the job while overseeing the installation and overall operation in or around swing stages.
The course covers:
In addition to the learning objectives outlined in the one-day Suspended Work Platform System (SWPS) User program (listed under SWPS User Course Completion), learners gain knowledge in:
- Legal and regulatory requirements (OHSA, O. Reg. 213/91, CSA Z271)
- Roles and responsibilities of installers and employers
- Component identification and function (stirrups, hoists, platforms, tiebacks, outriggers)
- Site planning and platform configuration
- Load calculations, suspension angles, and anchorage systems
- Pre-use inspections and system testing
- Fall arrest and emergency preparedness integration
- Hands-on rigging practice and troubleshooting
Our course follows a two-part structure:
1) Theoretical – This portion of the training goes beyond the fundamentals of swing stage operations, from the requirements for pre-use inspections to emergency rescue planning.
2) Practical – Our practical training includes hands-on demonstrations, operational practice, and platform setup. This ensures you fully understand the course material and are thoroughly prepared for real-world applications.
Prerequisite Training
Using suspended work platforms is potentially hazardous and complicated. Therefore, candidates must have completed the following training programs before applying for our course:
- Working At Heights Training Program
- Hoisting and Rigging experience is beneficial
- Participants must be able to understand and speak English or must be accompanied with a competent translator.
Act First Safety does not require would-be installers to complete the one-day operator program before taking the two-day installer program. However, installers should always have a work history and experience with swing stages, receive training, and understand the legalities of working on SAEs to gain the necessary competency as an installer. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Your platform for success is only as safe as your training: let's secure your swing stage skills.
Get in touch with us to plan the right course of action for your team!
Who Needs This Training?
Training Locations
We designed our swing stage training in Toronto to be flexible and easy for everybody to take. Our program is available in two modes of training to suit your needs:
- Public Classroom training at our Toronto facility: We have an operating swing stage and PPE kits onsite, allowing us to conduct training for workers consistently throughout the year.
- Private Courses at Your Location: Get the same high-quality training at your workplace with your equipment.
The choice is yours! Act First Safety is always ready to serve you!
PPE Requirements
Before signing up for our suspended access equipment program, please make sure you have with you and carry the following equipment on training day:
- CSA-approved safety shoes and hard hat
- CSA approved Full body harness (Class A)
- CSA approved 30” lanyard along with a 5/8" rope grab
- Leather gloves combined with proper work attire
NOTE: Act First Safety has all of these items in stock and ready for purchase (except footwear), available at reasonable prices, or we can provide loaner equipment (except for gloves and safety footwear) to complete the course.
Please note that participants who fail to wear proper CSA-approved safety footwear on training day will not be allowed to participate.
What you Get
- A complete understanding of how suspended work platform systems (SWPS) work
- The best ways to select, inspect and use the most suitable PPE for your line of work
- How to recognize hazards and resolve related issues
- How to calculate live loads and counterweights, including how much the platform can safely handle
- Enhanced emergency preparedness
- Awareness of worker and supervisor rights and responsibilities as per OHSA
- The knowledge and skills to inspect and install Suspended Work Platform Systems
- Wallet-sized certificate of course completion
- Record of Training (upon request)
This advanced course along with related work experience and supervision allows for the safe use, operation and installation of suspended access equipment. Enroll now!
We strictly follow the below criteria for the evaluation and certification of our suspended access equipment training program:
- Mandatory full attendance
- At least a 75% score on the written examination
- A 100% score for the hands-on training
Once all three criteria are met, you receive a wallet-sized certificate of completion with a 3-year expiry date.
Why Enroll In our Suspended Access Training Program for Installers/Riggers?
Your safety is as important to us as it is to you. That's why our highly-rated swing stage training program, tailored for users across Ontario, stands out as your best option:
- Taught by certified trainers who carry years of expertise
- Fully OHSA compliant to ensure your certification is valid throughout Ontario
- Hands-on training sessions that focus on real-world learning for all practical intents and purposes
- Proven track record of upskilling workers to ensure safe usage of swing stages
- Trusted as the best suspended access training program by Toronto’s industry leaders
Ready to train smart, work safely and upgrade your skills? Get certified with our Suspended Access Equipment Training in Toronto!
Contact us to check the next available course dates or book online today!
FAQs
Who is this course intended for?
This course is mandatory for anyone installing, altering, or dismantling suspended work platform systems (swing stages) in Ontario construction settings.
Is this the same as swing stage operator training?
The swing stage Operator course is included within the Installer/Rigger course, but is not the same course. The Operator course is a 1 day program, the Installer/Rigger course is a 2 day program.
How long is the course?
The SWPS Installer/Rigger course is a 2 day course.
Is there a practical component?
Yes. The course includes hands-on training to simulate real-world rigging, inspection and dismantling tasks.
Will I get certified?
Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate demonstrating compliance with Ontario’s regulatory training requirements.
Is it possible to renew your Suspended Work Platform System –safety training with Act First Safety?
Absolutely. At Act First Safety, we know how critical it is for workers to hold a certificate for the safe use of suspended access systems. As with many safety training cycles, renewal is every three years. Our courses are offered regularly making it easy for you to find a scheduled course that is convenient for you. Prerequisites apply.
Refresher training is a great way for users to receive updates and any relevant changes in regulations, technology, equipment or best practices when it comes to suspended access equipment.
Master the skills required for Working at Heights.
From hook to hoist, unlock the power of safe lifting. Your guide to hoisting and rigging excellence starts now.
