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  • Lifting vs Rigging Equipment: Key Differences Explained
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Lifting vs Rigging Equipment: Key Differences Explained

Lifting vs Rigging Equipment: Key Differences Explained

In industries where heavy materials need to be moved, such as construction, mining, logistics, and manufacturing, it’s common to hear the terms lifting and rigging used interchangeably. While closely related, these two categories of equipment serve distinct purposes and are governed by different standards, techniques, and safety protocols.

At Bunzl Safety and Lifting we’re committed to helping you understand the tools you use—because informed choices lead to safer, more efficient worksites. In this guide, we break down the key differences between lifting and rigging equipment, explain where they’re used, and outline what you need to know to stay compliant and protected.

What Is Lifting Equipment?

Lifting equipment refers to the machinery and devices that do the actual lifting of a load. These tools are designed to raise, lower, or suspend a load vertically—often under significant force—and typically form the central part of any lifting operation.

Common Examples of Lifting Equipment:

  • Overhead cranes and gantries
  • Chain blocks and lever hoistsElectric hoists and winches
  • Hydraulic jacks
  • Lifting beams and spreader bars
  • Elevators, forklift attachments, and aerial work platforms

Lifting equipment is typically powered (manually or mechanically) and must be capable of bearing dynamic loads. It is subject to strict standards and inspection regimes, including mandatory regular servicing and certification under Australian WHS regulations and AS/NZS lifting standards.

At Bunzl Safety and Lifting, we supply and service a full range of lifting solutions and accessories to meet a variety of industry demands and environmental conditions.

What Is Rigging Equipment?

Rigging equipment, on the other hand, consists of the accessories and components used to connect the lifting equipment to the load being lifted. While it doesn’t apply the lifting force itself, it plays a vital role in securing, stabilising, and distributing that force safely and evenly.

Common Examples of Rigging Equipment:

  • Slings (wire rope, synthetic, or chain)
  • Shackles, hooks, and links
  • Turnbuckles and eye bolts
  • Load binders, clamps, and swivel rings
  • Spreader beams and lifting lugs

Rigging hardware must be carefully selected and configured based on the load’s weight, shape, centre of gravity, and environmental conditions. One wrong angle or an underrated sling can compromise the entire lift. This is why Bunzl Safety and Lifting places such emphasis on LEEA-trained inspectors, proper configuration advice, and access to compliant, load-rated gear for every job.

Key Differences at a Glance

While lifting and rigging equipment work together as part of a complete system, the key differences lie in function, regulation, and point of application.

Lifting Equipment

  • Does the actual lifting (vertical force)
  • Typically powered or mechanical
  • Examples: cranes, hoists, jacks
  • Requires high-frequency servicing and certification
  • Often fixed or mobile machines

Rigging Equipment

  • Connects the load to the lifting equipment
  • Typically passive (manual setup)
  • Examples: slings, shackles, hooks
  • Requires regular inspection and correct configuration
  • Usually modular and reusable hardware

Understanding these differences is crucial not only for selecting the right equipment but also for ensuring compliance with relevant Australian Standards, such as AS 4991 for lifting devices and AS 3775/1353 for rigging gear like slings and chains.

Why It Matters on Site

The line between a safe lift and a near miss often comes down to a misunderstanding or misuse of lifting and rigging gear. Workers may assume that any hook or sling is suitable, or that lifting gear is plug-and-play. But incorrect pairing, improper angles, or damaged rigging components can cause load imbalance, equipment failure, or serious injury.

Whether you’re looking for compliant lifting devices, custom rigging assemblies, or reliable on-site inspections, Bunzl Safety and Lifting has the expertise and nationwide reach to support your operation. From design to delivery and testing, we’re here to ensure that your lifting and rigging systems work seamlessly together—and above all, safely.

Visit Bunzl Safety & Lifitng to explore our full range of lifting and rigging equipment.

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About Bunzl Safety and Lifting

Bunzl Safety and Lifting offers an integrated approach to the selection, supply, service, and replacement of safety products, resulting in our ability to manage the complete life cycle of your personal and workplace safety requirements. Bunzl Safety and Lifting is a leading manufacturer of safety products, we provide the very best in workwear, corporate wear, PPE, footwear, materials handling, load restraint, and recovery,height safety, and site safety. We are also a leading supplier of some of the best industrial safety brands on the market, including Mack, Ninja, Contego, Boomerang, Beaver, B-Safe, WS Workwear, Frontier, Black Rat, Robertsons, 3M, Honeywell, Ansell, Bolle Safety, DuPont, Donaghys, MSA, Moldex, Steel Blue, Oliver, uvex, Sqwincher, MaxiFlex, DNC Workwear, Mayo Hardware, Gunnebo Industries, Skylotech and Blundstone. We also offer a range of services including product specialisation and consolidation, custom embroidery and branding, lifting equipment and inspections, NATA Accredited testing and services, height safety installed systems and training, managed inventory, eCommerce and digital solutions, clothing fitouts and yearly uniform issues, ethical sourcing, Indigenous Engagement, and environmental responsibility. We have an Australia-wide network of branches that ensures fast shipping across the country.

Bunzl Brands & Operations Pty Ltd (BBO) located at 55 Sarah Andrews Close Erskine Park NSW 2579 quality scope covers: manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, repairing and testing of lifting, rigging equipment, winches, hoists and materials handling products. The manufacture of synthetic slings and webbing products including load restraint and height safety equipment. Manufacture, import, wholesale and distribution of PPE products, workwear and hand tools. Design and development of products and services and the provision of mechanical testing services.