A slinger signaller is one of the most important roles in the lifting industry and is critical to keeping people safe on construction sites.
That is why our Training Course Focus for March is the A40 Slinger Signaller Novice Course, including CPCS Technical Test.
The training qualifies candidates to act as a slinger signaller for all types of static duty cranes (Endorsement B), which include mobile cranes (blocked duties) tower cranes, and our range of Maeda mini-cranes.
What is a slinger signaller?
A slinger signaller is a crane operator’s eyes and ears. That is the case whether lifting is being carried out by a Maeda mini-crane, a tower crane or by a mobile crane.
As described in British Standard 7121-1:2016 – Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes – Part 1: General, a slinger signaller is a person responsible for:
- Attaching and detaching the load to and from the crane.
- Correct identification and use of lifting accessories in accordance with the specifications of the appointed person.
- Initiating the movement of the load.
- Directing the crane operator to ensure safe movement of the crane and load
Key roles of a slinger signaller
Hird’s slinger signaller training course focuses on teaching the key skills needed for this role. These include:
- Undertake a trial lift prior to the actual crane lift to take place, to determine the weight, centre of gravity and stability of the load.
- Selecting and applying the correct lifting equipment, including slings and chains.
- Using clear signals and instructions to direct the crane operator’s movement of the crane.
- Ensure lifting accessories are in good repair and maintained correctly
Key skills of a slinger signaller
Hird’s slinger signaller training is designed to support the development of knowhow and skills needed to carry out the role.
Key attributes of a slinger signaller include:
- A good and clear communicator – either with signals or voice commands via radios.
- Attention to detail – the slinger signaller must notice and taken action, if necessary, in relation to every detail of the lift.
- Good judgement on risk – the person needs to see and understand risks and know what action to take to mitigate them.
- Slinger signallers must also be assertive. They have the authority to stop lifts if necessary and tell others on sites what do to ensure they stay safe.
Our A40 slinger signaller novice course is aimed at inexperienced operators who are required to undertake slinging and signalling.
Candidates may be new to the role or may be those with limited experience and no formal training. As such, it can be an important first step in the development of a career in lifting.
Slinger signaller course details
Our A40 course lasts three days and can have up to four delegates.
Course content includes:
- Legislation & lifting codes of practice.
- Roles and responsibilities of personnel involved with lifting operations.
- Documentation and certification for lifting equipment and lifting accessories.
- Lifting accessories.
- Types of accessories and use.
- Slinging techniques.
- Down rating of accessories.
- Sling angles.
- Communications, including safe use of radios.
- Establishing load weight and centre of gravity.
- Proximity hazards.
- Selecting lifting accessories.
- Verifying documentation and certification.
- Attaching accessories to different loads.
- Signalling for the lifting, transferring and positioning of loads.
It is no surprise to know that both slinging techniques and methods of communication used during crane lifting are also key elements of the A40 course.
Slinger and signaller training – what’s included the cost
To take the course delegates must have passed their CITB Health, Safety & Environment test (Operatives Test entry level) in the 23 months before the course start date. A good understanding of spoken and written English is also needed.
Talk to Hird about slinger and signaller training
Our expert team of training advisors are ready to assist you in selecting the training course that is right for you. Its members will give you impartial advice about slinger and signaller training.
As one of the UK’s best-established lifting companies, we have the best and most experienced approved training instructors in the UK.
Call our training department on 01482 481965 or email [email protected].
