Effective partnership that guarantees efficient operations

Critical to safe crane and lifting operations is the Banksman and Slinger role. The Banksman role is primarily to relay instructions to the crane operator during lifting operations and the Slinger role is to prepare and sling loads for lifting and release the loads at their destination.

The Banksman and Slinger are key members of the lifting team who will undertake the lifting operation together with the crane operator.

The requirements of the law – Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations LOLER 1998 Regulation 8 (1) outlines what every employer must do to ensure the safety of every lifting operation. Every employer shall ensure that every lifting operation involving lifting equipment is: –

(a) properly planned by a competent person.

(b) appropriately supervised; and

(c) carried out safely.

As an employer and duty holder, you are responsible for ensuring that all persons involved in the planning/performing lifting operation shall be trained and competent for their role. The Banksman and Slinger, therefore, should have adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the performing lifting operations. This also includes an assessment of the requirements of the lifting appliances and accessories being used and the task being carried out.

The Banksman

The main tasks required of a Banksman also referred to as a Signaller, involves clear and precise communication with hand signals (figure below) and verbal instructions sometimes using 2- or 3-way radios during the operation. The role focuses on relaying instructions to the crane operator ensuring that he/she is clearly identifiable to every member of the lifting team by wearing high-visibility jacket. Only the Banksman is authorised to give instructions to the crane operator and the lifting crew during lifting operations and as such, the Banksman shall not be required to handle, touch or otherwise manoeuvre the load being lifted during any lifting operation. In some cases, the role of the Banksman and the Slinger are combined in the workplace, although the skills required to fulfil each role remain different. It is important to highlight that crane operations shall not be carried out without a Banksman.

The Slinger

As stated, the Slinger in general, prepare and sling loads, connects the slings and /or lifting accessories to the hook of lifting equipment (crane) for lifting and releases the loads at their destined location. Due to the dynamic effects of moving loads, the Slinger must not walk alongside moving loads and must maintain hands-free lifting.

The Banksman Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Banksman are stated below:

1. Act as the Lift Supervisor for Routine Crane lifting operations
2. Continuously monitor environmental / weather conditions prior to and during all lifting operations.

• Work safely in accordance with regulations, company / site specific policies, procedures and lift plans

1. Participate in the planning and risk assessment of lifting operations
2. Direct the Crane Operator using radio communications and/or hand signals
3. Ensure the correct selection, set up and safe use of lifting equipment in accordance with the lift plan

• Ensure lifting equipment and loads are properly inspected before use
• Ensure cargo is correctly packed and made secure with appropriate sea fastenings

1. Ensure loads are slung correctly, accessories are securely attached, located correctly, and have freedom of movement
2. The Banksman is also responsible for ensuring the Slingers are sufficiently familiar with cargo operations and are approved to carry out deck operations.
3. Ensure lifting equipment and loads are properly inspected before use

• Ensure cargo is correctly packed and made secure with appropriate sea fastenings
• Ensure loads are slung correctly, accessories are securely attached, locate correctly, and have freedom of movement
• Ensure that slings are not used at an angle, more than the company stated maximum

1. Ensure the route to be travelled is clear and the landing area is suitable

• Identify / remove potential snagging points in the vicinity of the load
• Be in a prominent safe position, away from the load, with a good view of the complete lifting operation
• Continuously monitor the lifting operation
• Always remain in communication with the Slingers and Crane Operator.

The important thing to remember is that it is crucial that all responsibilities be spelled out to everyone involved in the operation before it begins during the toolbox talks and pre-job safety analysis. Although the Banksman main role is to provide communication to the Crane Operator and the Slingers it is important to ensure that in the event of an emergency situation developing, an ‘all-stop’ signal can be given by any member of the lifting crew.

The Slinger Responsibilities

Slingers shall be trained and competent. Their role pertains to lifting personnel who connect loads to lifting appliances i.e. cranes.

The Slinger shall:

1. Inspect equipment and loads before use
2. Check for potential drop objects

• Work safely in accordance with regulations, company / site specific policies, procedures and lifting plans

1. Participate in the planning and risk assessment of lifting operations and toolbox talks
2. Ensure loads are slung correctly, accessories are securely attached, located correctly, and have freedom of movement
3. Identify / remove potential snagging points in the vicinity of the load

• Ensure the area around the load to be lifted is clear and ensure the load is free to lift
• Correctly connect / disconnect loads to the lifting appliance and inform the Banksman when the load is connected to / disconnected from the lifting appliance

1. Continuously monitor the lifting operation and use hands-free tools where correctly risk-assessed
2. Use tag lines / handling tools correctly
3. De-rig, inspect and store equipment

Essential training for Banksman and Slinger shall follow the 4 principal industry accepted stages below which includes periodic refresher and re-assessment to maintain training and competence levels.

The stages are listed below.

Four Key Stages in Achieving Crane Operator Competency through training

Stage 1:

The first stage of all training comprises initial training and assessment, which is typically carried out at an onshore training establishment and identified as Stage 1.

Stage 2

After Stage 1, the level of competency is deemed sufficient for that person to conduct lifting operations under the direct supervision of a competent person as part of their Stage 2 training, i.e. supervised training and the practical application of the learning obtained in Stage 1. This must be structured and recorded in a logbook.

Stage 3

This stage refers to an ongoing workplace assessment of competency.

Stage 4

This stage refers to the ongoing performance development with re-training as part of company overall competency system.

Banksman & Slinger Operator Training

The objectives of the Stage 1 training are to provide personnel, with little or no experience of the banksman and slinger role, with the basic knowledge of activities associated with the combined roles, and the safety and regulatory requirements of those activities. Further Stages 2, 3 & 4 training will seek to establish the candidate has the required underpinning knowledge, understanding and practical skills to fulfil the role of Banksman & Slinger safely and effectively. Core training and competence should be supplemented with familiarisation instruction and site-specific induction.

Certification and Award

LEEA/OPITO Banksman & Slinger Certification

At JC International, our accreditation with LEEA, OPITO, IADC, ISO 9001 and other relevant professional trade associations, ensures we deliver training, certification and qualifications in accordance with awarding bodies and approved codes of practice.

Our focus as a prominent oil and gas training provider is to provide a world-class training and certification service to ensure that our candidates gain the required competence and realise their full potentials.