Description

This course provides delegates with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely and effectively perform the duties of a slinger/signaller. It focuses on hazard awareness, communication, load assessment, and safe lifting practices in accordance with current regulations and industry best practice.

This is a Novice course and no prior experience is required. On completion of the course, candidates will be required to undertake a further minimum 6 months training on a construction site under supervision of a competent operator in order to to take the one day CSCS Assessment.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the legal duties and safety requirements for lifting operations.
• Be able to identify lifting accessories and assess loads safely.
• Communicate effectively with the lifting team using approved signals and radios.
• Carry out slinging and signaling operations safely and efficiently.

Legislation and Standards

•  Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005
• General Application Regulations
• Construction Regulations
• NSAI IS360: Safe Use of Cranes
• Site rules, risk assessments, and method statements (RAMS)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements

Equipment and Accessories

• Types of lifting accessories:
• Chains, wire ropes, web slings, shackles, hooks, eyebolts, spreader beams, etc.
• Inspection and certification requirements
• Identification markings and SWL (Safe Working Load)
• Care, maintenance, and storage of lifting accessories

Practical:

• Pre-use inspection of slings and accessories
• Identifying defects and rejecting unsafe equipment

Load Assessment and Sling Selection

• Estimating load weights
• Centre of gravity and stability principles
• Sling angles and tension calculations
• Selection of slings and configurations (single, double, choke, basket, etc.)
• Load securing and balance

Practical:

• Calculate sling angles and select appropriate slings for given loads
• Identify correct attachment points

Signalling and Communication

• Hand and arm signals (BS 7121 & NSAI standards)
• Radio communication protocols and etiquette
• Blind lifts and communication procedures
• Role of the signaller in ensuring safety during lifting operations

Practical:

• Demonstrations of standard signals
• Team communication exercises using both hand and radio signals

Lifting Operations and Safe Working Practices

• Pre-lift planning and coordination
• Load attachment and detachment procedures
• Lifting, slewing, travelling, and lowering operations
• Working with different types of cranes (mobile, tower, crawler, gantry)
• Environmental factors (wind, ground conditions, overhead obstructions)

Practical:

• Conducting lifts under supervision
• Safe guiding and landing of loads

Hazards and Risk Control

• Common lifting hazards:
  • Overloading, shock loading, pinch points, suspended loads, proximity to people
• Control measures and exclusion zones
• Emergency procedures and incident reporting

Discussion:

• Case studies of lifting accidents and lessons learned