Slinger Signaller Banksman

The Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment
Regulations 1998
Slinger / Signaller / Banksman
Bill Rogerson Safety Services Ltd

Definitions
 “Lifting Equipment”
 equipment for lifting or lowering loads
 includes any attachments or fixings
 “Lifting Operation”
 operation concerned with the lifting or lowering of a
load
 “Load”
 material
 people
 animals
www.billrogersonsafety.co.uk
Crane on hire to a construction
site
 A crane hire company has a duty under LOLER to
ensure that when the crane is hired out, physical
evidence accompanies it
 copy of the last examination report
 User should ensure that this evidence is available
 User has the duty to manage the lifting
operations and ensure periodic thorough
examinations are carried out
Long term hire of a fork-lift
truck
 Users have a duty to ensure that the
truck is safe for them to use and that it
is thoroughly examined at appropriate
intervals
Factors that need to be
considered
 Material of manufacture
 Means of access
 Protection against slips,
trips and falls
 Operator protection
 Effects of high winds
Adequate Strength
 An assessment should be made as to whether the
lifting equipment has adequate strength for the
purpose of use.
 account taken of the combination of forces it will be
subject to as well as any accessories
 Lifting equipment selected should not be
susceptible to any of the foreseeable failure modes
 Lifting equipment used should provide an
appropriate factor of safety against failure modes
Adequate stability
 A number of factors can affect the
stability of lifting equipment
 strength of the ground or surface
 stability of the surface under load conditions
 slopes or gradients
 size and nature of the load
 how the load is intended to be lifted
 wind strength
Preventing overload
 Where there is a significant risk of overturning /

overloading from the use of the equipment it
should be provided with equipment or devices
such as
 rated capacity indicators
 rated capacity limiters
 These devices should provide audible and/or
visual warning when the safe lifting limits are
being approached.
Strength of loads and
attachments
 Timber pallets
 may be part of a load and should be of adequate
strength for the load and lifting operation
 Lifting points welded to a steel beam
 Permanent fitting such as those on skips
In some circumstances where the risks

justify it, you need to arrange to test the
strength of the lifting points
Positioning and installation
 Position equipment to minimise the need to lift
loads over people
 positioned and installed to prevent crushing
 Hoists and lift shafts protected by enclosure or
barriers
 Position or install the lifting equipment with
slewing or travelling motion to prevent trapping
points or take effective measures to prevent
access to trapping points
Positioning and installation
 To prevent the load being released unintentionally pneumatic,
hydraulic, vacuum or magnetic equipment may need to be
adapted or have a back-up power supply in the event of a
power failure
 Warning to people working on or near the equipment or
exclude people from the vicinity if hardware measures are not
possible
 Hooks should be of the type to reduce the risk of
displacement
 Positioning of lifting machines to prevent contact with each
other
Marking of lifting equipment
 Employer shall ensure
 machinery and accessories for lifting loads are
clearly marked to indicate their safe working loads
 where the SWL of machinery depends on its
configuration the machinery is clearly marked for
each configuration or information which clearly
indicates its safe working load for each
configuration is kept with the machinery
S.W.L
 Examples of lifting machinery where its

configuration can affect the S.W.L.
include
 fork-lift fitted with attachments
 mobile crane
 telescopic reach truck
 jib of a tower crane
 Accessories for lifting are also marked in such a
way that it is possible to identify characteristics
necessary for safe use
 lifting equipment which is designed for lifting persons is
appropriately and clearly marked to this effect.
 lifting equipment which is Not designed for lifting persons is
clearly marked to this effect.
 lifting equipment which is Not designed for lifting persons
but might be used so in error is clearly marked to the effect
that it is not designed.
Organisation of Lifting
Operations
 Every employer shall ensure that every
lifting operation involving lifting
equipment is -
 properly planned by a competent person
 appropriately supervised
 carried out in a safe manner
Operations
 Regulation 4 of PUWER 98 requires suitable
work equipment to be provided for the task
 load to be lifted
 weight, shape, centre of gravity, availability of
lifting points
 where the load is presently positioned and where
it will be positioned after the lifting operation
Operations
 How often the lifting equipment will be used
 The environment in which the lifting equipment will
be used
 The personnel available and their knowledge,
training and experience
The person carrying out this part of the planning

exercise will need to have appropriate knowledge
and experience
Operations
 Example of a simple plan
 assess the weight of the load
 choose the right accessory for lifting
 depending upon the nature and weight of the load
and the environment in which it is to be used
 check anticipated path of the load to make
sure that it is not obstructed
 prepare a suitable place to set down the load
Operations
 Fit the sling to the load
 using appropriate method of slinging
 Make the lift
 a trial lift may be necessary to confirm the centre
of gravity of the load; tag lines may be necessary
to stop the load from swinging
 Release the slings
 boards or similar may be necessary to prevent
trapping of the sling
 Clear up
Working Under Suspended
Loads
 Where practicable loads should not be carried or
suspended over areas occupied by persons
 Where this is not practicable you should establish a safe
system of work which minimises the risks to persons
who may need to be below the load
 Where it is necessary to leave loads suspended you
should ensure access to the danger zone is prevented,
ensuring that the load has been secured properly
Visibility
 Where the operator of lifting equipment cannot

observe the full path of the load, either directly
or by means of auxiliary devices, the employer
should ensure that a responsible person has
appropriate means of communication to guide
the operator
 measures should be taken to prevent the load striking
anything or any person
Attaching or Detaching Loads
 Ensure any lifting accessories used for securing the loads
are compatible with the load
 taking into account any attachment points on the load,
environmental conditions and their configuration
 Ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the load
or part of it from disintegrating while being lifted
 Ropes, chains or slings attached correctly
 Lifting operation not to start until persons have been
authorised
Environment
 The use of lifting equipment in the open air
should be halted where meteorological
conditions deteriorate to the point that it could
affect the integrity of the lifting equipment or
expose persons to danger
Location
 Lifting equipment should only
be used where there is
sufficient headroom
Overturning
 Lifting equipment should not be used in a manner
likely to cause it to overturn
 Ensure that appropriate measures are in place to
prevent lifting equipment from tilting, overturning
and where appropriate, moving or slipping
 employer should ensure that suitable checks are made to
achieve this
 Lifting equipment should not be used to drag loads if
such operations are liable to cause damage or
overload the lifting equipment
Proximity of Hazards
 Take suitable measures to minimise the risks
from lifting equipment due to its proximity to
other objects
 Where anyone is working near the wheel tracks
of an overhead crane, the crane should not be
allowed to approach within 6m of them if they
would be liable to be struck
Derating
 Where appropriate,
the safe working load
of the equipment
should be reduced to
take into account the
environment and
mode in which it is
being used
Overload
 A load greater than the safe working load
should not be lifted except where, for the
purposes of a test, the competent person
requires it
Pre-use check
 Ensure that employees have appropriate
training and instructions so that they are
able to ensure that the lifting equipment is
safe to use
Thorough Examination &
Inspection
 Every employer shall ensure that lifting equipment
which is exposed to conditions causing
deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous
situations is Thoroughly examined
 In the case of lifting equipment for lifting persons
or an accessory for lifting - at least every 6
months
 In the case of other lifting equipment - at least
every 12 months
Test
Competent Person
 Ensure that the person carrying out a thorough
examination has appropriate practical and
theoretical knowledge and experience of the
lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined to
detect faults and weakness
 Essential that the competent person is
sufficiently independent and impartial
Thorough examination
 Identify equipment which requires a thorough
examination and ensure that it is thoroughly
examined
 risks which could arise from the failure of the lifting
equipment will determine how thorough the
examination needs to be.
Testing
 The competent person should decide whether a
test is necessary
 The nature of the test method will also be a
matter for a competent person
 they should determine the most appropriate method
of carrying it out
Report of Thorough
Examination
 The name and address of the employer for whom the
thorough examination was made
 The address of the premises at which the thorough
examination was made
 Particulars sufficient to identify the equipment including
where known its date of manufacture
 The date of the last thorough examination
 The SWL of the lifting equipment or (where its safe
working load depends on the configuration) its SWL for the
last configuration in which it was thoroughly examined
Report of Thorough
Examination
 Identification of defects or likely defects, repairs
 Date of next thorough examination
 Name address and competence of person
making report
 Date
Keeping information
 Reports and other documents should be

available for inspection on request
 normally at the premises of use
BS7121 Part 1 1989
Safe Use of Cranes (General)
 Management of the Lifting Operation
Safe System of Work
 planning the operation
 selection, provision and use of suitable craneage and
equipment
 maintenance, examination and where necessary
testing of cranes and equipment
 provide properly trained and competent personnel
BS7121 Part 1 1989
Safe Use of Cranes (General)
 Management of the Lifting Operation
Safe System of Work
 adequate supervision by properly trained and competent
personnel having the necessary authority
 test and inspection documents available
 unauthorised movement and use of equipment
 safety of others
 effectively communicated to all
The lifting operation will include any necessary site
preparation, erection and dismantling of the
crane(s)
Control of Lifting Operations
 One person to be appointed to have overall
control acting on behalf of the management
requiring the load to be moved
 does not remove the management responsibilities but
uses the Appointed Person’s expertise to fulfil these
responsibilities
Control of Lifting Operations
 Consider variety and complexity of the
operation, level of expertise will be
proportionate to the risk
 a person trained to be able to control a simple lift
may not be suitably trained and experienced for a
more complex lift
 In cases of repetitive or routine operations the
planning may only be necessary in the first
instance
 periodic reviews to ensure no factors have changed
Selection of Cranes
 Points to be considered:
 weights, dimensions and characteristics of loads
 operational speeds, radii, heights of lift and areas of
movement
 number, frequency and types of lifting operations
 length of time on site
 site, ground and environmental or site and building restrictions
 space available for crane access, erection, travelling operations
and dismantling
 special requirements or limitations
 costs - not at expense of safety
Crane Terminology
 Rated Capacity Indicator

 previously an automatic safe load indicator
 an instrument fitted to a crane which
automatically monitors loaded crane conditions, it
warns the operator of approach to maximum SWL
for the configuration and radii and also warns
operators and other of the crane is overloaded.
Crane Terminology
 Rated Capacity Limiter
 an addition to an indicator which limits the crane motions
by cut out of the function in the event of overload only
motions that return the crane to a safe condition should
remain operative
 if properly planned this device never activates
 Motion Limit Device
 devices additionally fitted to limit a crane function
 e.g. Slewing
 programmable computer restriction
 e.g. jib length or slew angle
Obstacles
 600mm clearance between any part of
a crane and obstacle, if not, precautions
required.
Operating Conditions
(BS7121 Part 1)
 SWL
 never exceeded
 prevent pendulum swinging
 SWL applies to freely suspended loads
 no dragging loads
 hoist ropes remain vertical
 prevent side loading
(BS7121 Part 1)
 Mode of Operations
 all controls marked
 clear visual area
 if not, appointed slinger / banksman required
 test lifts for load security
 avoid shock loading
 no overriding of control measures
 no standing under any load
(BS7121 Part 1)
 Weather Conditions - wind

 refer to manufacturers
instructions
 beware of gusting winds
(BS7121 Part 1)
 Poor Visibility
 good communications required
(BS7121 Part 1)
 Rain, snow & ice

 extra weights
 freezing ropes
 thunderstorms
(BS7121 Part 1)
 In Service Conditions
 operator present
 no unattended suspended loads
 operated within manufacturers instructions
 within SWL
 within permissible wind speeds
(BS7121 Part 1)
 On site travel
 safe procedures
 routes and ground conditions
 guided
 ready to work conditions - dangerous
 requires strict supervision
Simple Lifts
 Where the load to be lifted is of established weight
and there are no known hazards or obstructions
within the area of the operation, the duties of the
appointed person in control will include the
following:
 the selection of the crane based on:
 access for the crane
 maximum height of lift
 maximum radius
Simple Lifts
 Consideration of location of the operation:
 access for the crane
 suitability of the ground to take the loads that will be
imposed on it
 Checking the crane:
 inspected
 examined
 tested
 maintained
 system in place for reporting defects
 Selection of appropriate lifting tackle. Do not forget how it is
to be attached to the load.
Simple Lifts
 Checking tackle has been tested and inspected by a
competent person
 Someone to look after the tackle and ensure it is free
from any obvious defects
 Briefing others involved in the lifting operation:
 crane driver
 slinger/signaller
 ensuring a safe system of work
 it will include the requirement to report back for
advice if anything changes or doubts about
continued safety
Simple Lifts
 Checking when numerous loads have to be lifted over an
extended period of time, to ensure that no changes are
required
The person appointed to control a simple lifting

operation should be aware of when he/she has
reached the limit of experience and knowledge, at
that point seek appropriate help from his/her
superiors
Standard Lift
 Where the load to be lifted is of
established weight or possibly not known
accurately
 there are hazards to be considered, either
within the working area or on the access
route into the working area, but, no multiple
crane lifting will be involved
Standard Lift
 The duties of the Appointed Person will

include the following:
 selection of the crane based on the weight to be
lifted plus crane hook and any lifting tackle
 Weight not known - obtain an accurate value of
weight
 any calculated or estimated value should contain an
allowance for any possible inaccuracy of 15%
Standard Lift
 The duties of the Appointed Person will include
the following:
 consideration of location of the operation

 access of crane and erection
 investigate all hazards in the work area
 may be from surrounding buildings or structures, over-
ground/underground services
 stability of the ground to take loads that will be
imposed on it
 liase with any other person or authority as required
to overcome any hazard
Standard Lift
the following:
 selection of appropriate lifting tackle
 do not forget how it is going to be attached to the load
 checking tackle has been tested and inspected by a
competent person, someone to look after tackle and
ensure it is free from any obvious defects
 consideration of the effect of the lifting operation may
have on surrounding property or persons, including the
general public
Standard Lift
the following:
 arranging for appropriate action to minimise any
adverse effect.
 appropriate notice to all concerned including any
required by the regulations
 briefing others involved in the lifting operation, crane
driver, slinger/signaller, ensuring a safe system of
work.
 will include the requirement to report back for advice if
anything changes or there are doubts about continued
safety
Standard Lift
the following:
 checking when numerous loads have to be lifted over
an extended period of time to ensure that no changes
are required
 the person appointed to control a standard lifting
operation should be aware of when he has reached
the extent of his experience and knowledge and at
that point seek appropriate help from his/her
superiors.
Selection and Duties of
Personnel
 Crane Supervisor
 person appointed in overall control may deem
it suitable to delegate his duties to a person
competent to act on his behalf
 For a simple and standard lift it may be
appropriate to nominate the slinger/signaller

The appointed person retains the responsibility
for the method statement and safe system of
work
Selection and Duties of
Personnel
 Crane Supervisor:
 authorised
 competent
 conversant with slinger duties
 conversant with crane operator duties
 trained in the application of mobile cranes, in
particular placing and lifting of loads, ground loading
effects, erection and dismantling
 medically fit
 capable of assessing danger, if circumstances change
and stopping the operation if the risk is unacceptable
Selection and Duties of Personnel
 Crane Operator:
 over 18
 specifically trained
 conversant with slinger/signaller duties
 know all safety aspects of the machine
 authorised
 understands the full range of duties and configurations
 aware of the effects of ground supports
 crane level and correct outrigger use
 point loading support area
 environmental effects
 operates within manufacturers instructions
Selection & Duties of Personnel
 Slinger/Signaller:
 over18, trained and competent
 medically fit, capable of judging distance/height, capable of handling equipment
 establish weights, balance loads
 trained in slinging techniques
 capable of selecting lifting gear
 selection of legal gear and checking its condition
 capable of clear, precise signals
 capable of clear, precise verbal instructions
 capable of initiating and directing loads
 nominated
 understanding method statements and safe systems of work
Slinger’s Safety Rules
 Know the weight of the load to be lifted and
does not exceed the SWL of the equipment
 Use only authorised lifting equipment
 marked with SWL
 Inspect all equipment prior to use
 remove and report any damages
 Avoid lifting with angles greater than 90 between
legs of slings
 Never tie knots in slings or shorten slings
 Always use correct pins in shackles
 Never use rusty wire ropes or fibre ropes that
have been in contact with alkalis
 Rings and shackles must ride freely on the crane
hook
 Protect slings from sharp edges
 Never drag a sling along the floor
 Use chain slings when lifting molten metal
 Check the load is slung correctly
 Keep hands away when lifting the load
 Keep well clear when lowering the load
 Never stand under a suspended load
 Never trap slings under a load
 use dunnage to give clearance
 Use only the correct signals
 Make sure signals are clearly understood by the
crane driver
 Always store lifting equipment in the correct
storage area and never on the floor
 readily available for inspection
 When using eye bolts
 right type for the load and sling
 threads match and fully screwed in
 angle of sling no greater than 15 from the
vertical if using collar eyebolts
 reduce SWL
Hand Signals
 Must be precise, simple, easy to make and
to understand
 distinct from other signals
 When both arms are used at the same
time, they must be moved symmetrically
and used for giving one sign only
 BS 7121:1989 Code of Practice for Safe Use
of Cranes
Operations Start
The right arm points upwards with the
palm facing forwards
Left arm across the chest with the palm
facing downwards
Stop

palm facing forwards
Left arm held straight to the side of
the body
Operations Cease
Both hands, with palms facing
downwards, are extended from the mid
torso to points at either side of the
body
Hoist

palm facing forwards and slowly makes
a circle
Hoist - Inch the Load
Clench and unclench the fingers to

signal “inch the load”
Lower
The right arm points downwards with the

palm facing inwards and slowly makes a
circle
Lower Slowly
Both arms points downwards with the

palms facing inwards and each slowly
making a circle
Travel to Me
Both arms are bent with the palm
facing upwards, and the forearms
make slow movements towards the
body
Travel from Me
Both arms are bent with the palm facing

downwards, and the forearms make slow
movements away from the body
Travel in Direction Indicated
The right or left arm is extended more or

less horizontally with the palm facing
downwards and slowly makes small
movements to the right or left as required
Slewing in Direction Indicated
The right or left arm is extended at waist

height with the palm facing downwards and
slowly makes small movements to the right
or left as required
Emergency Stop
Both arms pointing upwards with the

palms facing forwards
Derricking Jib Up
With one hand on head, clench fist and
from an extended horizontal position,
repeatedly move the arm to a vertical
position and back to the horizontal
position
Derricking Jib Down
With one hand on head, clench fist and from
an extended horizontal position, repeatedly
move the arm to a straight position by the
side and back to the horizontal position
Extend Jib
With one hand on head, the other arm
bent with the palm facing upwards, with
the forearm make slow movements
toward the body
Retract Jib
With one hand on head, the other arm
bent with the palm facing downwards,
with the forearm make slow movements
away from the body
Signaller
 The signaller should:
 stand in a secure position
 where they can see the load
 can be seen clearly by the crane driver
 should face the crane driver
 give distinct and clear signals
 be able to monitor all manoeuvres visually
 where not, extra signallers should be used
Signaller
Duties consist exclusively of directing

manoeuvres and ensuring safety of
workers in vicinity

Slinger Signaller Banksman

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Slinger Signaller Banksman

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The Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment

Slinger / Signaller / Banksman

Bill Rogerson Safety Services Ltd

 Where there is a significant risk of overturning /

In some circumstances where the risks

 Examples of lifting machinery where its

The person carrying out this part of the planning

 Where the operator of lifting equipment cannot

 Reports and other documents should be

 Rated Capacity Indicator

 Weather Conditions - wind

 Rain, snow & ice

The person appointed to control a simple lifting

 The duties of the Appointed Person will

 consideration of location of the operation

appropriate to nominate the slinger/signaller

 establish weights, balance loads

 trained in slinging techniques

 capable of selecting lifting gear

 selection of legal gear and checking its condition

 capable of clear, precise signals

 capable of clear, precise verbal instructions

 capable of initiating and directing loads

 understanding method statements and safe systems of work

The right arm points upwards with the

The right arm points upwards with the

Clench and unclench the fingers to

The right arm points downwards with the

Both arms points downwards with the

Both arms are bent with the palm facing

The right or left arm is extended more or

The right or left arm is extended at waist

Both arms pointing upwards with the

Duties consist exclusively of directing

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