A slinger/signaller – otherwise known as a banksman, or ‘slinger’ for short – is someone who attaches loads to cranes and guides the crane operators during lifting operations.
But what are the processes of becoming a slinger?
How to become a slinger/signaller?
There are various stages to becoming a slinger, as outlined below.
Stage 1 – Health & Safety touch screen test
Before any training or employment, anyone hoping to become a slinger must undergo a Health and Safety touch screen test within two years prior to training. This is to ensure personnel can show that they understand the safety requirements of working in the industry and they’re able to do the work safely.
Stage 2 – Training
The most recognised body that provides certification for slingers in the UK is the Construction Plant Competency Scheme (CPCS). The other lesser recognised body is the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS).
NPORS is often the cheaper of the two, but some sites don’t accept NPORS operatives, which is why CPCS is often the preferred option. Particularly because once an NPORS or CPCS qualification is gained, they can’t be interchanged. So, if an NPORS operative isn’t accepted within a company or site, they would then have to redo their training with CPCS if that is the company or site they want to work at.
Course length and prices vary, depending on the course provider. They can be up to five days long and cost between £800 – £1400. If affordability is a problem, some course providers offer finance options.
There are a lot of training providers available. The cheapest aren’t always the best. It’s always a good idea to check reviews, pass rates, and accreditations.
Another option is to apply to employers that offer in-house training. That training could get funded by the employer and paid back in instalments by the employee, or fully funded in an apprenticeship scheme.
Category codes:
- CPCS slinger/signaller category code: A40
- NPORS slinger/signaller category code: N402
Click below for your discounted slinger course
Stage 3 – Red Card & Blue Card
Once the operative has successfully passed their course, they’ll be issued a Red Card (Trained Operator Card). This card remains valid for two years, to give the operative time to gain experience before advancing to a Blue Card (Competent Operator Card). Sometimes, a year extension can be applied for if not enough working hours have been accrued or if the Blue Card assessment hasn’t been carried out before the expiry date. But this can only happen once.
Some sites don’t allow Red Card operatives, and others will only allow them if they are supervised and monitored at all times, or if the operative is part of a reputable apprenticeship scheme.
Once enough experience has been gained, and before the Red Card expires, the operative must get assessed to apply for an NVQ level 2 Blue Card. This card is valid for five years. Approaching the card expiry, the operative renews it by doing a touch screen test. The card can be renewed as many times as necessary.
Click below for your NVQ assessments
Call 01544329369
What are the roles of a slinger/signaller?
A slinger/signaller’s roles involve:
- Planning each lifting operation
- Checking lifting accessories and equipment
- Recognising and identifying potential hazards
- Carrying out of lifts
- Halting the lifting operations if they see anything unsafe
You can see the roles in greater depth in our ‘What is a slinger/signaller?’ article.
How much can a slinger/signaller earn?
A slinger’s earnings can vary greatly, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Someone working in London and Southeast of England could expect to earn more than in the north of England, for example, because of the differences in the cost of living.
A Red Card slinger could receive £17 – £19 per hour, whereas a Blue Card slinger could expect £20 – £23 per hour.
Do slinger/signallers need any qualifications?
Generally, no academic grades are needed to become a slinger. However, some apprenticeship providers might require applicants to have maths and English GCSEs.
What attributes does a slinger/signaller need?
This is a safety critical role, so there are some important attributes that a slinger should possess.
- Safety consciousness
- Good communication skills
- Spatial awareness
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Good listening skills
- Good organisation skills
- The ability to work well alone and part of a team
- Physical fitness
- Thick skinned
- Resilience
- Assertiveness
Conclusion
Whicher route someone wants to take to become a slinger, the most important thing they must have in mind during training and all the way through their career is safety. There are more fatalities and serious injuries in construction than in any other industry.
A good understanding of health and safety regulations, protocols, lift plans, and methods of work are a must. It’s one thing being a slinger, but every slinger should aspire to be the best that they can.
To learn how to be advanced in the role, check out ‘How to be a good slinger/signaller.’