CPCS Training - A40A Slinger Signaller (All Duties) Course

The CPCS A40 Slinger Signaller Training Course offers practical on-site training for those who want to learn how to be a Slinger Signaller. It is meant for people with little or no experience looking to start a career in the lifting industry and for professionals who already have evidence of experience.

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CPCS Slinger Course Overview 

Slinger banksman training teaches people how to safely manage plant machinery operations. A "banksman" is the person who directs the crane from where the load is attached and detached.

Slinger Signaller courses vary based on the operator's experience. There are Foundation courses for beginners and Experienced Worker courses for those with more experience.

  • Foundation Course: This is great for newcomers and includes classroom lessons and hands-on training to ensure safe operation.
  • Experienced Worker Course: This is for those with some experience and focuses mainly on theory.

Types of CPCS Slinger Signaller Courses

The CPCS A40 slinger signaller training course is split into 5 qualifications, each available separately. 

  • A40A: Slinger Signaller course for all machines, including pick and carry duties
  • A40B: Slinger Signaller course for Static Cranes only
  • A40C: Slinger Signaller course for Lorry Loaders only
  • A40D: Slinger Signaller course for 360 Excavators only
  • A40E: Slinger Signaller course for Telehandlers only

The most commonly scheduled courses are the A40A and the A40B. 

CPCS Course Entry Requirements 

To complete your registration, please provide:

  • Your current CSCS Card Number
  • Your National Insurance Number
  • Your Date of Birth
  • Your Home Address

You must also complete a valid CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Touch Screen Test within the last two years. A good understanding of English, both written and spoken, is necessary.

What Will You Learn

  • Nature of the industry sector and their duties and responsibilities as a Slinger/Signaller
  • Purpose of different lifting equipment types and accessories, basic construction uses and applications, characteristics and terminology
  • Manufacturer’s requirements per the technical data and the relevant regulations and legislation
  • Interpret and extract information on all relevant documentation
  • Undertake all pre-use checks on non-specialist lifting accessories and identify non-serviceable items
  • Identify centres of gravity and estimate weights of loads
  • Prepare and ready the area of operation
  • Choose the relevant lifting accessory for a given load
  • Explain the action required for hazards and underground and overhead services
  • Use the relevant lifting accessories and procedures to secure various load types to a lifting hook
  • Ensure load balance, security and integrity
  • Direct and guide the movement of loads to different types of locations
  • Accurately place loads
  • Arrange, use and comply with communication procedures
  • Maintain safe working conditions

Course Assessment and Certification

Candidates will take both practical and written tests. After successfully passing these tests, they will receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, valid for 2 years.

Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), established in 2003, promotes safe and standardised working practices within the plant sector. CPCS training courses teach learners the necessary skills and knowledge to operate plant machinery safely and effectively according to UK health and safety regulations.

CPCS Card Categories

How to Obtain a CPCS Card

The CPCS scheme comprises three stages, and Hurak Learning can assist you throughout the process:

  1. Red Trained Operator Card: This card confirms core skills, knowledge, and understanding applicable in the workplace. It is awarded upon completing the CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests at an accredited test centre. 

    Candidates must also have passed the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test within the last two years. The Red Card is valid for two years and is non-renewable. To upgrade to a Blue Card, candidates must complete the relevant NVQ within this period.

  2. Blue Competent Operator Card: To obtain this card, you must upgrade from the Red Card by completing the appropriate NVQ in Plant Operations through the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) method at your workplace. An assessor will visit you several times to collect evidence of your experience. After reviewing the evidence, your Blue Card will be issued and valid for five years. 

  3. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs): NVQs are competence-based qualifications achieved in the workplace. They assess your ability to perform a job safely and effectively. To complete an NVQ, candidates must submit work-based evidence and undergo an assessment by observation with an assessor.
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    The A40A Slinger Signaller Course is designed for those who need to work with various plant machinery, including pick-and-carry duties. In contrast, the A40B Slinger Signaller Course focuses on only operating static cranes and does not cover pick-and-carry operations. The A40A course provides broader training for different machinery, while the A40B course specialises in static crane operations.

    A Slinger/Signaller is a construction worker responsible for the safe slinging (attaching) and signalling of loads during lifting operations. Their role involves using hand signals or radio communication to direct crane operators and ensure that loads are moved safely and accurately on site.

    It is a certification program that trains individuals in the essential skills needed to become qualified Slingers/Signallers. It covers load-slinging techniques, effective communication, and safe lifting practices.

    Candidates should be at least 18 years old and ideally have a basic understanding of construction site operations. While prior experience is not mandatory, familiarity with health and safety practices is advantageous.

    The course includes instruction on load-slinging methods, signal communication, equipment inspection, health and safety regulations, and the practical handling of lifting equipment.

    The assessment consists of a written test to evaluate theoretical knowledge and a practical test to demonstrate hands-on skills. Both components must be completed to earn the CPCS card.

    If you do not pass the assessment, you may have the option to retake the test or attend additional training sessions. Retake policies vary, so check with your training provider for specific details.

    You will receive a CPCS Red Card upon successful completion, certifying your competence to plan and supervise lifting operations.

    To obtain this card, you must upgrade from the Red Card by completing the appropriate NVQ in Plant Operations through the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) method at your workplace. An assessor will visit you several times to collect evidence of your experience. After reviewing the evidence, your Blue Card will be issued and valid for five years.