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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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Course Features
Learning Options
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.
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
CPCS Red Trained Operator Card: This is issued after initial CPCS training.
CPCS Blue Competent Operative Card Card: To upgrade from a Red Card to a Blue Card, candidates must complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) relevant to their category.
NVQs are available for:
- Slinger Signaller
- Crane Supervisor
- Mobile Crane
- Crawler Crane
- Appointed Person
- Vehicle Marshaller
- Telehandler
- Compact Crane
- Forward Tipping Dumper
- Excavator 360 Degree Digger
How to Obtain a CPCS Card
The CPCS scheme comprises three stages, and Hurak Learning can assist you throughout the process:
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
Who is this course for?
- Inexperienced Slinger or Signaller Operators
- Experienced Slinger or Signaller Operators
- Construction Plant Machinery Handlers
- Construction Plant Machinery Operators
- A40 Slinger Banksmen
- Lifting and Loading Operators
General Course Content
Learn how to accurately measure and calculate the weight and size of loads. This involves using tools and techniques to determine these parameters and effectively communicating this information to the crane operator to ensure proper handling and safety.
Understand how to choose the right lifting equipment for different loads. This includes properly attaching and detaching the tackle to ensure it is secure and used safely, minimising the risk of accidents.
Develop skills to guide the crane’s movements when lifting various weights and sizes. This involves using clear and precise signals to direct the crane operator, ensuring that the lifting process is safe for personnel and equipment.
Learn how to inspect lifting equipment to check if it is in good working condition. Understand the procedures for maintaining and storing tackle correctly to prolong its lifespan and ensure safety.
Study the legal requirements and responsibilities associated with the role of a slinger/signaller. This includes understanding statutory obligations and how to perform the role effectively within the framework of safety regulations.
Understand how moving loads can impact a crane's stability. This involves learning about load weight, movement, and positioning, which affect crane balance and safety.
Identify common hazards associated with crane operation, such as equipment failure or environmental factors. Learn strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure a safe working environment.
Explore how changing the angles of multi-leg slings affects their strength and safety. Learn to calculate the safe working loads of slings based on their angle and configuration to prevent overloading.
Study different techniques for determining the weight and dimensions of loads, such as using scales, calculations, or measurement tools. This ensures that loads are handled correctly and safely.
Learn the standard communication signals used in crane operations to ensure clear and effective communication between the slinger/signaller and crane operator. This helps prevent misunderstandings and accidents.
Understand common issues that crane operators may face, such as difficulty controlling the crane or responding to unexpected situations. Learn how to address these problems and ensure smooth operation.
Study the function and use of automatic safe load indicators, which provide real-time information about the crane’s load and safety limits. Understand how these indicators help prevent overloading and maintain safe operations.
Familiarise yourself with various safety devices installed on cranes, such as limit switches and overload protection systems. Learn how these devices work to enhance safety and prevent accidents.
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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.