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Banksman and Slinger Course

OPITO Banksman & Slinger Initial Training

The OPITO Banksman & Slinger route to competence certification and reassessment includes four phases.

The first is the OPITO Banksman & Slinger Initial Training course which provides knowledge of the activities associated with the combined roles of the Banksman and the Slinger. The role of the Banksman and the Slinger are naturally combined in the workplace, although the skills required to fulfil each role are diferent.

The role of the Banksman includes relaying instructions to the crane operator during lifting activities. The Slinger prepares and 'slings' loads for lifting before releasing the loads at their destination.

Course Overview

The OPITO Banksman & Slinger Initial Training course is comprised of four modules which cover the safety and regulatory requirements of Banksman and Slinger activities. 

Delegates will complete a theory test at the end of the initial training programme to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge elements of the course. Performance in the practical exercises carried out in module 4 will also be evaluated against learning outcomes.

Course Objectives

Delegates completing the OPITO Banskman & Slinger Initial Training course will be able to;

  • Demonstrate the skills and knowledge to begin phase 2 by passing a theory test and practical evaluations

Course Content

The OPITO Banksman & Slinger Initial Training course includes;

MODULE 1: Introduction to Lifting Operations

  1. Regulations and safety issues
  2. Introduction to lifting roles and equipment
  3. Preparing for the lift
  4. Carrying out the lift
  5. Restoring the work area

MODULE 2: The Banksman's Role

  1. The Banksman's duties
  2. Communications and visibility

MODULE 3: Slinging Operations

  1. Principles of slinging

MODULE 4: Practical Exercises

  1. The role of a Banksman and Slinger in a planned lift

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for an OPITO Banksman & Slinger Initial Training course.

OPITO Banksman & Slinger Courses

AIS Survivex offer both the introductory OPITO Banksman & Slinger course as well as the OPITO Banksman & Slinger Competence Assessment and Competence Reassessments.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The OPITO Banksman & Slinger standards were recently updated. For more infromation on the new route to competence please download our OPITO Banksman & Slinger Helpsheet >>

Industry requested that OPITO develop a robust and auditable minimum standard for training and competence assessment for the Banksman & Slinger role.

Although the Banksman skill requirement differs from that of the Slinger; the two roles are normally combined in the workplace. The Banksman role is primarily to relay instructions to the crane operator during lifting activities, and the Slinger role is to prepare and ‘sling’ loads for lifting, and release the loads at their destination.

The Banksman & Slinger’s route to competence certification and re-assessment is comprised of four key stages. The four key phases are:
 

1

The Initial Training Programme

Delegates successfully completing the Initial Training Programme will be awarded an OPITO Stage 1 certificate; this entitles the delegate to progress to Stage 2: supervised workplace experience.
 

2

Supervised workplace experience

Stage 2 specifies the series of supervised tasks which the delegate will be required to complete in order to gain relevant experience in the workplace. The Delegate must complete a log book record of the supervised tasks
 

3

The formal assessment of the candidate

Stage 3 specifies the assessment process and criteria for the candidate to demonstrate competence in the Banksman & Slinger role. Successful candidates will be awarded an OPITO certificate of competence. The Certificate is valid for 2 years.
 

4

Re-assessment of competence

Stage 4 specifies the re-assessment criteria for Banksman & Slingers, who wish to maintain their OPITO competence certification, Successful candidates will be awarded an OPITO certificate of competence. The Certificate is valid for 2 years.