The Slinging & Signalling (Banksman) R8 course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely undertake slinging and signalling duties during lifting operations within the AITT R8 category, in accordance with current health and safety legislation, recognised industry best practice and the relevant AITT operator training standard.

Combining classroom-based learning with practical training, delegates will develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to assess loads, select and inspect suitable lifting accessories, sling loads correctly, establish safe lifting areas and provide clear and effective signals to crane or lifting equipment operators whilst minimising risks to themselves, other personnel, equipment and property.

Training is delivered in accordance with the relevant AITT operator training category, ensuring a structured, competence-based programme combining theoretical knowledge with practical workplace application. Training may be delivered at different levels depending on the delegate's previous experience, including novice, experienced operator, refresher or conversion training where appropriate.

Who Should Attend?

• Personnel responsible for slinging loads during lifting operations.
• Banksmen and signallers directing crane or lifting equipment operators.
• Manufacturing and engineering personnel.
• Construction and site personnel.
• Warehouse and materials handling staff.
• New or experienced personnel requiring formal slinging and signalling training.
• Previously trained personnel requiring refresher training.

What You Will Learn

• Relevant health and safety legislation and individual responsibilities.
• Hazard identification and safe systems of work.
• Roles and responsibilities within lifting operations.
• Principles of safe lifting and load movement.
• Understanding safe working loads and equipment limitations.
• Load assessment, weight and centre of gravity.
• Selection of appropriate lifting accessories.
• Pre-use inspection of slings and lifting accessories.
• Identification of defects and equipment that should be removed from service.
• Sling types, configurations and appropriate applications.
• Effects of sling angles on lifting capacity and load security.
• Safe attachment and detachment of loads.
• Establishing and maintaining safe lifting and exclusion areas.
• Standard signals used to communicate with lifting equipment operators.
• Maintaining clear communication throughout lifting operations.
• Positioning of the banksman/signaller to maintain visibility and personal safety.
• Controlling load movement and awareness of suspended loads.
• Safe positioning and landing of loads.
• Procedures for responding to unsafe conditions or loss of communication.

Practical Training

• Inspecting and selecting suitable lifting accessories.
• Assessing loads prior to lifting.
• Identifying load weight and centre of gravity considerations.
• Selecting appropriate slinging methods and configurations.
• Attaching and securing loads correctly.
• Establishing a safe lifting area.
• Taking up a safe and effective signalling position.
• Demonstrating recognised hand signals.
• Directing lifting, lowering and movement of loads.
• Maintaining effective communication with the equipment operator.
• Monitoring load movement and surrounding hazards.
• Guiding loads into the required position.
• Safely landing loads and removing lifting accessories.
• Responding appropriately to unsafe situations during lifting operations.

Assessment

Delegates are assessed through theoretical knowledge testing and practical assessment to confirm that they have achieved the knowledge, understanding and practical competence required to safely undertake slinging and signalling duties during lifting operations.

Assessment is conducted in accordance with the relevant AITT operator training standard.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the training and associated assessment, delegates will receive an AITT Certificate of Basic Operator Training for the relevant R8 Slinging & Signalling (Banksman) category.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will depend on the level of training being undertaken. Novice training does not require previous slinging or signalling experience, whilst experienced operator or refresher training requires appropriate previous experience and/or recognised certification relevant to the programme being delivered.

Delegates should be physically capable of safely undertaking the practical activities and possess a sufficient understanding of spoken and written English to fully participate in training, communicate effectively during lifting operations and complete the assessment.

Course Duration

Course duration will vary depending on delegates' previous experience, the number of delegates attending and the programme being delivered. Training may be provided for novice, experienced or refresher candidates, as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant AITT operator training standard.

Sufficient time will be allowed for theoretical instruction, practical training and assessment, with the duration and delegate ratios determined by the training level and individual learning needs.