5 key facts about banksman training

1.      According to statistics about a quarter of all work-related vehicular deaths occur during reversing manoeuvres. Banksman training will certainly contribute to making this problem one of the past and ensure your work space is as safe as it can be.

2.      Banksman training within the construction industry is usually carried out under the CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) scheme, of which there are 2 primary Banksman training categories (A40 & A73) and 2 relating to lifting operations (A61 & A62).

3.      The A40 Slinger Signaller course teaches delegates about Crane Slinging, not Vehicle Slinging. This is classed as an “on centre” category and candidates will have to travel to an accredited centre for training. In addition, the A40 course does not contain any training sub-categories or endorsements, which means booking the course is a simple and quick process.

If it is a course for general vehicle and plant marshalling on construction sites or within other area yard or loading areas where there are vehicle movements that you need, then you will need to sit the A73 Vehicle Marshaller course. Training can be provided either at a specialized site or in some cases on the customer’s own site.

4.      The A61 category is for Appointed Persons Lifting Operations and this category is for those involved in managing lifting operations.This is an “off centre” category does not need to be delivered at a CPCS centre

The A62 Crane Supervisor course is for those supervising lifting operations and needs to be delivered at accredited centres as it is classed as an “on centre” category.

5.      There are no endorsements for the A61 or A62courses, but candidates who already hold the A40 slinger signaller qualification and then complete A61 are also awarded the A62 category.

A40:Slinger Signaller

The Slinger Signaller needs to work in tandem with the crane driver who will not always have clear visibility of the loading area.The banksman elements of this CPCS qualification relates to being in charge of the crane movements from the point of loading and unloading using and using safe systems of communication between the Slinger Signaller and the crane driver.

Banksman training within the A40 CPCS category is intended to train operators in the theoretical and practical elements of the slinger signaller. The aim of this training is ensure all operators pass the CPCS Theory and Practical Tests and can competently and safely carry out their role.

Typically, the course outline for the A40 category will include:

·        Calculation of weights and sizes of loads and how to inform the plant operator of this

·        Selection use and maintenance of the appropriate lifting tackle for a job

·        Accepted signals for moving a load

·        The slinger signaller’s responsibilities

·        How moving loads can affect the stability of a crane

·        Potential hazards and how to overcome them

·        Crane safety and potential operator problems to overcome

·        The duties and responsibilities of a slinger/signaller

·        The testing regime at the end of the course includes a theory and practical element. Both parts must be passed before any accreditation can be awarded.

A73:Vehicle/Plant Marshaller Training

This category is aimed at persons working as a Vehicle/Plant Marshaller in either a construction or warehouse environment. The course aims to instruct delegates how to recognise the importance of accepting and dispersing vehicles in a safe and efficient manner, recognising significant risks and to be able to give clear and precise signals to vehicles.

This training course provides thorough training to all relevant operators in order to enable them to competently and safely carry out their Plant & Vehicle Marshaller role.

Typically, the course outline for the A73 categorywill include:
• Legislation and Regulations
• Role of the Banksman
• PPE
• Safe Systems of Work
• Yard & Site Planning
• Risk Assessment
• Communications & Signals
• Manoeuvres
• DVD
• Theory Test
• Practical Training

The testing regime at the end of the course includes a theory and practical element. Both parts must be passed before any accreditation can be awarded.

Duration of Training
The amount of training for any banksman course, or indeed, any CPCS course,varies with experience. Foundation Training for a beginner might be up to 5days including 1-day testing, but an experienced worker might only need 1 days training followed by a day of testing.

It is important to take advice on how training you need, as taking the incorrect course could end up being an expensive mistake resulting in a need to re-train and re-sit the CPCS tests.

CSCS Cards

You will need a valid core CSCS touch screen test, sat and passed within the last 2 years, before enrolling on any of these courses. You will have to travel to a CPCS centre to sit this. Please note that whilst a CSCS test is valid for 5 years from date of completion, you will still need to resit this if yours is older than 2 years.

Once you have completed the core touch screen test,you can book your course by calling your online service provider with the following details: your CSCS number, date of birth and national insurance. 

·        A40: Slinger Signaller requires a CSCS Health, Safety and Environment touchscreen test

·        A73: Vehicle/Plant Marshaller requires a CSCS Health, Safety and Environment touchscreen test

·        A61: Appointed Persons requires a CSCS Health, Safety and Environment touchscreen test for Managers

·        A62: Crane Supervisor requires a CSCS Health, Safety and Environment touchscreen test for Supervisors

Training Routes

There are three main routes to completing your training, regardless of which course you choose. Each is suited to different levels of experience.

Red Card

The first is the Novice level red card; this is for you if you have very little experience in this area. It covers both the practical and theoretical aspects that you will need to take the technical test in your chosen category and is usually recommended for delegates who have less than two years’ experience in slinger signalling for crane loads.

The preparation in this course level will last from 4-2 days depending on your confidence level and the how the training provider offers the course. During this preparation time, the trainer will take you through the theoretical and practical elements of working as a slinger signaller that you will need. After the preparation, a day will be set aside in which to complete the technical test. This is made up of two parts, theory and practical. If you do not pass the theory section, you will not be able to progress to the practical. 

The second option is the Experienced Worker red card. This is for you if you have had over two years’ experience with slinging and signalling. It usually contains just a single day of theory preparation,with the understanding that the delegate has a satisfactory level of practical experience.

If you are not 100% sure of your practical capabilities, it is best to request an additional training day or two.

Whichever route you take, the red card demonstrates that you are a trained operative and allows you to work on site for two years,after which time you need to progress onto the blue card or NVQ as it cannot be renewed.

Blue Card

The third option is to progress straight to a Blue card, which is the same as an NVQ. You can either do this as a traditional NVQ, where an assessor comes to your place of work and observes you doing the job, or you can complete what is known as a ‘straight to blue’ EWPAR. This is a one-day NVQ course which is quick to complete and assessed at the trainer’s location.

Be aware that whichever route you take, you will always need to complete the technical test as well as the NVQ. The blue card is then valid for five years and can be renewed by applying to the CPCS with an up to date logbook and maintaining your health and safety TST.