A Banksman & Slinger has an important role within lifting operations. The work requires practical ability, safety awareness and an understanding of the responsibilities associated with the combined Banksman and Slinger duties.
OPITO Initial Training is designed to equip learners with basic knowledge of these activities and the safety and regulatory requirements that apply to them. The course also provides extensive practical training, helping delegates begin developing the abilities they will need before progressing into supervised workplace experience.
Clear and controlled communication
Effective communication is fundamental to Banksman & Slinger activities.
The person performing the role must be able to communicate instructions clearly and consistently during the lifting operation. They must also remain aware of whether those instructions have been understood and whether communication can be maintained safely.
Communication needs to be controlled rather than rushed. If instructions become unclear or communication is lost, the operation should not continue until the situation has been resolved.
This requires confidence, concentration and an understanding of the agreed communication arrangements for the task.
Practical understanding
A capable Banksman & Slinger needs practical knowledge of the activities associated with preparing for and participating in lifting operations.
This knowledge cannot be developed through classroom learning alone. Delegates need practical training that allows them to apply basic principles under controlled conditions.
The OPITO Initial Training programme reflects this need, with approximately 70 per cent of its 24 guided learning hours devoted to practical learning.
Practical ability should continue to develop after the course. Successful learners enter the workplace and work under the direct supervision of a competent person while completing their Workplace Experience Logbook.
Safety awareness
Banksman & Slinger activities must be approached with a clear understanding of safety requirements.
The individual needs to remain alert to the operation, the working area and the responsibilities connected with the role. They must be able to follow the required procedures and recognise when an activity should not continue as planned.
Safety awareness is not simply about remembering information from a training course. It involves applying that knowledge consistently and making appropriate decisions during practical work.
Understanding regulatory responsibilities
The OPITO Initial Training standard includes the safety and regulatory requirements associated with Banksman & Slinger activities. This gives learners an important foundation for understanding why the role must be carried out in a structured and controlled way.
A professional Banksman & Slinger should appreciate that procedures and requirements are not optional. They exist to provide a consistent approach to lifting activities and must be followed alongside the employer’s own arrangements and instructions.
Developing from training to competence
Initial Training introduces the learner to the role, but the required skills must then be developed through workplace experience.
During this period, the learner works under direct supervision and records the relevant experience in the OPITO Workplace Experience Logbook. The Competence Assessment then establishes whether the person has the underpinning knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to fulfil the role safely and effectively.
The most effective Banksmen and Slingers understand that professional development continues beyond the classroom. Training provides the foundation, while supervised experience and assessment demonstrate whether those skills can be applied to the required standard.
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For further information, contact Carl Wright Training Services on 01502 568895.
