Course Introduction

The NPORS N402 Slinger / Signaller course is designed to provide delegates with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely sling, signal and direct lifting operations in accordance with current industry best practices and relevant legislation.

The program develops competent Slinger/Signallers who can effectively communicate with crane operators, inspect lifting accessories, calculate load characteristics, and ensure lifting operations are completed safely and efficiently.

Learning outcomes

1. Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as a Slinger / Signaller
2. Be able to conform to manufacturers requirements as per technical data, conform to relevant regulations and legislation
3. Be able to locate, identify and explain different types of lifting equipment and lifting accessories. Explain their basic construction, uses, applications and their functions
4. Be able to interpret and extract information on all relevant documentation
5. Undertake all pre-use checks on non-specialist lifting accessories and identify non serviceable items
6. Explain procedures for placing non-serviceable items out-of-service
7. Identify and explain centres of gravity and calculate estimated weights of loads
8. Set up exclusion zone explaining actions required for emergency actions, identifying any overhead hazards
9. Identify and maintain PPE appropriate for Slinger / Signaller use
10. Secure various types of loads to a hook using the relevant lifting accessories and procedures ensuring load balance, security and integrity
11. Direct and guide the movement of loads to different types of location using different methods of communication
12. Environmental considerations
13. Carry out all out-of service and securing procedures

Course content

Theory

The theoretical component evaluates regulations, safe practices, accessory selection, load management, safe slinging and signaling practices:

• Regulations & Standards: Key UK legislation including HASAWA 1974, PUWER, LOLER, COSHH, Working at Heights, CDM, Manual Handling Regulations, and BS 7121 (Parts 1 & 2).
• Documentation & Roles: Lift Plans, Risk Assessments, Method Statements, CPA documentation, operator safety guidance, and manufacturer specifications.
• Lifting Accessories: Identifying types, construction, functions, uses, Safe Working Load (SWL), and Working Load Limit (WLL).
• Inspection Procedures: Conducting pre-use checks on accessories, recognizing defects/damage, and procedures for removing non-serviceable items from service.
• Load Calculations & Physics: Calculating estimated load weights using material density/dimensions, identifying centres of gravity, understanding load integrity/integrity changes (e.g., moisture content), and evaluating angular stresses.
• Communication & Site Safety: Radio protocols (e.g., using “call signs”), hand signals, establishing exclusion zones, assessing overhead hazards, ground conditions, and environmental factors (e.g., wind).
• Safe Rigging practices, types of hitches, standard hand signals as per BS 7121.

Practical

• Pre-Lifting & Verification Checks.
• Machine/accessory test certification, and thorough examination documents.
• Establish an exclusion zone and agree on communication methods with the operator.
• Execution of Lifts: Slinging of various types of load with different types of hitches as per NPORS Guidelines.
• Perform a trial lift for each operation to confirm stability, balance, and weight.
• Control load swing and movement using tag/guide lines secured by non-detaching devices.
• Land all loads within 100 mm of the target position and ensure they are made safe/stable.
• Detach accessories correctly without dragging or leaving them attached to the machine hook.
• Inspect accessories for post-use wear or damage, release shortening clutches, and store items properly in a clean, dry, off-the-ground environment.