CSCS Slinger/Signaller cheat sheet

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require that all lifting operations are properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out by competent persons.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require work equipment to be suitable for its intended use, maintained in safe condition, and inspected at suitable intervals.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 imposes a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their work.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require risk assessments to be carried out and recorded where five or more employees are employed.

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 require that lifting equipment is marked with its safe working load (SWL) and that lifting accessories are marked to identify characteristics affecting safe use.

Under LOLER, lifting equipment used for lifting people must be thoroughly examined at least every six months; other lifting equipment at least every twelve months, unless an examination scheme specifies otherwise.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) require reporting of dangerous occurrences such as the collapse or failure of lifting equipment.

A competent person for lifting operations is defined as someone with sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge and experience to perform the required duties safely.

The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations require CE/UKCA marking of machinery, including lifting equipment, placed on the market.

The appointed person (AP) has overall responsibility for planning the lifting operation and for selecting the correct equipment and personnel.

The crane supervisor implements the lift plan on site, directs the lifting team, and has authority to stop the operation if conditions change or become unsafe.

The slinger/signaller is responsible for attaching and detaching loads, guiding the load, and communicating signals to the crane operator.

The crane operator is responsible for operating the crane safely in accordance with the lift plan and signals received, and for stopping if a signal is unclear or unsafe.

The competent person for thorough examination inspects lifting equipment and accessories at statutory intervals and certifies their continued fitness for use.

The site manager ensures that a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and method statement exist for the lifting operation and that personnel are competent.

A slinger/signaller must not direct a load over persons; if a load must be moved over an area, the area must be cleared and exclusion zones enforced.

Only one designated signaller should give signals to the crane operator at any time, except in an emergency when anyone may give a stop signal.

Before any lift, a risk assessment must identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement control measures; the lift plan must reflect these controls.

Exclusion zones must be established beneath and around the load path to prevent persons from being struck by the load or falling objects.

Weather conditions, particularly wind speed, must be monitored; lifting operations should stop when wind speeds exceed the crane manufacturer's limits or when the load becomes uncontrollable.

Ground conditions must be assessed to ensure they can support the crane and load; outriggers must be fully extended and on suitable spreader mats if required.

Personnel involved in lifting operations must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear.

Manual handling of loads should be avoided where possible; where necessary, assess the load and use mechanical aids or team lifting.

Overhead power lines must be identified and isolated or a safe distance maintained; the crane's safe working envelope must be planned accordingly.

Emergency procedures, including rescue arrangements for persons at height or trapped, must be planned before the lift begins.

The safe working load (SWL) or working load limit (WLL) of a sling is the maximum load it may lift under specified conditions; it must never be exceeded.

Webbing slings must be inspected for cuts, tears, abrasion, and chemical damage; any sling with a damaged label or cover should be removed from service.

Chain slings must be inspected for stretched links, cracks, gouges, and wear; wear exceeding 10% of the original link diameter is typically grounds for rejection.

Wire rope slings must be inspected for broken wires, corrosion, kinks, and bird-caging; the number of broken wires in a given length determines rejection.

Shackles must be rated and marked with their SWL; screw pin shackles must be fully tightened and moused if there is a risk of the pin unscrewing.

Lifting beams and spreaders distribute load and must be used within their rated capacity; they must be marked with their SWL and have current examination certification.

Sling angle affects capacity: as the angle between the sling legs and the horizontal decreases, the tension in each leg increases for the same load.

Lifting accessories must be stored correctly to prevent damage and must be inspected before each use by a competent person.

The load must be balanced and the centre of gravity (CoG) must be directly below the crane hook to prevent swinging or tilting.

For a two-leg sling, the tension in each leg = (Load / 2) / sin(angle), where angle is measured from the horizontal; this shows that flatter sling angles increase leg tension.

For a multi-leg sling, the load may not be shared equally between legs unless the geometry and load distribution ensure it; only two legs are assumed to share the load in many assessments.

A tag line should be used to control the load and prevent rotation, especially for long or awkward loads.

When using a basket hitch, the SWL is typically twice that of a single leg, provided the legs are vertical and the load is balanced.

When using a choker hitch, the SWL is reduced (often to 80% of the single-leg capacity) due to the bending of the sling around the load.

Sharp edges must be protected with edge protectors or packing to prevent damage to slings and to maintain their strength.

Loads must be lifted slightly and checked for stability and correct balance before the main lift proceeds.

Standard hand signals must be used as specified in the relevant British Standard (BS 7121) or industry guidance; they must be clear and unambiguous.

The emergency stop signal is given by extending one arm horizontally and moving it rapidly side to side at shoulder height.

The raise load signal is given by pointing the forearm upwards with the hand open and moving it in a small circle.

The lower load signal is given by pointing the forearm downwards with the hand open and moving it in a small circle.

The dog everything signal (stop) is given by holding one arm horizontally and moving the other hand across it in a cutting motion.

Radio communication must use clear, standard phrases; the operator must repeat back critical instructions to confirm understanding.

If a signal is not understood or is ambiguous, the crane operator must stop the operation until communication is clarified.

Only the designated signaller should give signals; however, anyone may give an emergency stop signal if they perceive imminent danger.

A lifting plan must be prepared by the appointed person and should include: load weight, rigging, crane position, load path, personnel roles, and contingency measures.

The load weight must be confirmed from documentation or by calculation; if unknown, it must be determined by a competent person before lifting.

The crane's capacity must be checked against the load chart for the specific radius, boom length, and configuration; the load must never exceed the rated capacity.

The site must be organised to provide safe access for the crane, adequate space for the load, and exclusion zones for personnel not involved in the lift.

Coordination between the crane operator, slinger/signaller, and other site personnel is essential; pre-lift briefings should be conducted.

Environmental factors such as wind, visibility, and ground conditions must be monitored throughout the lift and operations suspended if conditions deteriorate.

After the lift, equipment must be inspected, returned to storage, and any defects reported; the lift plan and any incidents should be reviewed.