Riggers / Banksman / Slinger Duties

Slinging or hooking crane loads should only be controlled by a person qualified in slinging and lifting practices and who has been authorized to do so. The rigger / banksman should wear a coloured hi-viz work vest or jacket that allows him to be distinguished by the crane operator in any working conditions, i.e. in poor visibility or at night.

He shall be visible to the operator at all times. If the rigger / banksman does not have a clear and unrestricted view of the load and the operator he should use a radio to communicate with the operator.

For crane operations, a team of no less than 3 should be used, e.g. crane operator, riggers / banksman and slinger, if required more personnel can be used to help control the load. The rigger / banksman does not get involved in slinging or landing the load that is the duty of the slinger. There should be a rigger / banksman / slinger at the pickup point and at the lay down area as well.

Signals

Hand signals should be the primary means of communication with the crane operator. Only those hand signals illustrated on the cards and set out in BS 7121 Safe use of Cranes should be used. The signals shall be given clearly and precisely at all times, so as to leave the operator in no doubt as to what is required. The crane operator should not accept hand signals from anyone other than the designated rigger / banksman. The exception for this is for an EMERGENCY STOP.

The Emergency Stop signal can be given by anyone who recognizes the need for it.

Lifting Operations

Personnel and Equipment Safety

a) Ensure suitable arrangements have been made to prevent unauthorized access to working area by erecting signs, barriers and making tannoy announcements if required.

b) Be responsible for the safe slinging of loads and hooking onto crane.

c) Never attach the crane hook to loads which is out of the crane radius.

d) Never allow loads to be landed in areas other than those designated as landing areas.

e) Not to allow personnel to work or stand under suspended loads.

f) Confirm that the crane operator has received and understood all tannoy messages.

The rigger / banksman should check that the lifting accessories to be used are fit for purpose. All accessories and equipment to be used shall be certificated, have SWL, CE marked and where applicable a current colour code. Only the correct slinging techniques which are the proper and accepted methods for lifting loads in the industry shall be used.

Radio Communications

Before commencing any lifting operations, good radio communications between all parties concerned shall be established. If working a vessel then again we need to establish good communications, and we need to discuss the proposed lifts with the vessel master to avoid any confusion. If for any reason radio communication is lost all activities must stop until clear communication is restored.

Radio communication is an aid to and should not be substituted for the rigger / banksman hand signals.