AIMS:

The aim and objectives of the Level II competence assessment are to establish that the delegate has the required underpinning knowledge, understanding and practical skills to fulfill the role of Banksman & Slinger safely and effectively.

COMPETENCE ASSESSMENT:

Level II Assessment is comprised of two parts:

• Knowledge assessment

• Practical assessment

The Knowledge Assessment comprises a written test of which the pass mark is 80%.

There are two competence units for Level II Practical Assessment. They are:

• Unit 1: Direct and Control the Movement and Placing of Loads

• Unit 2: Prepare and Sling Loads

UNIT 1 - Direct and Control the Movement and Placing of Loads The delegate, in the Banksman’s role, is required to demonstrate all of the lifts 1 to 5 specified below - to the performance criteria specified in Element 1.1.

Lift Types:

• A simple pre-slung lift

• A bundled tubular lift

• A restricted access lift

• A lift in which the load has an offset center of gravity

• A blind lift

Element 1.1 – Performance Criteria

Performance - The delegate must demonstrate the following:

• Implementing the load-moving procedures effectively from the competent person’s lifting plan and risk assessment

• Discussing the lift with relevant personnel at a team briefing (Toolbox Talk)

• An understanding of the procedure to follow in the event of a general emergency alarm

• An understanding of the company procedure for environmental conditions and the limits allowed

• Confirming the weight of the load

• Confirming signalling and communication methods with relevant personnel

• Awareness of permanent obstructions within the crane reach and working area

• Installing barriers effectively to keep the lifting area clear

• Checking the load rating and size of the lay down area

• Checking that the pick - up and lay down areas have effective exits, unobstructed access and escape routes

• Visually checking the load and the lifting equipment

• Ensuring the slinger has the correct lifting accessories for the load and pre - use checks have been carried out

• Ensuring that personnel are in safe positions

• Establishing and maintaining effective co-operation and communications with the crane operator, slingers, and if appropriate the supply vessel

• Giving the signal to lift, minimally at first, to test stability

• Accurately directing the load to its destination, using agreed communications

• Maintaining an awareness of ongoing or adjacent activities that may affect crane operations

• Monitoring the support and balance of the slung load during travel

• Positioning and giving the signal for the crane operator to set down the load and relax the sling(s)

• Effectively handing over the lift to the load handlers/slingers for them to remove the lifting equipment

Underpinning Knowledge - The delegate must demonstrate that they know and understand:

• The Banksman’s responsibilities under the Health and Safety Statutory requirements

• The approved procedures and practices in the context of the operations, the work activity and the workplace

• How to interpret instructions for the movement of loads

• How to establish the weight of loads

• The relevant personnel involved in the activity and reporting lines and procedures

• Unsafe areas to stand near the load

• The methods used for signalling and communication

• The emergency stop signal that can be given by anyone to the crane operator

• Route planning methods and techniques

• The reasons for wearing high-visibility clothing

• Why it is important that the hook is above the load’s centre of gravity

• The additional considerations required for following non-standard lifts such as heavy lifts, longs load and blind lifts

• The necessary considerations for working with cranes in adverse weather conditions

• Areas of the site/ installation which need special consideration if a load needs to be landed near or passed close to those areas

UNIT 2 - Prepare and sling loads

The delegate, in the Slinger’s role, is required to demonstrate all slung load types 1 to 3 specified below - to the criteria specified in Element 2.1

Types of Slung Loads:

• Prepare and sling a simple lift (not pre-slung)

• Prepare and sling a bundle of 3 or more tubulars

• Prepare and sling a load with an offset center of gravity

Element 2.1 - Performance Criteria

Performance - The delegate must demonstrate the following:

• Reviewing ‘Implement Load-Moving’ procedures from the competent person’s lifting plan and risk assessment

• Discussing the lift with relevant personnel at a TBT

• Using relevant information and instruction to accurately identify the weight of the load to be moved

• Choosing the slinging technique appropriate to the characteristics of the load and the intended lift

• Checking the condition of the load so that it is fit to be lifted

• Checking for potential dropped objects on the load

• Checking that the load is free to be moved

• Selecting lifting accessories and confirm that they are suitable for the load

• Conducting pre-use checks of the lifting accessories

• Securing the cargo within a container/half height using ratchet straps

• Preparing and slinging loads appropriate to the slinging technique chosen

• Attaching tag lines to the load, if required

• Effectively handing over the load to the Banksman when the load is ready to be lifted

• Keeping hold of the tag lines during the lift under direction from the Banksman - if tag lines have been used

• Approaching the load in its final destination when signaled by the Banksman

• Releasing the load and carry out post-use checks  Storing slings and lifting accessories

• Disposing of wastes in accordance with site/installation procedures

Underpinning Knowledge - The delegate must demonstrate that they know and understand:

• The Slinger’s responsibilities under the Health and Safety Statutory requirements

• The approved procedures and practices in the context of the operations, the work activity and the workplace

• How to interpret instructions for the movement of load

• How to establish the weight of loads

• The relevant personnel involved in the activity and reporting lines and procedures

• Unsafe areas to stand near the load

• The colour coding and marking systems for lifting equipment and accessories, and why they are used

• SWL, WLL and sling angles

• Considerations to ensure load stability, security and correct weight distribution

• How information on the load characteristics (i.e.) hazardous and non - hazardous should be communicated

• How to use lifting accessories within their capabilities

• The types of faults that are possible with lifting accessories

• How to secure the cargo within container/half height using ratchet straps

• How to handover effectively during lifting operations

• That the emergency stop signal can be given by anyone to the crane operator

• How to check slings after use

• How to coil and store reusable slings after use

• The purpose of a rigging loft and quarantine

• How to correctly store various types of lifting equipment and accessories

• Appropriate locations and environmentally sound techniques for disposing of waste materials