Safe use of lifting equipment

Course Aims

To help employers meet the training requirements for slingers under the Health and Safety Executive's guidance note GS 39 "Training of crane drivers and slingers".

Course Objectives

By the end of this training programme, delegates will be able to;

1) Outline the main legal requirements relating to lifting tackle.

2) List the basic principals of safe slinging.

3) List the equipment required for a specific lifting activity.

4) Understand the terms 'safe working load' and 'working load limit'.

5) Understand the importance of knowing the weight of loads and centres of gravity.

6) Demonstrate the correct use and practice in the use of appropriate lifting gear.

7) Demonstrate correct hand signals to control crane movements.

8) Give three examples of defects that could be identified in the lifting tackle that they use at work.

Course Outline

Introduction to the syllabus and reasons for training.

Relevant legal requirements and published guidance material.

Introduction to the different types of lifting gear used by the employer, their functions, limitations and reasons for their possible failure.

Routine care, maintenance and reporting of defects.

Assessment of loads including estimation of weights and centres of gravity.

Selection, correct use and practice of lifting gear, including methods of slinging, rating of multi-legged slings, working load limits and safe working loads.

Manual hand signals.

Training Methods

Lectures, discussions and practical exercises.

Course length

Will depend on the exact requirements of the company and existing skills of operators. Could be one to two days.