Objective

The objective of the OPITO competence assessment is to establish that the candidate has the required underpinning knowledge, understanding and practical skills to fulfil the role of Banksman and Slinger safely and effectively.

Target Group

The Banksman & Slinger Competence Assessment is for personnel wishing to become OPITO certified competent Banksman & Slingers

Prerequisites

Option 1 (a) An OPITO-approved Banksman and Slinger Initial Training Certificate awarded within the previous 32 months.
And
(b) A fully completed and valid OPITO Banksman and Slinger Workplace Experience Logbook and supporting evidence for each of the 57 tasks*, such as a copy of the lifting plan, permit or toolbox talk, based on the OPITO Banksman and Slinger Initial Training Standard and Banksman and Slinger Workplace Experience Logbook requirements. The logbook must be signed as true and valid by the employing company head of discipline or the employing company discipline manager and confirmed by the Centre as being present and correct prior to assessment taking place.
*Supporting evidence is not required for learners who completed the Initial Training Standard (previously Stage 1) between February 29th, 2020, and February 28th, 2022.
Or
(c) If a learner completed the Initial Training Standard (previously Stage 1) between February 29th, 2020, and February 28th, 2022 and does not have a completed Workplace Experience Logbook, a formal letter from a current employer, meeting the below criteria, may be accepted.
The letter must:
1) Be on company letterhead 2) State that the learner has met the equivalent of the OPITO (previously Stage
2) Workplace Experience Logbook criteria
3) Include details of the senior employer representative’s position in the company, full contact details, and be signed and dated by the senior employer’s representative
4) Be sent directly from the employer to the Centre prior to assessment and not provided by the Learner
Option 2
(d) An OPITO Approved Banksman and Slinger Competence Assessment or Re-Assessment Certificate awarded with the previous 30 months.
Option 3
(e) Evidence that they have been assessed as competent and have achieved an equivalent qualification/certification by a nationally recognised awarding body, awarded within the previous 30 months**.
Please note that after two years the certificate would no longer be valid (see Note 1 below).
Note 1: Learners who possess an OPITO Banksman and Slinger Assessment or Re-Assessment Certificate which has expired by more than 6 months will be required to attend the OPITO Banksman and Slinger Initial Training prior to undertaking the Banksman and Slinger Competence Assessment. In these instances, there will be no requirement to complete a Work Experience Logbook. Banksman and Slinger Competence Assessment/Reassessment Standard
**It is the responsibility of the Centre to confirm and demonstrate appropriate recognition and equivalency of the Learner's qualification/certification.

Examination

The OPITO-approved Banksman and Slinger competence assessment comprises both a knowledge assessment and a practical assessment. Delegates must successfully complete both elements for certification.
Upon successful completion of the assessment, delegates will be awarded with an OPITO-approved Banksman and Slinger competence assessment certificate.
Certification is valid for 2 years. Prior to expiry delegates must complete the Banksman & Slinger Competence Reassessment to remain certified.

Course Contents

The course takes the form of a practical assessment and delegates must demonstrate their competency in the following areas:

• Direct and control the movement and placing of loads
o Maintaining clear and accurate communication with crane operator
o Awareness of other ongoing operations which may affect lifting activities

• Prepare and sling loads
o Establish the weight of the load
o Determining and checking the lifting method
o Lifting accessories
o Slinging of loads
o Clearing the work area