The banksman course is designed for novice and experienced banksmen/ signalmen. Learners who meet the assessment criteria will be permitted to conduct banksman activities within the working environment, having been familiarised with communication methods, the legislated allocation of responsibilities, safe lifting practices and lift planning.
Learners will be able to correctly guide the crane operator through an obstacle course by demonstrating the correct hand and/or radio signals, as well as identifying, selecting and safely securing slings to a load.
Entry requirements
Basic maths and English literacy (minimum Grade 7).
For any queries regarding the requirements and conditions of banksman training, contact our skills development advisor for more information.
Materials handling and lifting operations training
Banksman training
Rigger/Banksman operations
Course contentBanksman training pre-requirements
Lifting teams
We outline a Banksman’s duties and responsibilities in relation to:
• The Lifting Supervisor,
• The Rigger (Slinger),
• The Tagline Assistants and
• Crane Operator.
Legislation concerning Banksmen
• Legal responsibilities in a nutshell,
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993,
• Driven Machinery Regulations of 1988,
• Mine Health and Safety Act of 1996, general machinery regulations and hazard warning signals
Background knowledge requirements of Banksmen
We cover topics such as
• Safe lifting practice and crane operations knowledge outlines;
• Preparations and planning for moving a load;
• Conditions for the safe lift-off of a load;
• ‘Hands-free’ operations;
• Weather condition and visibility considerations;
• The correct use and care of equipment and correct slinging methods of loads;
• Landing of loads; moving a load safely;
• What to avoid when conducting lifting operations;
• After a lifting operation – wrapping up a project and reconciliation.
Best practice guidelines for Banksmen
Best practice guidelines include:
• Job perimeter familiarisation;
• Exclusion zones for uninvolved personnel;
• Danger zones during operations;
• Radio communication;
• Hand signals for various cranes;
• the importance of continuous signalling; tandem communications;
• Eliminating outside interference (second signaller accident risks) and job focus;
• The danger to riggers hands;
• Safe positioning of tag line assistants.
Assessment methods
We conduct a formative theoretical assessment at the beginning of the course to gauge the learner’s initial understanding (novices only). At the end of the training, a summative theoretical and practical application assessment is conducted, to find if the learner is competent; if not, additional developmental areas are identified and suggested.