What is a Slinger/Signaller and How Do You Become One?

In the world of heavy industry, the safe movement of materials and equipment is a necessity. At the heart of these operations are Slinger/Signallers — key personnel for ensuring that loads are moved safely and accurately. A Slinger/Signaller plays a vital role in reducing accidents, improving productivity, and maintaining progress on busy construction, manufacturing, infrastructure and many other types of sites across the UK.

But what exactly does a Slinger/Signaller do? And how can someone become qualified to take on this challenging and rewarding role? Let’s take a look at the responsibilities, training pathways, required qualifications, and career prospects for those interested in becoming a Slinger/Signaller.

What is a Slinger/Signaller?

A Slinger/Signaller is responsible for directing lifting operations, typically involving cranes, on construction sites, docks, or other industrial environments. They are also commonly referred to as a Banksman, Slinger or Rigger. Their main role is defined in BS7121 (the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Cranes) as the person responsible for attaching/detaching the load; correct identification/use of accessories and initiating and directing the safe movement of the crane. Let’s take a closer look at what that actually means.

• Attaching and detaching loads: Ensuring that lifting gear is properly secured to the load and the lifting equipment before a lift begins.
• Correctly identifying and using accessories: selecting the correct lifting equipment for the job as specified in the lift plan and using the equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidance and industry best practice.
• Initiating and directing the safe movement of the crane: Using recognised hand signals and/or radio communications to give instructions to the crane operator whilst lifting and moving the load.
• Assessing lifting conditions: Checking ground stability, load weight, wind conditions, and any potential obstacles or hazards, stopping the lift where necessary to ensure safety.
• Working as part of a lifting team: Coordinating with the appointed person, lift supervisors, crane operators, and site managers.

The job demands a high level of awareness, good communication skills, and strict adherence to health and safety procedures. Even a temporary lapse in concentration could lead to serious injury and/or expensive incidents.

What Skills and Qualities Are Needed?

Being an effective Slinger/Signaller requires a combination of physical capability, technical understanding, and soft skills. These include:

• Excellent communication: Clear and confident signalling is essential, especially in noisy or chaotic environments. The crane operator must be able to easily identify what instructions they are being given.
• Spatial awareness: Understanding how loads and the lifting equipment itself moves and how to position them accurately.
• Attention to detail: Recognising hazards and preventing mistakes during lifts.
• Teamwork: Working closely with others, sometimes in high-pressure and time-sensitive situations.
• Good level of fitness: The role can involve long hours, outdoor work and elements of manual handling.

How Do You Become a Slinger/Signaller in the UK?

To become a certified Slinger/Signaller, individuals typically need to undertake formal training and obtain recognised qualifications. Whilst there isn’t a specific qualification or “licence” that’s mandated, without a suitable qualification it will be difficult to gain relevant experience.

1. Meet Basic Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic requirements to be a Slinger/Signaller, but candidates should:

• Be over 18 years of age (unless on an apprenticeship or other similar scheme).
• Have a good understanding of English (reading and verbal communication).
• Be physically fit for manual work.
• Ideally have some prior industry-relevant site experience, although this is not always essential.

2. Complete a Recognised Training Course

To work as a Slinger/Signaller, you should ideally complete an accredited training course. The law requires your employer – even if you are self-employed – to ensure that all persons have received adequate training. There are two main accreditation options for training covering the Slinger/Signaller role: CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) and NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme).

As the name suggests, CPCS focuses primarily on the construction sector, and is a widely regarded qualification for prospective Slinger/Signallers. The NPORS scheme is also accepted in the majority of construction settings but additionally benefits from being the preferred qualification in a number of other sectors such as Utilities, Marine/Port and Events (to name a few).

A third option is the ALLMI (Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers) scheme. This qualification is also offers near-universal acceptance on sites, but is geared more towards those who operate or work alongside lorry mounted cranes, as opposed to other types of lifting equipment.

The process to obtain these qualifications is similar, but not the same. Here’s an overview of the similarities and differences between Slinger/Signaller qualifications.

What the courses include:

• Understanding roles and responsibilities.
• Identifying different types of lifting equipment and accessories.
• Learning appropriate hand and radio signals.
• Attaching/detaching loads correctly.
• Risk assessments and method statements.
• Health and safety regulations.

All three accreditations are very similar in terms of their content – you will be required to pass a theoretical knowledge test and practical operating skills test for both, although the way that these are administered is slightly different.

Courses typically last between 1-3 days, depending on your previous experience, and combine classroom theory with practical, hands-on assessments.

3. Pass the Health, Safety and Environment Test (maybe)

Before you can attend CPCS training/testing, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test for Operatives, commonly known as the CSCS touchscreen test, or equivalent. This ensures that all site workers understand basic safety protocols.

This is not a requirement for the NPORS scheme, unless you require the CSCS version of the NPORS card – more on this in the next section.

For ALLMI courses, the Health, Safety and Environment training and testing is included as part of the course itself, so there’s no requirement to sit a separate test, but the CSCS logo will still be displayed on the operator card on successful completion of the course.

4. Gain Your Operator Card

After successfully completing your training and tests, you’ll receive your operator card. This allows you to work on site as a Slinger/Signaller. There are a couple of different cards available:

1. CPCS or NPORS CSCS Card – these will be red cards with the words “Trained Operator” on them. They’re valid for 2 years, and you’ll need to take the next steps to renew/extend it.
2. Traditional NPORS Card – this is valid for 3-5 years and can be renewed simply by attending refresher training/testing. This card doesn’t come with the CSCS logo on, which may be important if you are looking to use your qualification within the construction sector.
3. ALLMI Card – this is valid for 5 years and displays the CSCS logo. Training is geared towards lifting with lorry loaders which, whilst the skills are very much transferrable to other lifting equipment, may cause uncertainty with potential employers who use other equipment primarily. Cards are renewed by completing refresher training and a re-test.

5. Work Towards the Blue Competence Card

To gain your “Competent Operator” blue card – for the CPCS and NPORS CSCS card options – you’ll need to complete an NVQ Level 2 for Slinger/Signaller. This involves:

• On-site assessments by qualified assessors.
• Demonstrating practical competence over time.
• Recording evidence of your work on real projects.

Once you’ve achieved your NVQ, you can upgrade your NPORS / CPCS card, which will then be valid for five years.

ALLMI cards are automatically valid for 5 years, and do not require the operator to complete an NVQ at any point, although there is nothing to stop you from doing so!

Career Progression and Opportunities

Being a Slinger/Signaller is a respected and skilled position, and it can also serve as a stepping stone to more senior roles, such as:

• BS7121 Appointed Person (Lifting Operations): Responsible for the planning and supervising of all lifting activities on site.
• Crane Supervisor: Oversees lifting teams and ensures operations comply with legal requirements, safety standards and the lift plan.
• Crane Operator: With additional training, a Slinger/Signaller may transition to operating cranes themselves.

The demand for qualified lifting personnel continues to grow, particularly with large infrastructure and development projects across the UK. This is positive in terms of job security, pay rates, and opportunities to work on varied and exciting projects.

Salary Expectations

Pay can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of site or industry. At the time of publishing (May 2025) you could expect to earn around £18-25 per hour.

Overtime, weekend shifts, and specialised lifting operations can significantly impact your actual earnings.

Some positions will be temporary (from a couple of days up to a few years, depending on the project) but there may also be permanent positions available in your area. For salaried roles, you typically see vacancies advertised at around £35-40,000 per year but, again, this will vary depending on a number of factors.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Slinger/Signaller is a fantastic opportunity for individuals interested in practical, hands-on work with a focus on safety and teamwork. It’s a role that combines skill, responsibility, and real-world impact, with strong earning potential and clear paths for career development.

For those with a keen eye, good judgement, and a desire to be at the centre of lifting operations, this role offers a fulfilling and essential place within a host of different sectors.

Interested? Get in touch today to find out how you can start your Slinger/Signaller career with us!