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Delivering training services for the Built Environment and Utility sectors since 2004, we operate from our purpose-built training facilities and regional offices located in Southeast London, the East Midlands and West Yorkshire, with the use of over 100 training centres nationwide.

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CPCS Slinger/Signaller (A40) - Test Only

Introduction

As part of the lifting team, the slinger signaller attaches and secures loads using non-specialised lifting accessories, signals the movement of suspended loads and guides them to an agreed destination, leaving the load in a safe condition. In addition, they ensure the safety of other workers or site visitors in the area and are one of the most critical on-site workers. 

With competence, diligence, and acute concentration as the eyes and ears of the crane operator, a slinger signaller works with lifting teams to provide safe direction and supervision to the crane operator.

The role is defined in two parts:

  • Slinging - safely connecting and securing various types of loads to a lifting hook using relevant lifting accessories and procedures   
  • Signalling - communicating information to the lifting equipment operator and others involved in the lift using one or more manual, hand and verbal instructions

Supervisors and appointed persons can work as the slinger signaller with combined qualifications. Find out more here.

This CPCS (A40) certification assesses the operator’s necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of safe slinging and signalling. It is specifically aimed at experienced plant operators. 

Delegates will need to inform us of which category they require at the time of booking:

  • A40A: Slinger Signaller for all machines, including pick and carry duties (Using Mobile Crane) - all endorsements combined
  • A40B: Slinger Signaller for static cranes only  
  • A40C: Slinger Signaller for Lorry Loaders only
  • A40D: Slinger Signaller for 360 Excavators only  
  • A40E: Slinger Signaller for Telehandlers only
Course Outline

Through a mix of practical and theory-based exercises, we test the delegate’s manufacturer information and general knowledge of the slinger signaller role. In addition, they’ll participate in practical activities to understand components and functions, best practices and operating methods.

The assessment reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited in line with regulations. In addition, choose Citrus and delegates will benefit from our custom-built training facilities and customer-first approach.

Our occupationally and technically experienced trainers test delegates on this course, completing the session with a practical observation and theoretical post-course assessment. Delegates must pass the examination to qualify for the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, valid for two years.

Course Programme

This assessment is essential for workers to operate as a slinger signaller safely. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, and understand procedures and appropriate documentation and classifications.

Delegates will be tested on:

  • Understanding of the CPCS qualification   
  • Health and safety legislation relating to lifting operations and slinging and signalling  
  • Theoretical knowledge of lifting operations
  • Roles and responsibilities of personnel involved with lifting operations
  • All documentation and certification for lifting equipment and lifting accessories
  • Slinging techniques, including down rating of accessories
  • Sling angles
  • Communication types and techniques
  • Use of accessories, types of hitch, pre-use checks and de-rating of accessories 
  • A practical sequence of operations, lift safety and signalling controlling loads      
  • Practical operations, lift safety, signalling and controlling loads  
On Completion

At the end of the test, successful delegates will: 

  • Understand their role and responsibilities as a slinger signaller
  • Confidently prepare and set up for work
  • Conduct working tasks, including pick and carry  
  • Understand and implement Legislation and Health & Safety procedures and requirements  
  • Carry out machine operation for all routine tasks 
  • Know how to calculate weights and sizes of loads and how to inform the plant operator
  • Understand the effects of load size, weight, gradients and ground conditions affecting machine stability 
  • Conduct routine servicing and maintenance following the manufacturer’s instructions 
  • Know how to select, use and maintain the appropriate lifting tackle for a job 
  • Understand and communicate clear and accepted signals for moving a load  

On successful completion, delegates receive their Red Trained Operator CPCS Card, valid for two years.

Who Should Attend?

This CPCS Slinger Signaller A40 test is for experienced Plant Operators who need to obtain their Red Operator Card.

Course Duration

This comprehensive assessment qualifies delegates to safely and responsibly operate as a slinger signaller for excavation:

Preparation and Testing –  two-day course split with training on day-one and testing on day-two for a maximum of three delegates

Test only - one-day with a maximum of three delegates

One-to-one and group testing options are also available. Please get in touch with our customer team to find out more.

Why Citrus?

We dedicate our efforts to unrivalled quality and the customer experience at Citrus Training, working tirelessly to provide exemplary service to our clients and produce excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors. 

We have over 30 specialist Plant and Lifting trainers and assessors, coaching and testing nationwide to meet any specific needs of our clients. With a wealth of experience and expertise, they have successfully trained over 25,000 delegates across the Plant and NVQ training categories.

Our facilities include six technical centres with the capacity for delivering Plant Training across the UK. And our national, accredited Training and Test Centres are fully equipped to provide CPCS and CSCS accredited courses. In addition, as an approved NPORS training provider, we can also offer on-site training and testing nationwide. 

Finally, as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by CITB, we provide quality training that meets the industry-approved standards. 

Things You Need to Know

Delegates will need to inform us of which category they require testing on at the time of booking: 

  • A40A: Slinger Signaller for all machines, including pick and carry duties (Using Mobile Crane) - all endorsements combined 
  • A40B: Slinger Signaller for static cranes only  
  • A40C: Slinger Signaller for Lorry Loaders only
  • A40D: Slinger Signaller for 360 Excavators only
  • A40E: Slinger Signaller for Telehandlers only

This CPCS Certifed course has practical elements, so delegates must inform their trainer if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations or are taking any medication, which may create difficulties in participating.

Delegates must pass their health, safety and environmental touch test within two years of taking their CPCS theory test. 

If you are a CITB Levy payer, you can claim a CITB Grant for this course. Once you have booked please contact us with your CITB number and we can assist you in claiming the funds.

Popular FAQ's

Yes - delegates need to have a good understanding of the English language to take the course.

There are practical elements, so delegates should make their trainer aware of any special considerations.

This test cannot be taken on-site. It must be held at a registered training and testing centre.

This test is for experienced operators. See the novice training course for more information.

You can upgrade your Red Card to a Blue Card with the NOCN – NVQ Level 2 – Controlling Lifting Operations – Slinger Signaller follow-up course.

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