CPCS Slinger Signaller Operations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary duty of a slinger/signaller during a lifting operation?
- To operate the crane controls
- To safely attach loads and guide the crane operator (Correct answer)
- To write the lifting plan
- To carry out pre-use checks on the crane
Correct answer: To safely attach loads and guide the crane operator
A slinger/signaller is responsible for correctly attaching loads to the crane hook and communicating safe guidance signals to the crane operator throughout the lift.
Question 2: Which CPCS card category covers the slinger/signaller role?
- A61
- A40 (Correct answer)
- A09
- A62
Correct answer: A40
CPCS category A40 specifically covers the slinger/signaller role, authorising the holder to attach loads and direct crane operations.
Question 3: What does the standard hand signal of one arm raised with the index finger pointing upward in a circular motion instruct the crane operator to do?
- Lower the load
- Slew the crane
- Hoist the load upward (Correct answer)
- Extend the jib
Correct answer: Hoist the load upward
A raised arm with the index finger pointing upward moving in a circular motion is the recognised signal for 'hoist up', instructing the operator to raise the load.
Question 4: What colour is the CPCS trained operator card issued before NVQ Level 2 competence is achieved?
- Gold
- Blue
- Red (Correct answer)
- Black
Correct answer: Red
The red CPCS card is the trained operator card issued to those who have completed training but not yet achieved the NVQ Level 2 qualification required for the competence (blue) card.
Question 5: Before attaching any sling to a load, what must the slinger/signaller check first?
- That the crane operator is ready
- The sling's SWL, condition and current thorough examination certificate (Correct answer)
- The weather forecast for the day
- That the site manager has given verbal approval
Correct answer: The sling's SWL, condition and current thorough examination certificate
The slinger must verify the sling's Safe Working Load (SWL), inspect it for defects, and confirm it has a valid thorough examination record before it is used.
Question 6: What does SWL stand for in the context of lifting accessories?
- Structural Weight Limit
- Site Working Limit
- Safe Working Load (Correct answer)
- Standard Weight Legislation
Correct answer: Safe Working Load
SWL stands for Safe Working Load, which is the maximum load a piece of lifting equipment is rated to handle under normal working conditions.
Question 7: What is the immediate signal a slinger/signaller must give if any danger is observed during a lift?
- Wave both arms above the head
- Give the hoist signal
- Give the emergency stop signal — both arms extended and lowered rapidly (Correct answer)
- Continue until reaching a safe point
Correct answer: Give the emergency stop signal — both arms extended and lowered rapidly
The emergency stop signal — both arms rapidly lowered and extended — must be given immediately if danger is observed, requiring the crane operator to stop all movement at once.
CPCS Slinger Signaller Operations 1
What is the primary duty of a slinger/signaller during a lifting operation?