Site Operations
Lifting Accessories, Slinging, Rigging & Banksman Signalling
Covers safe use of lifting accessories, sling angle and load calculations, rigging inspection, exclusion zones, and standard banksman/signaller hand signals required on UAE construction lifting operations.
v2.0Updated 15 Feb 2026ADOSH-SF v4.1 (February 2026)Learning Objectives
- Identify common lifting accessories and their Safe Working Load (SWL) marking requirements.
- Calculate the effect of sling angle on load per leg in a multi-leg lift.
- Describe pre-use inspection requirements for chains, wire rope slings and shackles.
- Explain the roles of appointed person, lift supervisor, rigger and banksman in a UAE lift plan.
- Demonstrate the standard set of banksman hand signals used to direct crane operations.
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1. Lifting Accessories and SWL
Lifting accessories — chain slings, wire rope slings, webbing slings, shackles, eyebolts and spreader beams — must be clearly marked with their Safe Working Load (SWL), manufacturer, and unique identification number, and accompanied by a valid Thorough Examination certificate (maximum 6-monthly validity in the UAE for lifting accessories, 12-monthly for lifting equipment). Any accessory without current certification or legible SWL marking must be removed from service and tagged out immediately.
2. Sling Angle and Load Calculations
As sling angle from the horizontal decreases, the tension in each leg increases dramatically. At 90° (vertical), each leg carries its share of the load; at 30° from horizontal, the load per leg roughly doubles compared to vertical; below 30° is generally prohibited on UAE sites. A rigger must calculate the working load limit for the actual angle used, not the vertical-rated SWL, and select accessories rated accordingly with an appropriate safety factor.
3. Pre-Use Inspection
Before every lift, inspect chain slings for stretched or bent links, cracks, and worn hooks with safety latches; wire rope slings for broken wires, birdcaging, kinks, and corrosion; and shackles for a matching, tightened pin (never substitute with a bolt), body deformation and correct SWL. Webbing slings must be checked for cuts, fraying, chemical damage and UV degradation — a real risk given UAE sun exposure. Any doubt means the accessory is condemned, not used.
4. Lift Planning Roles
UAE lifting operations require a documented lift plan under the Appointed Person, who assesses ground conditions, load weight, radius, and crane capacity charts. The Lift Supervisor oversees the operation on site; the Rigger/Slinger selects and attaches accessories correctly; the Banksman/Signaller directs crane movement and controls the exclusion zone; and the Crane Operator holds a valid UAE-recognised competency certificate. No lift proceeds without all named roles present and the plan approved.
5. Exclusion Zones and Ground Conditions
An exclusion zone equal to at least the maximum load radius plus a safety margin must be established and barricaded before lifting, with only essential personnel — riggers and banksman — permitted inside during the lift. Outriggers must be fully extended on stable, level ground with load spreader mats where ground bearing capacity is uncertain, a particular concern on UAE reclaimed or made-up ground. No lift proceeds over occupied walkways, live roads or occupied buildings without a specific method statement.
6. Standard Banksman Hand Signals
UAE sites use a standardised set of hand signals: raise arm vertically with palm facing forward and rotate hand for 'hoist'; extend arm horizontally, palm down, moving up and down for 'lower'; both arms extended horizontally, hands making a follow motion for 'travel'; a clenched fist raised for 'stop'; and both arms crossed above the head for 'emergency stop'. Only one banksman directs the crane operator at a time, using clear line of sight or radio communication when out of sight.
Knowledge Assessment
1. In the UAE, the maximum validity period for Thorough Examination of a lifting accessory is:
2. As sling angle decreases from vertical, the load on each leg:
3. Sling angles below approximately 30° from horizontal are generally:
4. A shackle pin that does not match should be:
5. Who assesses ground conditions, load weight and crane capacity in a UAE lift plan?
6. The exclusion zone during a lift should be based on:
7. The hand signal for 'stop' is typically:
8. The hand signal for 'emergency stop' is:
9. Webbing slings on UAE sites are particularly vulnerable to:
10. Outriggers on a mobile crane should be positioned on:
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