2. WHO IS A Flagman/ Banksman?
He is a:
1. Trained person who controls the movements of construction
equipment by signaling the operator.
2. Assists operator to safely manure the equipment in congested
areas where people are working.
3. Controls the movement of people while the equipment is in
operation.
4. Erects necessary barricades to control access of vehicles and
persons clear from the equipment.
5. Coordinates the work with other banksmen if more than one
equipment is in use in the same area.
6. Banksman is the eyes and ears of the operator where he can
not see (blind spots).
3. WHAT IS REQUIRED?
Only one person shall be designated as a banksman.
Should be able to observe the load and other workmen at all
times.
Must be always be in plain view of the crane operator.
Never assume any thing.
Make sure both workers and operators understand exactly what
is expected to safely move the load
All Banksmen are to Conduct
Daily Toolbox Talks
4. RESPONSIBLITIES
BANKSMAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE AND CORRECT USE OF LIFTING
EQUIPMENT.
He/She has to:
1. To Inspect all Equipments Prior to Use.
2. Report Defects to the Rigger / Supervisor.
3. Follow Company Policies and Procedures such
as PTWs and PPE … etc.
5. THEY MUST MAKE SURE THAT
Entrances and Exits Shall be Clearly Defined.
Banksman to Control all Vehicles within the Work Area.
Access to Work Area Will be Restricted by use of Barriers,
Warning Signs and Close Supervision.
All Escape Routes Shall be Kept Clear at All Times.
Follow Good Housekeeping Procedures.
6. DURING OPERATIONS
As a Banksman,
stand where you
can see the load
and can be seen
by the operator
14. IF THERE IS A DANGER !
1. Banksman must stop operator by using whistle and hand signal if
there is any danger to people or other machine.
2. Banksman must check clearance around excavations, under pipe racks,
structure foundations or Scaffoldings before taking his machine near or
around such areas.
3. Banksman should remain alert to see any danger due to machine’s
operation and should stop the operation immediately if a danger is
occurring.
4. Always remain in operator’s view otherwise machine can be dangerous
to banksman as well as workers.
15. What is a Banksman?
Banksman - Competent person
positioned so that he has an
unrestricted view of the load and the
vehicle operator, to give load-
maneuvering instructions to the
pertinent vehicle driver
e.g. crane driver via hand signals or
radio.
16. Importance of using a Banksman
Workplace transport is used in a great variety of situations but sadly
remains the second biggest cause of fatal injury in the workplace.
Workplace transport is one of the most "multi-factoral" risk control issues
duty holders have to cope with. Adequately controlling the risks,
especially the vehicle movement risks, depends on duty-holders
establishing and sustaining control over a wide range of matters
A Banksman should be used where necessary, both to keep he reversing
area free of pedestrians and to guide drivers.
17. Benefits of a Vehicle Banksman
Statistics show that almost 25% of all deaths that involve a heavy
vehicle at work happen during reversing – something that can be easily
avoided with the inclusion of a banksman.
It’s not just injury to people that a banksman can help to stop:
damage can be prevented too, both to the vehicle itself and any
other onsite equipment that may come into its path. This could
potentially save businesses thousandsin replacing machinery and
vehicles, while simultaneously helping them to meet health and safety
requirements
18. Duties of Bankman
Direct the site on traffic area.
Understand the risks involved with directing off highwaytrafficand be able to carry
out the role of vehicle banksman with confidence
Use a clear, agreed system of signaling.
Be visible to drivers at all times.
Stand in a safe position, from which to guide the reversing vehicle without being in its
way.
Wear high visibility clothing, and ensure that signals are clearly seen.
19.
20. Associated Risks
Using Banksmen to control reversing operations can put the
Banksman in the potential danger area of a reversing vehicle. Every year
Banksmen suffer serious and fatalinjuries whilst at work.
If you do use Banksmen, make sure they are trained to carryout their
duties safely. There must be a safe system of work that ensures the
Banksman and driver are using standard signals, so that they are easily
understood, and that the driver knows to stop the vehicle immediately if
the Banksman disappears from view.
21. Vehicle Banksman Training
The importance and responsibility of this job means it requires Banksmen to be
fully trained. In turn, the training for any Vehicle Banksman needs to be thorough
and comprehensive. It’s essential to have knowledge ofall the health and safety
aspects associated with this job. This includes things like:
Knowing what responsibilities a Vehicle Banksman has
The main causes of accidents
How to prevent common accidents
Understanding equipment and machinery
The correct procedures for maneuvering equipment It’s a job which is always in
demand and highly valued, not just by employers but by work colleagues.According
to statistics, nearly one in four deaths which involve a vehicle at work, are when it’s
reversing. It’s easy to see, with this fact alone, why a Vehicle Banksman has such an
important role to play in any work area.
22. Why Do you Need a Vehicle?
As well as deaths and injuries, there can be significant and costly damage to vehicles and
other on-site equipment in an uncontrolled environment. A Vehicle Banksman has the
important responsibility of trying to ensure these accidents don’t happen. The other side of
this is that being a Vehicle Banksman can be an extremely rewarding job, one which
repays training with giving any individual a fulfilling, rewarding and satisfying role in the
workplace.
With training and qualifications, a Banksman can be vital in a number of different working
environments such as docks, factories, loading bays and storage depots. Places such as
building sites, for instance, which often have large vehicles, trucks, diggers and cranes all
in one relatively enclosed space need a good Vehicle Banksman to take control and direct
vehicle operations. In simple terms, the better the training, the better the Banksman – which
is why when it comes to training you should make sure you always goto a recognized
training company which is well respected within the industry.
23. Can we still use Banksman for reversing vehicles?
Yes, but only if trained and authorized . There is a hierarchy of control which places
segregation at the top. Banksman should only be used in circumstances where other control
measures are not possible.
Nearly a quarter of all deaths involving vehicles at work occur during reversing. Many other
reversing accidents do not result in injury but cause costly damage to vehicles, equipment
and premises
Remove the need for reversing altogether, by setting up one-way systems, for example drive-
through loading and unloading positions. Where reversing is unavoidable, routes should be
organized to minimize the need for reversing.
24. In locations where reversing cannot be avoided
Reversing areas' should be planned out and clearly marked.
People who do not need to be in reversing areas should be kept well clear.
Consider employing a trained signaler (a Banksman), both to keep the reversing area free of pedestrians
and to guide drivers. Be aware: The use of signalers is not allowed in some industries due to the size of
vehicles involved, and the difficulty that drivers have in seeing them.
A signaler:
Will need to use a clear, agreed system of signaling. Will need to be visible
to drivers at all times.
Will need to stand in a safe position, from which to guide the reversing
vehicle without being in its way.
Should wear very visible clothing, such as reflective vests, and ensure that
any signals are clearly seen.
If drivers lose sight of the signalers they should know to stop immediately.
Consider whether portable radios or similar communication systems would be helpful
25. Steps might help to reduce the risk of reversing accidents
Site layouts can be designed (or modified) to increase visibility for drivers and pedestrians, for example:
By increasing the area allowed for reversing. By installing fixed mirrors in smaller areas.
Reducing the dangers caused by 'blind-spots': Most vehicles already have external side-mounted and
rear-view mirrors fitted. These need to be kept clean and in good repair. Refractive lenses fitted to rear
windows or closed-circuit television systems can be used to help drivers to see behind the vehicle.
Reversing alarms can be fitted: These should be kept in working order. where an audible alarm might not
stand out from the background noise, flashing warning lights can be used.
Stops such as barriers, or buffers at loading bays can be used. They should be highly visible, and sensibly
positioned.
Where vehicles reverse up to structures or edges, barriers or wheel stops can be used to warn drivers that
they need to stop.
White lines on the floor can help the driver position the vehicle accurately.
38. SUMMARY
Can the Crane Op see your signals
Use a radio if needed
Speak slowly & clearly
Establish & confirm radio contact with the Crane Operator
Be aware of background noise
Regularly check the battery
