Practical Lifting And Slinging Beneath The Hook Course

Key Features

Of this Beneath The Hook Course:

  • Covers selection, inspection and use of chain, wire rope and synthetic slings for all common load shapes
  • Practical sessions on hitch types, load balancing and centre-of-gravity calculations
  • Clear focus on LOLER and BS 7121 requirements for operations below the hook
  • Hands-on rigging of eyebolts, shackles, spreader beams and lifting beams
  • Communication protocols, hand signals and radio use during tandem and blind lifts
  • Post-use inspection, storage and discard criteria for lifting accessories

Course Date Availability

Beneath The Hook training at the following 3 centres. Prices from £275 per person :

Training Centres Next Dates
Crewe 12th Jun 202623rd Jun 2026
London, East 5th Aug 202619th Aug 2026
Taunton 11th Aug 20263rd Nov 2026

Course Information

Overview:

The Practical Lifting and Slinging Beneath The Hook course provides delegates with the complete set of skills required to plan, prepare and execute safe lifting operations from the point where the load is attached to the crane hook. Delegates learn to select the correct lifting accessories, calculate loads, apply appropriate hitches and manage the full range of real-world scenarios encountered on construction sites, in warehouses and during maintenance work. The training reflects current UK regulations and industry practice in 2026, ensuring every participant can contribute to compliant and incident-free lifting operations.


Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

  • Riggers and banksmen
  • Crane and lifting equipment operators
  • Warehouse and logistics operatives
  • Maintenance and engineering technicians
  • Site supervisors responsible for lifting activities
  • Health and safety advisors monitoring lifting operations

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • How to identify and select the correct slings and accessories for different load types and weights
  • Techniques for inspecting lifting gear before and after use and recognising defects
  • Methods for calculating load weight, centre of gravity and sling angles
  • Application of vertical, basket, choke and multi-leg hitches in practical scenarios
  • Safe attachment of loads using shackles, eyebolts, hooks and spreaders
  • Clear communication with crane operators using recognised hand signals and radios
  • Procedures for tandem lifts, blind lifts and working in restricted spaces

Course Agenda

Overview:

The course runs over one day and combines a short theory session with extended practical exercises using actual lifting equipment in a controlled training environment.


Key Modules Covered

What you will learn:

  • Legal duties under LOLER, PUWER and BS 7121
  • Lifting accessory identification and pre-use inspection
  • Load assessment and accessory selection
  • Practical rigging and hitch configuration
  • Signalling, communication and team coordination
  • Post-lift procedures and equipment care

Private Courses On-site

Practical Lifting And Slinging Beneath The Hook training is also available as a dedicated course, at your premises, and on a date and time of your choosing. Advantages of group / private course is the convenience of candidates being in familiar surroundings and not having to travel, the lowest price, and the ability to have the course tailored to your own application.


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Accreditation & Next Steps

What you will achieve as a result:

Delegates who complete the course and pass both theory and practical assessments receive a certificate of training together with an operator card recognised across UK construction and industrial sectors. The qualification remains valid for five years, after which a refresher course is required to maintain currency.


Frequently Asked Questions

Most commonly asked Practical Lifting And Slinging Beneath The Hook questions:

The course is delivered over a single day, typically eight hours including breaks, with the majority of time spent on practical exercises.

No formal qualifications are required, although delegates should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable working with loads at ground level.

The syllabus includes legal requirements, accessory selection, load calculation, hitch types, practical rigging, signalling and post-use inspection procedures.

Assessment consists of a short written test on theory followed by observation of practical rigging tasks carried out under supervision.

Successful delegates are awarded a certificate of training and a nationally recognised operator card valid for five years.

Refresher training is recommended every five years to maintain the validity of the operator card and keep skills current.

This course focuses on the practical skills of attaching and controlling loads beneath the hook, whereas the Appointed Person course covers planning and supervision of entire lifting operations.

Delegates should wear appropriate PPE including safety boots, hi-visibility clothing, hard hat and gloves. All lifting equipment is supplied by the training provider.

Yes, the course can be run at client premises provided suitable space and lifting equipment are available for the practical elements.

The training is designed for both new and experienced personnel and starts from first principles while still offering value to those with prior site experience.

Delegates rig a variety of loads including long sections, unbalanced items, awkward shapes and loads requiring spreader beams or multi-leg slings.

Yes, the syllabus includes chain slings, wire rope slings and synthetic webbing or round slings together with their specific inspection and application rules.

Prices per person typically start at £275. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)


More Information

The training equips delegates with the precise knowledge and practical ability needed to carry out lifting and slinging tasks safely and in line with current industry standards.

Last updated: May 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group