OPITO lifting standards update
As you may be aware there have been some changes to our current suite of Lifting Standards following feedback from Industry stakeholders.
A summary of these and some FAQs have been provided below and we would be most grateful if you can share this communication with your networks to ensure that employers and learners are aware of the requirements.
Banksman and Slinger
Banksman and Slinger Initial Training
The validity period for the Products has been updated to 32 months.
This extension is to allow learners sufficient time to gather the evidence required for the logbook.
Handsfree Lifting
Handsfree lifting tools must be assessed within the Competence Assessment unless the Centre can provide demonstrable evidence from the employer that they wish for this to be omitted.
Workplace Experience Logbook
Supporting evidence must be submitted for all 57 tasks and occurrences.
Supporting evidence includes lift plans, toolbox talks, permits or other evidence that demonstrates personal involvement with the specified lifting task.
The logbook and supporting evidence will be reviewed by the centre to ensure that it is present and correct prior to course commencement.
Banksman and Slinger Grandfather Period
(Learners who have completed initial training between 1st November 2021 to 30th November 2023 only)
To support the implementation of the requirements and ensure that learners have fair access to the competence assessment the decision has been made to introduce the below:
If a learner completed the Banksman and Slinger Initial Training Standard (previously Stage 1) between November 1st 2021, and November 30th 2023 , a fully completed and valid OPITO Banksman and Slinger Workplace Experience Logbook and supporting evidence for each of the 19 tasks, such as a copy of the lifting plan, permit or toolbox talk, based on the OPITO Banksman and Slinger Initial Training Standard and Banksman and Slinger Workplace Experience Logbook requirements. The logbook must be signed as true and valid by the employing company head of discipline or the employing company discipline manager and confirmed by the Centre as being present and correct prior to assessment taking place.
Rigger
Rigger Initial Training
The validity period for the Products has been updated to 32 months.
This extension is to allow learners sufficient time to gather the evidence required for the logbook.
Rigger Workplace Experience Logbook
Supporting evidence must be submitted for all 50 tasks and occurrences.
Supporting evidence includes lift plans, toolbox talks, permits or other evidence that demonstrates personal involvement with the specified lifting task.
The logbook and supporting evidence will be reviewed by the centre to ensure that it is present and correct prior to course commencement.
Rigger Grandfather Period
(Learners who have completed initial training between 1st November 2021 to 30th November 2023 only)
To support the implementation of the requirements and ensure that learners have fair access to the competence assessment the decision has been made to introduce the below:
If a learner completed the Rigger Initial Training Standard (previously Stage 1) between November 1st 2021, and November 30th 2023, a fully completed and valid OPITO Rigger Workplace Experience Logbook and supporting evidence for each of the 10 tasks, such as a copy of the lifting plan, permit or toolbox talk, based on the OPITO Rigger Initial Training Standard and Rigger Workplace Experience Logbook requirements. The logbook must be signed as true and valid by the employing company head of discipline or the employing company discipline manager and confirmed by the Centre as being present and correct prior to assessment taking place.
FAQs
If I have previously completed my initial training, will I get the 32 month validity period?
Yes, all learners will benefit from the additional time period to allow them to gather sufficient evidence.
Will I receive an updated certificate?
No it will not be possible to replace all certificates but we have updated them on the vantage/train r app.
What if I have previously completed the initial training before the changes came into effect?
Learners who have previously completed the initial training between November 1st 2021, and November 30th 2023 will be able to access the competence assessment provided they meet the above grandfather period section for the relevant product.
Where can I access the latest documentation?
The HUB contains all up to date Product specifications and logbooks.
If you would like more information on the policy, please contact your OPITO focal point.
