ISO 23853:2023

Overview - ISO 23853:2023 (Cranes - Training of slingers and signallers)

ISO 23853:2023 specifies the minimum training required for trainee crane slingers and crane signallers to develop basic slinging skills and the knowledge needed to reach competency as referenced in ISO 15513. The third edition (2023) sets out a combined theoretical and practical training framework, assessment requirements and guidance on safe slinging, signalling and job planning for lifting operations.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard focuses on practical, safety-oriented subjects that training providers and employers must cover:

• Training structure

  • A theoretical programme and a practical programme are both required.
  • Training procedures must be sufficient to attain stated objectives and include case studies of slinging accidents.

• Core knowledge areas

  • Knowledge of cranes: vocabulary, crane motions, rated capacity, and types (mobile, tower, jib, bridge/gantry).
  • Slinging equipment: wire rope, chain and fibre slings; rigging hardware (hooks, shackles, lifting beams, pulleys).
  • Inspection and discard criteria for slings, chains, fibre slings and lifting clamps.

• Slinging methods and techniques

  • Determination of centre of gravity, mass estimation, choice of hitches (basket, choke), clamp lifting, spreader/lifting beam use and handling of non‑symmetrical loads.

• Signalling and communication

  • Hand signals in accordance with ISO 16715 and radio (voice) communications.

• Job planning and hazard control

  • Load path planning, pick/landing zones, personnel locations, coordination, and site-specific restrictions.
  • Hazard identification (power lines, unstable ground, weather, nearby equipment) and load control methods (taglines, no-touch tools).

• Assessment

  • Both knowledge and practical competencies must be assessed to confirm achievement of training objectives.

Practical applications - who uses ISO 23853:2023

ISO 23853 is applied by:

• Training organisations and instructors developing slinger/signaller courses and lesson plans.
• Employers, site safety managers and crane contractors establishing minimum training and assessment requirements for personnel involved in lifting operations.
• Competency assessors and certification bodies who verify that slingers and signallers meet the knowledge and practical skill requirements.
• Safety and compliance professionals using the standard to reduce lifting-related accidents and ensure consistent on-site practices.

Practical benefits include standardized training content, improved crane safety, clearer job planning, and better coordination between slingers, signallers and crane operators.

Related standards

• ISO 15513:2000 - Competency requirements for crane drivers (operators), slingers, signallers and assessors.
• ISO 16715 - Hand signals used with cranes.

Keywords: ISO 23853:2023, crane slingers, crane signallers, slinging training, crane safety, lifting operations, slinging equipment, hand signals, training and assessment.