A banksman helmet is a hard hat worn by a banksman guiding cranes and vehicles, protecting the head on busy construction sites. A banksman, also known in some places as a slinger signaller, is the person who guides the crane driver and the vehicle drivers on a site, using hand signals and a radio. They work in the open, close to moving loads and machinery, so a helmet is a basic part of their safety kit.
Construction sites are busy places, with cranes lifting loads overhead, lorries reversing, and plant moving around. The banksman stands where they can see both the load and the driver, which often puts them close to the action. A helmet protects against falling objects, bumps under low structures, and knocks from equipment, and the banksman’s bright helmet also makes them easy to spot.
What does a banksman do?
A banksman guides the crane driver when the driver cannot see the load. They use a set of standard hand signals to tell the driver to lift, lower, move, or stop, and they use a radio to talk to the driver when the signals cannot be seen. The banksman also checks that the load is attached safely before it is lifted, and that the area below is clear.
The banksman also guides vehicles on site, such as lorries and dumpers, helping them reverse safely and keeping pedestrians away from moving plant. They may control traffic at the site entrance, making sure that vehicles and people do not cross paths. It is a job that needs attention, clear signals, and good communication with the whole site team.
Because the banksman works in the open, they need to be visible. They wear a high-visibility vest and a bright helmet, often in yellow, orange, or white, so that drivers and other workers can see them at a glance. The helmet is part of that visibility, and it also gives head protection if something goes wrong.
What kind of helmet does a banksman wear?
A banksman wears a hard hat, the same kind of safety helmet used by other workers on a construction site. The shell is made from a strong plastic that can absorb the force of a falling object, and the inside has a suspension system that holds the shell away from the head. When something hits the shell, the suspension spreads the force and reduces the injury.
The helmet is usually a bright colour, so the banksman stands out. Some helmets have a short peak at the front, which helps keep rain and sun out of the eyes, and some have slots for ear defenders or a visor. The helmet should be light and comfortable, because the banksman may wear it for a whole shift in all weathers.
How should a banksman helmet fit?
A banksman helmet should sit level on the head, with the front edge just above the eyebrows. It should feel snug but not tight, and it should not slide forward when the banksman bends down or turns quickly to watch a load. Most hard hats have an adjustment dial at the back, so the fit can be set in a few seconds.
The chin strap should be used in windy conditions, at height, or anywhere the helmet might fall off. It should be fastened snugly under the chin, leaving just enough room for a finger between the strap and the skin. A loose helmet can be blown off or knocked off, which leaves the banksman unprotected at the worst moment.
What standards do banksman helmets meet?
In general terms, a banksman helmet must meet the safety standard for industrial head protection in the country where the site operates. In Europe, that is often EN 397, which covers shock absorption, penetration resistance, and protection against lateral forces. In the United States, the common standard is ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, which sets out similar tests. Other countries have their own standards, but the ideas are the same.
A genuine safety helmet will have a label inside the shell showing the standard, the maker, the date of manufacture, and the size range. If there is no marking at all, the helmet should not be used. Some helmets also offer extra protection against electrical contact, which is marked with extra symbols on the label.
Some helmets also use a system that lets the shell move slightly in an angled impact, an idea similar to MIPS in other sports helmets. Banksman helmets are built for falling objects and bumps rather than for sports impacts, but the principle is the same: a helmet that spreads force and stays in place gives the best protection.
What other safety kit does a banksman wear?
A helmet is only one part of a banksman’s kit. The banksman wears a high-visibility vest or jacket, so they can be seen by drivers and crane operators. Sturdy safety boots protect the feet from dropped loads and moving plant, and gloves protect the hands when handling slings and chains. Eye protection may be worn where dust or debris is a risk.
A radio is also essential, because the banksman must talk to the crane driver and the site team. The radio may be worn on the vest, with an earpiece under the helmet, or held in the hand. Some banksmen also carry a whistle, which can be used to get attention quickly if the radio fails or if a load needs to stop at once.
How should a banksman helmet be looked after?
A banksman helmet should be checked before every shift. The shell is looked over for cracks, dents, or deep scratches, and the suspension is checked for fraying or missing parts. The adjustment dial is tested, and the chin strap is checked. If anything is wrong, the helmet should be swapped for a good one before work starts.
Helmets should be stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally in a bag or a locker. Sunlight and heat can weaken the plastic over time, so a helmet left on a dashboard or in a sunny cab will not last as long as one stored properly. The lining should be kept clean, and it should be washed or replaced when it becomes worn.
A helmet that has taken a hard knock should be replaced, even if there is no visible damage. In general terms, a hard hat should be replaced after about five years, and sooner if it is damaged. Never drill holes in a hard hat, paint it with solvent-based paint, or stick heavy labels on it, because these can weaken the shell.
Is a banksman the same as a slinger signaller?
In general terms, yes, the two names describe the same job in many places. A banksman guides the crane driver and signals the load, and a slinger signaller does the same work, including attaching the load. The exact title can vary by site and by country.
Can I use a normal hard hat as a banksman helmet?
Yes, in general terms, a banksman wears a standard hard hat that meets the industrial safety standard for the site. The key points are that it fits well, is in good condition, and is a bright colour so the banksman is easy to see.
How often should a banksman helmet be replaced?
In general terms, a hard hat should be replaced after about five years, and sooner if it is damaged or has taken a hard knock. Always follow the maker’s guidance and the site rules, and replace the helmet if the suspension is worn or the shell is cracked.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
