Clothing helps with comfort, safety and making sure everyone knows who is giving the signals. Good kit also keeps the team comfortable through long, often cold shifts, whether at height in the cab or on the ground.
Who is giving the signals?
The crane operator must be able to identify the slinger or signaller instantly. Many sites ask the appointed slinger or signaller to wear a distinguishing hi-vis vest, often a different colour or printed with 'Slinger Signaller' on the back. Check your lift plan and site rules for what is required.
Printed role vests are quick to swap between people as roles change during a shift.
The cab and the climb
Tower crane operators climb a long ladder to the cab, sometimes several times a day, then sit for long periods. A cab can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Layers they can add or remove in a tight space, such as a fleece or gilet, work better than one heavy coat. Avoid long, loose clothing that can catch on the ladder.
Mobile crane operators drive to site, set up outriggers in the open and then sit in the cab, so warm outerwear matters too.
Slinging in all weather
Slingers handle wire ropes, chains and loads all day, outside and often in rain and wind. Gloves rated to EN 388 protect against wire strands and sharp load edges. Waterproof hi-vis jackets to EN 343, safety helmets and safety boots with good grip are basics. Check the hi-vis class set by the site. Keep a spare dry pair of gloves for the afternoon.
Where to put your logo
Lifting teams need role identification more than big logos. Print role names such as Slinger Signaller, Appointed Person or Crane Supervisor large across the back of hi-vis vests, on the fluorescent fabric only and never over reflective tape. Add the company logo small on the front. For crane hire firms, embroider a left chest logo on fleeces, gilets and softshells so operators look professional when arriving at a customer's site.
Ordering for crane operators and lifting teams
Most crane operators and lifting teams start with hi-vis vests, hi-vis jackets and rainwear and fleece jackets. You can order from one garment and add more as you take people on. The logo price drops at 9 and again at 25 garments, and every garment with a small logo counts towards it, so mixing styles and colours still gets the better price. Before anything is made, we embroider an actual sample of your logo and email you a photo to approve, or you can pop in to our Hull workshop to see it.
