Course aims

The aim of this course is to give foundation training and assessment towards the achievement of a Construction Plant Competence Scheme Trained Operator Card.

This is the qualification you will need to be allowed to work on 90% of Major Contractor Sites.

The role of the Crane/Lifting Operations Supervisor

The Crane /Lifting Operations Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that a lift operation is properly supervised and carried out in a safe manner in accordance with the method statement and lift plan.

Who should attend this course?

Supervisor and competent slinger signallers with a responsibility for lifting operations who have sufficient experience of the use of cranes to meet the requirements specified in British Standard 7121 Safe Use of Cranes.

Course content

• Legislation ‐ LOLER, PUWER, HASAWA.
• Theory test tutorial.
• Codes of practice ‐ BS7121.
• Roles and responsibilities of personnel involved with lifting operations.
• Crane appreciation ‐ crane types, capabilities and limitations.
• Duty charts.
• Crane terminology.
• Documentation and certification for lifting equipment and lifting accessories.
• Crane stability/ground conditions.
• Safe Load Indicators (SLI) and Safe Working Loads (SWL).
• Lifting accessories.
• Types of accessories and use.
• Slinging techniques.
• Down rating of accessories.
• Sling angles.
• Communications.
• Planning a lifting operation.
• Preparing a lift site in accordance with the AP’s safe system of work (end test).

Knowledge

Through training and experience a Crane/Lifting Operations Supervisor will be able to:

• Explain the duties and responsibilities of an Appointed Person, Crane Supervisor, Crane Operator, Slinger Signaller; crane erector and maintenance personnel.
• State basis requirements of legislation, regulations, and Codes of Practice that relate to all types of lifting duties.
• Explain maintenance, inspection, through examination and testing requirements for lifting equipment and accessories.
• State requirements that allow safe site access and egress for typical lifting equipment.
• Explain additional requirements for loads to be lifted from height.
• Explain the function and use of and use information provided by RCI’s and anti-collision systems.
• Describe setting up, erection, levelling and dismantling requirements for different types of lifting equipment and lifts.
• List different types of lifting accessories and explain typical applications.
• Identify and explain relevant information relating to different types of lifting accessories. i.e. markings, certificates and thorough examination reports etc.
• Verify sling sizes and angles.
• Explain slinging techniques for given loads including balance, unbalanced and loose.
• Verify appropriate lifting accessories for given types of loads in accordance with a given method statement.
• Describe and demonstrate different types of communication methods for lifting purposes.
• Communicate the lift plan information to others involved in a lifting operation.
• Report and explain positive and negative aspects of a typical lift following the operations to the Appointed Person.

Course duration

The course duration is 3 days.

Training methods

A balance between practical exercises and classroom based tutorials.

CPCS technical tests

At the end of your course you are required to take the CPCS technical tests. The CPCS technical test consists of a Theory and Practical Test.  The Theory test will be recorded and the Practical test may be videoed. The Theory test must be achieved to enable you to take the practical test

What qualification do I get?

The CPCS Red Trained Operator Card which is valid for 2 years.

What can I do next?

Progress to the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card which is obtained by demonstrating knowledge and competence through completion of a Level 3/4 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Supervising Lifts.

Prerequisite

A valid CSCS Health, Safety and Environment Supervisor test must be held (the test is considered valid if it is was taken within 2 years of the CPCS technical test(s) date). If your test is invalid you will be required to sit the Health, Safety and Environment Supervisor test prior to attending the course. You can book your test by visiting the CSCS website.

Please note: The date on your CSCS card (if applicable) and your actual test date can differ greatly, therefore it is important that you do not make the common mistake of estimating your actual test date by your CSCS card expiry date. If you are unsure of your CSCS status, please contact us and we will be able to check this for.