This assessment is designed to provide the candidate with the basic principles involved in operating Crushers and Screeners.

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Operate the machine safely and correctly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and accepted good practice.
• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Carry out a pre-inspection.
• Coolant, fuel and lubrication systems.
• Positioning of conveyors and hoppers.
• Emergency stop operations.
• Observing and controlling the output during crushing activities.
• Shutting down and securing the machine.
• Be able to operate safely under varying site conditions.
• Be able to carry out minor adjustments and routine services.
• Have an understanding of responsibilities under Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and other current legislation.

The Dump Truck is a relatively basic, common machine which is dependent upon the operator for correct/safe operation.  It is often used in an area where there are other plant/people, so there is no room for errors.

Categories:  ARTICULATED CHASSIS – RIGID CHASSIS – UP TO 15 TONNE – UP TO 50 TONNE – ALL SIZES WHEELED & TRACKED

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Set the Dump Truck for site and road travel.
• Travel over differing types of terrain, including rough undulating ground, in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Travel up and down substantial inclines in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Manoeuvre in a confined area in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Position the Dump Truck to receive loads.
• Comply with loading procedures.
• Ensure load integrity and security.
• Discharge loads into trenches and over ledges.
• Place the Dump Truck in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter

ABOVE 10 TONNE

The 360° above is a large, complicated and expensive machine, which is dependent upon the operator for correct operation.  It is usually performing an important major operation so there is no room for errors.

BELOW 10 TONNE

The 360° mini excavator is a complicated and expensive machine, which is dependent upon the operator for efficient operation.  It is usually performing an important major operation so there is no room for errors.

Categories:  WHEELED – TRACKED

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Configure the excavator for site travel.
• Travel the machine over varying types of terrain, including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines.
• Manoeuvre the excavator in confined areas.
• Set the machine to excavate.
• Excavate below ground level on a variety of excavations in different ground types.
• Place spoil into various sizes of vehicles/hoppers.
• Grade, spread and level different types of terrain.
• Remove and re-attach buckets.
• Place the machine in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

These are designed to carry passengers and goods, with the operator travelling within the cage.  The course will include all safety aspects of using and construction of the hoist, the safe working loads with passengers, goods and both together.

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Describe the nature of the sector of the industry and their role and responsibilities as a plant/equipment operator
• Name and explain the purpose of principal components, the basic construction, controls and terminology
• Conform with manufacturer’s requirements as per the operators handbook, other types of information source and relevant regulations and legislation
• Check the stability, alignment and safety before use
• Check that hoist-way protection is in position before use
• Check that all gates and safety devices function according to specification
• Check the capacity of the hoist will accommodate expected loads and /or passengers
• Undertake all pre-use and running checks
• Check emergency lowering functions
• Explain precautions to be taken for overhead services and other hazards
• Load and unload materials following manual handling requirements
• Prepare the hoist for the required load(s) and /or passengers
• Operate the hoist to the limits of operation both loaded and unloaded
• Comply with signals and instructions
• Explain hoist working limitations
• Place the hoist in an out-of-service condition, isolate and secure

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Describe the nature of the sector of the industry and their role and responsibilities as a plant operator
• Name and explain the purpose of principal components, the basic construction, controls and terminology
• Conform with manufacturer’s requirements as per the operators handbook, other types of information source and relevant regulations and legislation
• Undertake all pre-use checks
• Configure and set for site and highway travel
• Travel over rough undulating ground and level surfaces; laden and unladen
• Manoeuvre in confined spaces
• Configure and set for loading operations
• Configure and set for pneumatic tool operations
• Explain actions required for hazards, underground and overhead services
• Sort and place materials into transporting vehicles and/or hoppers
• Clear spread materials
• Carry out compressor shut-down procedures and tool/equipment storing
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures for machine transporting

This assessment is aimed at personnel required to operate a Lorry Loader / Knuckle Boom Crane.  In fact any occupation where people are required to operate mounted hydraulic cranes to manoeuvre loads whether alone or with a banksman.

Categories: HOOK – CLAMSHELL BUCKET – HYDRAULIC CLAMP

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook, i.e. duties charts and applicable legislation.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks of the carrier vehicle, lifting appliance and relevant attachments.
• Explain the Safe Working Loads and Duties Chart for the loader.
• Configure the Lorry Loader and carrier vehicle for site and road travel.
• Manoeuvre the carrier vehicle into position in order to carry out the lifting of various loads.
• Set up carrier vehicle to carry out lifts from minimum to maximum radius.
• Use the correct attachment for the lifting of various loads.
• Lift and place loads at varying radii.
• Load a vehicle in accordance with industry practices.
• Secure various loads on the vehicle bed in accordance with industry practices.
• Keep within safe working parameters.
• Place the loader and carrier vehicle in an out-of service condition.

A Paver is used to lay asphalt during road/pavement construction

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Daily and routine maintenance
• Operating and adjusting machine controls to the job requirements i.e. tampers, hopper gates, auger heights, auto feed etc.
• Manual set-up of the machine to control and maintain correct levels, crown, out-puts etc.
• Fitting, operating and adjusting automatic levelling devices (longitudinal and crossfall sensors) to maintain correct datum
• Recognition of laying faults and how to take remedial action in order to achieve correct matt finish
• Fitting and removal of screed extensions and cut-off shoes correctly
• The purpose and capabilities of the machine, the safety precautions and the maintenance requirements involved
• How the machine works and how to make routine adjustments
• How the paver is set up, the importance of correct feed, speed control, the effects of temperature changes and various faults and how they can be rectified
• How automatic levelling devices work, are adjusted and setup in order to give a high degree of accuracy
• The principles of working out crossfall percentages, estimating material requirements and methods of job planning
• Methods and requirements for accurate fitting of screed extensions
• A knowledge of materials, macadams, asphalts, cut-backs, tack and coat etc.
• The importance of Road Works Safety and the contents of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual in order to meet legal requirements

A quick hitch on an excavator is a latching device that enables attachments to be connected to the dipper arm of the plant and interchanged quickly. An excavator operator may change the bucket on his excavator up to 30 times a day in order to maximise the machine productivity.

Methods: MANUAL SYSTEM – SEMI-AUTOMATIC SYSTEM – AUTOMATIC SYSTEM

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the risks associated with quick hitch devices
• Describe the operators legal duties with respect to the use of quick hitches
• Describe and apply safe working practices for the use of quick hitches
• Practically connect and disconnect attachments safely
• Know when and how to conduct visual inspections of the quick hitch equipment
• Maintenance of quick hitch equipment
• Apply the appropriate methods for testing connections
• Realise the importance of following the manufacturer’s specification for use

This assessment gives operators the basic principles of Lift Trucks enabling them to realise the possible hazards due to location, surface conditions, instability, the machine in use, the loads moved, and take the necessary safety precautions and gives experience in difficult working situations.

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook, i.e. Rating Plates etc.
• Explain all relevant documentation.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Configure the Forklift for site and road travel.
• Travel over different types of terrain, including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines, both with and without a load.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas.
• Setup the Forklift in order to lift various loads.
• Ensure load integrity and security.
• Transport loads.
• Lift various loads within the full working range of the forklift.
• Place and retrieve loads accurately at various places.
• Place and retrieve loads from a vehicle bed or trailer.
• Keep within safe working parameters.
• Place the Forklift in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedure on and off a transporter.

The object of surface dressing is to create a stable mosaic of chippings securely attached to the road surface.

This is achieved by spraying the correct amount of bitumen onto the road surface followed by the appropriate amount of the correct size of chippings according to the softness of the road surface.

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Understand the need for and economics of surface dressing
• Understand the selection and preparation for roads
• Select types of dressings and contracts for its execution
• Appreciate the use of aggregates for surface dressing
• Signing at sites
• Understand road note 39
• EU specifications & the procurement of surface dressing
• Failures – causes and possible treatments
• Surface dressing binders

A Tractor/Dozer is used to push large quantities of soil, sand, rubble etc during construction work

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Describe the nature of the sector of industry and their role and responsibilities as a plant operator
• Name and explain the purpose of principal components, the basic construction, controls and terminology
• Conform with manufacturer’s requirements as per the operators handbook, other types of information source and relevant regulations and legislation
• Undertake all pre-use checks
• Configure and set for site travel
• Travel over rough, undulating ground, substantial inclines and level surfaces
• Manoeuvre in confined spaces
• Configure and set for excavating duties
• Explain actions required for hazards, underground and overhead services
• Excavate differing types of excavations in various types of ground
• Construct ramps and form and shape stockpiles
• Grade, spread and level ground and materials
• Carry out shut down and securing procedures
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures for machine transporting

The Dumper is a relatively basic, common machine, which is dependent upon the operator for correct and safe operation.  It is imperative for the operator to learn, understand and utilise the basic skills of checking and operating the machine.  The assessment enables the operator to prepare, maintain and operate a dumper safely.

Categories: WHEELED – TRACKED

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Set the dumper for site and road travel.
• Travel over differing types of terrain, including rough undulating ground, both in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Travel up and down substantial inclines in a loaded state.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas, in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Position the dumper to receive loads.
• Comply with loading procedures.
• Ensure load integrity and security.
• Discharge loads into trenches or over edges.
• Place the dumper in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

The 180° excavator is one of the most versatile and common excavator machine, but is totally dependant upon the operator for correct operation.  It is usually performing an important major operation so there is no room for errors.

Categories:  CRAWLER – WHEELED

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Set the excavator for site and road travel.
• Travel over varying types of terrain, including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas.
• Set the machine to excavate.
• Excavate below ground level on a variety of excavations in different ground types.
• Place spoil into various sizes of vehicles/hoppers.
• Grade, spread and level differing types of materials (Excavators over 5 Tonne – using a multi-purpose front bucket).
• Remove and re-attach buckets.
• Place the excavator in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

Motor grader operators normally work in areas such as new sub-divisions, parking lots, airport runways, highways, country roads, and the final stages of general road construction. Like all heavy equipment operators, they require specialist skills for their equipment.

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Describe the nature of the sector of industry and their role and responsibilities as a plant operator
• Name and explain the purpose of principal components, the basic construction, controls and terminology
• Conform with manufacturer’s requirements as per the operator’s handbook, other types of information source and relevant regulations and legislation
• Undertake all pre-use checks
• Configure and set for site travel
• Travel over rough, undulating ground and level surfaces
• Manoeuvre in confined spaces
• Configure and set for general grading and side-casting duties
• Configure and set for high bank work
• Explain actions required for hazards, underground and overhead services
• Grade, spread and level ground and materials
• Produce even finishes
• Carry out shut down and securing procedures
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures for machine transporting

This assessment gives operators the basic principles of Lift Trucks enabling them to realise the possible hazards due to location, surface conditions, instability, the machine in use, the loads moved and gives experience in difficult working situations.

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook, i.e. Rating Plates etc.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Configure the Forklift for travel.
• Manoeuvre the Forklift with and without a load.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas.
• Setup the Forklift in order to lift various loads.
• Lift various loads within the full working range of the Forklift.
• Ensure load integrity and security.
• Transport loads.
• Place and return loads accurately.
• Place and retrieve loads from a vehicle bed or trailer.
• Keep within safe working parameters.
• Place the Forklift in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedure on and off a transporter.

The Loading Shovel is one of the most versatile and common machine, but it is totally dependent upon the operator for correct operation.  It is usually performing an important major operation so there is no room for errors.  For this reason the operator should be totally aware of possible dangers, and dangerous situations for himself, others and the machine.

CATEGORIES:  WHEELED – TRACKED

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Set the loading shovel for travel.
• Travel the machine over differing types of terrain, including rough undulating ground, both in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Travel up and down substantial inclines in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas using forward and reverse direction in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Carry out excavations from an embankment of different materials and form stockpiles (and ramps – wheeled).
• Ensure load integrity.
• Clean, spread and level differing types of materials (wheeled) or backfill, spread and level differing types of material using a multi-purpose front bucket (tracked).
• Carry out excavations from below ground level (tracked).
• Load various types of materials into receptacles i.e. vehicles/hoppers etc.
• Place the loading shovel in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

This assessment is aimed at personnel required to work at height on a working platform.  They may be involved with Agriculture, Arboriculture, Forestry, Civil engineering and other associated industries.  In fact any occupation where people require to work at height on a working platform, albeit to perform an operation, clean or inspect any aspect of work.

Categories: SCISSOR, BOOM – VEHICLE MOUNTED, BOOM – SELF PROPELLED

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook, other information sources    i.e. duties charts and applicable legislation.
• Explain all relevant documentation.
• Explain all displayed information on the machine.
• Carry out all pre-start and running checks.
• Carry out emergency lowering procedures.
• Operate controls from ground level, and from within the working platform.
• Manoeuvre/travel the MEWP involving tight turns and limited access.
• Travel the MEWP with the platform in a raised position (self propelled only)
• Position the platform up to maximum working height.
• Keep within safe working parameters.
• Place the machine in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

A planer is used to remove bituminous layers from roadways/pavements

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Pre-operational checks
• Pre-Planing safety checks
• Manoeuvre planer to working area
• Correctly set-up the machine for planing operations
• Liaise with Tipper drivers to ensure safe system of work
• Correctly Planed the roadway to the satisfaction of the site agent / foreman
• Park road planer safely on firm level ground
• Remove ignition key
• Carry out daily maintenance / service as required
• Clean as necessary
• Re-fuel and check for defects
• Leave machine safe and secure

The ride on roller is a relatively basic, common machine which is dependent upon the operator for correct/safe operation.  It is often used in an area where there are other plant/people so there is no room for errors.  For the same reason the operator should be totally aware of possible dangers and dangerous situations for himself, others and the machine.

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Set the roller for site travel.
• Travel over varying types of terrain, including undulating ground.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas.
• Set the roller for compaction duties.
• Prepare an area prior to compacting, i.e. traffic/personnel management etc.
• Compact materials to given instructions.
• Compact up to supported and unsupported edges.
• Compact against radii.
• Compact around obstructions.
• Place the roller in an out-of service condition.
• Recognise compacted and non-compacted areas.
• State conditions that may cause instability of the roller.
• State safety procedures when working up to unsupported edges.
• Explain safety procedures when compacting on inclines.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

The Skid Steer Loader is a versatile and common loading machine, but it is totally dependent upon the operator for correct operation.  It is usually performing an important major operation so there is no room for errors.  For the same reason the operator should be totally aware of possible dangers and dangerous situations for himself, others and the machine.

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Set the skid steer for site and road travel.
• Travel over varying types of terrain, including rough undulating ground, both in a loaded and unloaded state.
• ravel up and down substantial inclines in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Form stockpiles and ramps of various materials.
• Load various types of materials into receptacles i.e. vehicles, hoppers, skips, etc.
• Clean and level different types of materials.
• Place the skid steer in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

This assessment gives operators the basic principles of Lift Trucks enabling them to realise the possible hazards due to location, surface conditions, instability, the machine in use, the loads moved and gives experience in difficult working situations.

Categories:  INDUSTRIAL TELESCOPIC – UP TO 9 METRES – ALL SIZES EXCLUDING 360° SLEW – ALL SIZES INCLUDING 360° SLEW

To successfully pass the assessment the operator must be able to:

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook, i.e. Load Charts, and applicable regulations.
• Explain all relevant documentation.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Configure the Tele Handler for site and road travel.
• Travel the machine over varying types of terrain, including undulating ground and substantial inclines, with and without loads.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas.
• Set the Telescopic Handler in order to lift various loads.
• Lift and place various loads within the full working range of the Telescopic Handler.
• Ensure load integrity and security.
• Transport loads.
• Place and return loads accurately.
• Place and retrieve loads from a vehicle bed or trailer.
• Keep within safe working parameters.
• Place the Forklift in an out-of service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedure on and off a transporter.