These course objectives have been developed on the premise that the suspended loads will be slung by a dedicated, qualified, competent and authorised slinger/signaller. Where on occasion the excavator operator may be required to sling the loads they are to transport they too must be qualified, competent and authorised slinger/signallers.

The Excavator as Crane course will enable the learner to answer questions on and perform the following:

• Have basic understanding of the industry, the danger of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator.
• Be able to conform to manufacturer’s requirements as per technical data, conform to relevant regulations and legislation.
• Be able to locate, identify and explain Safe Working Loads, Lifting Capacity Chart and explain different lifting configurations and working ranges.
• Identify and explain different lifting procedures, explain what task could fall into each category.
• Identify and explain centres of gravity and calculate estimated weights of load.
• Identify any overhead/proximity hazards
• Be able to agree the signal codes/ hand signals, direction of movement, safe working and safe landing, placement zone with Slinger/Signaller
• Ensure excavator is in a safe condition for attachments to be fitted
• Checked load integrity and security by carrying out trial lift
• Be able to lift and move a load to a designated position in a safe and controlled manner, ensuring minimum uncontrolled movement.
• Environmental considerations
• Carry out all out-of-service and securing procedures.
• Have a basic understanding of the Industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an Appointed Person
• Explain the duties and responsibilities of: Crane/Lift Supervisor, Crane Operator, Slinger/Signaller, Crane Erector and Maintenance personnel.
• Demonstrate and explain how to interpret and extract information on all relevant documentation including legislation, regulations, codes of practice that relate to all lifting operations and duties
• Explain and identify the different requirements to be followed for the lifting of persons, a basic lift, standard lift, complex lift and additional requirements for lifting from height
• Explain the notification process and the requirements for reporting procedures to authorities, Utility bodies and any other parties if affected by the lifting operation.
• Identify different types of cranes, their capabilities ad limitations for lifting.
• Explain the maintenance, inspection, thorough examination and testing requirements for lifting equipment and all accessories.
• Explain setting up, erection, levelling ad dismantling requirements for diverse types of lifting equipment and lifts.
• Explain and demonstrate how to calculate point loadings and outrigger loadings, spreader mat types and sizes.
• Explain the function and use of RCI, LMI and anti-collision systems and utilise the information provided.
• Demonstrate and explain the selection of the correct cranes for specified lifts including all accessories, ensuring correct duties charts, range diagrams and specification sheets.
• List and explain relevant information relating to different types of lifting accessories and explain their applications.
• Explain and demonstrate different slinging techniques, calculating sling sizes and angles, balanced and unbalanced, centres of gravity and loose loads etc.
• Identify weights and centres of gravity for various types of loads, and specify appropriate lifting accessories for various types of load.
• Demonstrate and illustrate different types of communication methods for lifting purposes and state.
• Explain the importance of completing a reflective report on a lifting operation
• Identify and demonstrate how to and plan an area with exclusion zones for diverse lifting operations identifying and proximity/underground hazards from supplied plans and drawings.
• Identify and plan an area with exclusion zones for diverse lifting operations identifying safe access and egress before, during and after any lifting operation.
• Explain and identify the requirements for site safe access and egress for different types of lifting equipment
• Demonstrate how to construct a safe system of work by producing risk assessments, method statements and lift plans with information supplied.
• Prepare and explain lift plan information to all personnel involved in lifting operations
• Specify and explain positioning of the crane and load, identifying limiting factors and immovable obstructions that must be considered.
• Identify and explain how environmental factors outside the lift zone but within the surrounding area can effect planned lifting operations and the possible outcomes.

Course Information