Introduction

Cranes are the natural and ideal choice for lifting operations, and excavators are primarily designed for earth moving. But, where a risk assessment has deemed it appropriate to use an excavator as a practical alternative, managers must take measures and considerations into account. While excavator design is constantly progressing, the design still introduces additional risks not present in other purpose-designed lifting equipment, such as environmental challenges, compatibility issues with accompanying machinery and inappropriate operator training.

To use an excavator for lifting, additional checks of the machine and training for the operator must be in line with regulations and safety measures. For example, excavators need different safety devices such as an acoustic warning device and a boom lowering device to lift.

This Citrus certification delivers the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of Excavator 360s and safely use them. It is specifically aimed at Plant Operators who require practical and theory-based training and assessment to lift with an excavator.

Course Outline

With a mix of practical and theory-based exercises and tutorials, delegates will cover manufacturer and general knowledge and awareness of lifting with an excavator and participate in practical activities to recognise machine components and functions, best practices, and operating methods.

The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited in line with regulations. In addition, choose to learn with Citrus, and we can tailor courses to fit your specific training needs, with the added flexibility provided by our custom-built training facilities and customer-first approach to how we work.

Our occupationally and technically-experienced trainers coach delegates on this course, completing the session with a practical observation and short theory test.   They must pass the assessment to qualify for the Citrus Certificate and Citrus ID Card, valid for three years.

Course Programme

This training is essential for workers to learn how to lift using an excavator safely and correctly. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, understand procedures and appropriate documentation and classifications.

The learnings will take delegates through;

• Identifying and explaining different lifting procedures
• How to estimate load weight and consider centres of gravity and calculations
• Identifying any overhead proximity and hazards
• Signal codes and hand signals, and how to agree the direction of movement, safe working and safe landing, and placement zones with the Slinger Signaller.
• Safety checks to make sure the Excavator is in a safe condition to fit attachments
• Load integrity and security by carrying out trial lifts
• Controlled movements in excavation, including moving materials into position, minimising uncontrolled movement and movement safety

On Completion

At the end of the training, successful delegates will:

• Identify and explain different lifting procedures and know what task could fall into which category
• Recognise and understand the centre of gravity on loads and calculate estimated load weights
• Be aware of and work around any overhead proximity and hazards
• Understand how to agree on the signal codes and hand signals, the direction of movement, safe working and landing, and placement zones with the Slinger Signaller
• Know how to ensure the Excavator is in a safe condition to fit attachments
• Be practically confident to understand load integrity and security
• Be able to lift and move material to a designated position in a safe and controlled manner, ensuring minimum uncontrolled movement

On successful completion of the course, delegates receive their Citrus Certificate and Citrus Training ID card, valid for three years.

Who Should Attend?

This Lifting with Excavator Citrus Certification is for Plant Operators who need practical and theory training and assessment in lifting with an excavator to carry out their work. The course is available to those who need the whole package and assessment-only options. 

Course Duration

This comprehensive course trains delegates to safely and responsibly lift with an excavator. The training options vary to accommodate novices and seasoned delegates:

Novice training - two days with a maximum of four delegates  

Refresher training – two days with day one for training and day two for assessment with a maximum of four delegates   

Preparation and Testing – one-day course split with training in the morning and assessment in the afternoon for a maximum of four delegates  

Assessment only - one-day session with a maximum of six delegates 

Group sessions or one-to-one training options are available, get in touch to find out more  here.

Why Citrus?

We dedicate our efforts to unrivalled quality and the customer experience at Citrus Training, working tirelessly to provide exemplary service to our clients and produce excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors. 

We have over 30 specialist Plant and Lifting trainers and assessors, coaching and testing nationwide to meet any specific needs of our clients. With a wealth of experience and expertise, they have successfully trained over 25,000 delegates across the Plant and NVQ training categories.

Our facilities include six technical centres with the capacity for delivering Plant Training across the UK. And our national, accredited Training and Test Centres are fully equipped to provide CPCS and CSCS accredited courses. In addition, as an approved NPORS training provider, we can also offer on-site training and testing nationwide. 

Finally, as an Approved Training Organisation by CITB, we provide quality training that meets the industry-approved standards (ATO). 

Things You Need to Know

This Citrus Certifed course has practical elements, so delegates must inform their trainer if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations or are taking any medication, which may create difficulties in conducting elements of this training course. 

For training held at your location, please ensure that the classroom you make available has a 240v power supply and is a suitable size for the number of delegates attending. In addition, please ensure that the practical area has been risk-assessed, is free from harm, and is ideal for training. 

If you are a CITB Levy payer, you can claim a CITB Grant for this course. Once you have booked please contact us with your CITB number and we can assist you in claiming the funds.