Introduction

Often referred to as a bridge crane, the overhead crane is a staple in large warehouses and factories, where goods and materials need to be moved around the building. They are not used for lifting people - instead, moving safe working loads ranging from a light two tonnes to over 50 tonnes in heavy industrial operations. Available as radio remote control, pendant control, or cab mounted, there is an option to suit the specific needs of the facility and the cargo the crane is moving.

This Overhead Crane NPORS certification delivers the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding to operate an overhead crane safely and effectively. It is for plant operators who require practical and theory-based training and assessment to use or work with an overhead crane on-site, identifying and rectifying any bad operational habits.

Course Outline

Through a mix of practical and theory-based exercises and tutorials, delegates will cover manufacturer and general knowledge and responsibilities when operating an overhead crane while participating in practical plant operating activities, safety procedures, and best practices.

The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited in line with regulations standards set by NPORS. In addition, choose to learn with Citrus, and delegates will benefit from our custom-built training facilities and customer-first approach.

Occupationally and technically-experienced trainers coach delegates on this course, completing the session with an NPORS practical observation and a short answer question paper. They must pass the assessment to qualify for either the:

• NPORS/CSCS Construction Plant Operator Card, valid for two years. 

 Or 

• Traditional Operators card, valid for three to five years depending on sector-specific or in-company requirements

Course Programme

This training is essential for workers to operate and work with an overhead crane safely. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, and understand procedures, appropriate documentation and classifications.

The course content includes:

• Understanding the industry, the dangers of working in it and their responsibilities as an overhead crane operator
• A working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for an overhead crane
• Locating and identifying the major components and functions of the crane
• Locating and identifying key controls and their functions
• How to set up an exclusion zone
• Identifying and maintaining PPE appropriate for overhead crane use
• Conducting all pre-operational and running checks following manufacturer's and legislative requirements
• Preparing the overhead crane for use
• Operating an overhead crane safely and efficiently
• Environmental considerations and impact
• Carrying out all end-of-work and shut down procedures

On Completion

On successful completion of the course: 

Construction industry delegates 

Operators will receive a Trained Operator CSCS/NPORS Card valid for two years from the test date. 

In order to upgrade your CSCS/NPORS card, you need to achieve the requisite (S)NVQ with the units applicable to the category (S) of plant held on their trained operator card.

Non-construction industry delegates 

Anyone operating in industry sectors other than construction is not required to hold an operator card bearing the CSCS logo and can have the NPORS (Traditional) Operator Card.  

End users can select three or five-year registrations for this card depending on sector-specific or in-company requirements.  

Who Should Attend?

This Overhead Crane N104 NPORS Certification is for anyone requiring training and assessment to work with or operate an overhead crane.

Course Duration

This comprehensive course trains delegates to safely and responsibly work with or operate an overhead crane on-site. The training options vary to accommodate novices and seasoned delegates:

Novice training - three days with a maximum of three delegates  

Refresher training – one day with a maximum of three delegates   

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

One-to-one and group training sessions are available. Please get in touch with our team to find out more.

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 (ATO) by CITB, we provide quality training that meets the industry-approved standards.

Things You Need to Know

Delegates must hold or go on to take the NVQ Level 2 in Controlling Lifting Operations to obtain a five-year competent card. 

This Overhead Crane NPORS 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 participating. 

For training held at your location, please ensure that the classroom you make available has a 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. You must also ensure that any required plant machinery is ready and available on the training day. 

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.