CPCS Crawler Crane (A02) - Novice

The CPCS Crawler Crane Course is tailored to equip operators with the necessary skills and knowledge for the safe and efficient operation of crawler cranes, which are vital for heavy lifting tasks across various construction and industrial settings. This comprehensive course delves into everything from the fundamentals of operating crawler cranes to more sophisticated techniques. Participants learn about the crane's controls, operating mechanisms, safety features, and operational limits.

This course is perfect for both newcomers to crawler crane operation and seasoned crane operators seeking to refine their skills in line with the latest industry standards. By providing thorough training, the CPCS Crawler Crane course plays a crucial role in minimising on-site accidents and boosting operational efficiency, ensuring operators are well-prepared to handle the demands of working with crawler cranes.

What can I expect from the Crawler Crane course?

In the CPCS Crawler Crane course, you can expect a comprehensive training experience that prepares you thoroughly for operating crawler cranes. The course covers a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge necessary for effective and safe crane operation. Here’s what the course typically involves:

• Industry Understanding: Gain insight into the construction sector, including your role and responsibilities as a plant operator.
• Crane Components and Terminology: Learn about the principal components of a crawler crane, its basic construction, controls, and related terminology.
• Regulatory Compliance: Understand and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines as detailed in the operator’s handbook, and comply with relevant regulations and legislation.
• Operational Preparation: Conduct pre-use checks and set up the crane for operation, including configuration for travel and lifting.
• Crane Mobility: Navigate the crane to and within work areas, including manoeuvring in confined spaces.
• Lifting Operations: Configure the crane for lifting, understanding rigging and de-rigging procedures especially when fitting lattice-type extensions. Set up and use Rated Capacity Indicators (RCI) for various lifting duties.
• Load Handling: Learn to lift and accurately place various loads using the crane's full radius and slewing capabilities, change falls of rope on a hook block, and minimise load swinging.
• Operational Efficiency: Efficiently move loads through machine travel and comply with all signals and instructions during operations.
• Safety and Maintenance: Maintain safe working conditions, prepare the crane for movement post-lifting duties, and carry out shutdown and securing procedures.
• Transportation Preparation: Understand the procedures for loading and unloading the crane for transport.

Through targeted training and practical experience, this course equips you to handle a crawler crane's capabilities and challenges, ensuring you operate safely and effectively in a variety of work environments.

Are there any entry requirements for the Crawler Crane training course?

The CPCS Crawler Crane course includes certain prerequisites to confirm that all participants are adequately prepared for the training:

• Health and Safety Test: Learners need to have successfully passed the CITB Operative’s Health, Safety, and Environment Test within the last two years prior to commencing the course.
• Language Skills: Proficient spoken and written English is essential, ensuring that participants can fully understand the course content and communicate effectively throughout the training.

How is the CPCS Crawler Crane operator training course assessed?

The CPCS Crawler Crane operator training course is assessed through a combination of theoretical and practical evaluations designed to verify that participants have understood and can effectively apply the skills and knowledge imparted during the course. Here’s a breakdown of how the assessment typically occurs:

• Theory Test: This part of the assessment includes a written test consisting of multiple-choice questions. The questions cover topics such as safety regulations, operational procedures, and the technical aspects of crawler crane operation. This test assesses the operator's understanding of the theoretical knowledge necessary for safe crane operation.
• Practical Test: This assessment involves a hands-on test where the operator must demonstrate their ability to safely and effectively operate a crawler crane. This includes pre-operation checks, setting up the crane, manoeuvring it in confined spaces, lifting and placing loads accurately, and executing shut down and securing procedures. The practical test is conducted under the observation of an assessor, who evaluates the operator's proficiency in managing real-life scenarios.
• Completion of Logbook: In some cases, operators are required to complete a logbook of their operational experience, documenting various types of lifts and crane operations they have conducted. This logbook can be reviewed as part of the assessment process.

Upon successfully passing the CPCS technical tests, learners will be awarded the Red CPCS Trained Operator Card, which remains valid for two years.

To upgrade to the blue CPCS Competent Operator course, learners are required to complete an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations, focusing on preparing and operating crawler cranes, within two years.