CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper (A09A) - Novice

Endorsement Code: A: Wheeled

What is the CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper course?

The CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper course offers detailed instruction aimed at teaching operators how to effectively and safely operate forward tipping dumpers. These vehicles are essential for moving and depositing materials like earth, gravel, and sand on construction sites. The primary goal of the course is to provide operators with the necessary skills to handle these dumpers responsibly, adhering to both legal standards and best practices, with a focus on different dumper types, sizes, and allowed loads.

The training includes guidance on pre-use inspections, daily maintenance, and safe loading and unloading techniques. There is a strong focus on recognising and mitigating common risks, including the potential for overturning and collisions. Operators receive hands-on experience under supervision, where they practice safe and efficient operational techniques.

Endorsements Include:

A: Wheeled — This section concentrates on the operation of wheeled forward tipping dumpers and addresses specific challenges and techniques relevant to wheeled variants.
B: Tracked — This part deals with tracked forward tipping dumpers, designed for use across different types of terrain compared to their wheeled counterparts.

Achieving this certification is essential for those aiming to take on operational roles on construction sites, as it significantly boosts their ability to manage heavy machinery effectively and safely. The CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper course, with its dual focus on both wheeled and tracked vehicles, is critical in preparing operators to contribute safely and proficiently in diverse construction settings.

Course Content

What can I expect from this CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper course?

When you take the CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper course, you can expect a comprehensive training program that equips you with critical operational and safety skills for working with dumpers on construction sites. Here’s what the course includes, integrating your specific interests:

Minimum Operating Standards: You'll learn to operate the forward tipping dumper to a set minimum standard, ensuring you can handle basic operations confidently and safely.
Ancillary Equipment: The course covers how to fit and operate additional equipment that may be used with the dumper, enhancing its functionality for specific tasks.
Machine Siting: Training will include instructions on how to position and site the machine safely and efficiently, optimising its usage while maintaining safety on site.
Maintenance and Adjustments: You will gain knowledge on identifying necessary minor adjustments and routine servicing procedures. The course teaches you how to perform these tasks to keep the dumper in optimal working condition.
Preparation for Public Highway Travel: If required, the course will teach you how to prepare the machine for safe and legal travel on public highways, a crucial skill for transporting the machine between sites.
Machine Capabilities and Limitations: Understanding the capabilities, purposes, and limitations of each type of dumper is a key part of the curriculum, ensuring you can select and operate the right machine for specific tasks.
Safety Precautions: Comprehensive safety training is a major component, covering essential precautions and practices to minimize risk during operation.
Mechanical Knowledge: The course provides an overview of how diesel engines work and the operation of various mechanical parts of the machine, enhancing your troubleshooting and maintenance abilities.

This training not only teaches you to operate a forward tipping dumper under typical conditions but also prepares you to handle unexpected situations, perform necessary maintenance, and understand the technical aspects of the machinery you are working with. This holistic approach is designed to make you a proficient and safe operator, ready to tackle a variety of challenges on the job.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the CPCS Dumper ticket training course?

Yes, there are specific entry requirements for the CPCS Dumper ticket training course that candidates must meet before they can enrol:

Health, Safety, and Environment Test: Learners must have successfully passed the CITB Operatives Health, Safety, and Environment Test within the last two years prior to the start date of the course. This test ensures that participants have a fundamental understanding of the safety practices and health regulations necessary for working on construction sites.
Language Proficiency: A good understanding of both spoken and written English is required. This proficiency is essential to ensure that participants can effectively comprehend the course materials, follow verbal instructions, and communicate safely on site.

Meeting these requirements is crucial for ensuring that all participants are prepared for the course content and can fully benefit from the training provided.

Assessment

How is the CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper course assessed?

The CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper course is assessed through a combination of theory and practical tests to ensure that participants have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to operate dumpers safely and efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of the assessment process:

Theory Test: This component typically involves a written or verbal test (depending on the training provider) that covers a range of topics, including health and safety regulations, operational procedures, and the theoretical knowledge required to operate a forward tipping dumper safely. The test assesses the participant's understanding of responsibilities, machine capabilities, and safety precautions.
Practical Test: In the practical assessment, participants must demonstrate their ability to operate the forward tipping dumper under realistic working conditions. This test evaluates their proficiency in handling the machine, including tasks like starting and stopping the machine, operating controls, manoeuvring, loading, and unloading safely, as well as the ability to implement safety procedures during operation.
Continuous Assessment: Throughout the course, trainers might also conduct ongoing assessments to monitor the progress of each participant. This allows the trainers to provide targeted guidance and support to ensure all learners can reach the required standard.

The combination of theory and practical assessments ensures that operators are well-prepared to handle their tasks safely and are knowledgeable about the equipment they are using.

With advancements in dumper design, particularly the introduction of Dual View Dumpers, the CPCS has made significant updates to the practical test components, especially for the A09 Forward Tipping Dumper.

Here’s what to expect from the updated assessment:

Updated Practical Test Changes

Travelling with the Dumper

General Rule: Operators should always travel with the skip positioned behind them. This setup enhances visibility and safety during transit.

Exceptions:

Inclines: Whether laden or unladen, operators must face the direction of travel when moving up or down inclines to ensure control and visibility.
Risk Assessment Situations: If a risk assessment indicates, due to specific operational circumstances, that it is safer to travel facing the skip, this practice should be followed.
During Loading and Discharging Operations: It is necessary to face the skip for effective and safe loading and discharging.

Loading and Discharging

Operators should face the skip when approaching the loading machine and during the loading process. Similarly, operators need to face the skip when approaching the discharging area and when unloading the materials.

These updates will be reflected in the Technical Test (Practical) Specifications effective from 3rd June 2024. These changes ensure that the assessment criteria align with the latest safety standards and manufacturer recommendations, particularly enhancing the safe operation of the newer Dual View Dumpers. This alignment not only improves operator safety but also optimises operational efficiency on construction sites.

Certification

Upon successfully passing the CPCS technical tests, which include both theoretical and practical assessments tailored to the A09 Forward Tipping Dumper operations, learners are awarded the Red CPCS Trained Operator Card. This card is valid for two years and serves as an initial certification indicating that the holder has met the basic requirements for operating forward tipping dumpers.

CPCS Blue Competence Card: After obtaining the Red Trained Operator Card, operators are expected to gain practical on-site experience operating forward tipping dumpers. Within two years of receiving their Red Card, they must complete an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations, specifically focusing on preparing and operating forward tipping dumpers. Successfully completing this NVQ allows them to apply for the Blue CPCS Competence Card. This card, which indicates a higher level of skill and experience, is renewable every five years and is often required for more advanced or permanent operational roles on construction sites.

FAQs

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FAQs

How do I get a dumper licence?

To obtain a dumper license, which in the UK is typically referred to as a CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) card or similar certification, you will need to follow a series of steps that demonstrate your proficiency in operating a dumper safely and efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your dumper license and become a dumper driver:

Meet Entry Requirements: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the dumper training course, which usually include having passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the last two years and having a good understanding of spoken and written English.
Select a Training Provider: Choose a recognised and accredited training provider, such as those vetted on the Essential Training Hub website, that offers the CPCS course or an equivalent certification for dumper operations.
Complete the Training Course: Enrol in and complete a dumper operator training course. For beginners, this will likely be a more comprehensive course, whereas experienced operators might opt for a shorter, refresher course. Training typically includes both theoretical and practical components.
Pass the Tests: Successfully pass both the theory and practical tests associated with the course. The theory test will cover safety practices, operational knowledge, and legal responsibilities, while the practical test will assess your ability to operate the dumper safely under various conditions.
Obtain Your Red CPCS Trained Operator Card: Once you pass the tests, you will receive the Red CPCS Trained Operator Card, which is valid for two years. This card proves that you have completed the initial training and assessment and are qualified to operate a dumper under supervision.
Gain Experience: Over the next two years, gain as much practical experience as possible operating dumpers on different sites and in various conditions.
Achieve an NVQ/SVQ: To upgrade your Red Card to a Blue Competent Operator Card, complete an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) Level 2 in Plant Operations, focusing specifically on the type of dumper you are operating.
Apply for Your Blue CPCS Competence Card: After obtaining your NVQ/SVQ, you can apply for the Blue CPCS Competence Card, which demonstrates a higher level of skill and knowledge and is renewable every five years.

By following these steps, you can obtain your dumper license, allowing you to operate dumpers legally and safely in a professional construction environment.

How long is a Forward Tipping Dumper course?

The duration of a forward tipping dumper course can vary depending on the training provider and the experience level of the participants. Here are some general guidelines:

For Novice Operators: If you have little to no experience operating dumpers, the course might last between 3 to 5 days. This longer duration allows for comprehensive training that covers all necessary theory, safety practices, and hands-on operation.
For Experienced Operators: For those who already have some experience with dumper operation, the course may be shorter, typically lasting about 1 to 2 days. These courses focus more on refining skills and preparing for the assessment rather than starting from the basics.
Refresher Courses: For operators who already hold a certification but need to renew it or update their skills according to the latest standards, a refresher course of 1 day might be sufficient.

The exact length of the course will depend on the specific requirements set by the training provider and the needs of the trainees. It's always a good idea to check with specific training centres for detailed information about the courses they offer, including duration and content.

How to get a Red CPCS card?

To obtain a Red CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) card, you need to complete specific steps that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in operating plant machinery. The Red CPCS card is an entry-level card that shows you have trained under an accredited program and passed the relevant tests. Here’s how you can obtain it:

Meet the Prerequisites:

Health, Safety and Environment Test: Before applying for any CPCS course, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test for Operatives within the last two years.
Language Proficiency: You should have a good understanding of spoken and written English, as this is crucial for training comprehension and safety communication.

Select a Course:

Choose the appropriate CPCS course for the type of plant machinery you wish to operate. Each type of equipment, such as a forward tipping dumper, excavator, or crane, has a specific course.

Training:

Enrol in a CPCS approved training centre that offers the course you need. Training will usually include both theoretical and practical elements tailored to the machinery type.

Assessment:

Complete the CPCS Theory Test: This will cover questions about operating the equipment, health and safety knowledge, and understanding of the equipment’s capabilities.
Complete the CPCS Practical Test: This is a hands-on test where you demonstrate your ability to safely operate the equipment under simulated working conditions.

Apply for the Red CPCS Card:

After passing both the theory and practical tests, you can apply for the Red CPCS Trained Operator Card through your training provider. This card is valid for two years.

Future Steps:

To retain certification and progress, you will need to gain practical experience and complete a Level 2 NVQ/SVQ in Plant Operations for the specific equipment category within those two years. After achieving this, you can apply for the Blue CPCS Competence Card, which shows a higher level of skill and is renewable every five years.

The Red CPCS card is an important stepping stone in building a career in plant operations, providing proof of your qualifications and ability to operate machinery safely according to national standards.