CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper (A09A) - Experienced

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.