NPORS Plant Loader & Securer Training (N120) - Experienced

The NPORS Plant Loader & Securer (N120) 1 day training course is designed for experienced operators who are responsible for the safe loading, unloading and securing of plant machinery for transport.

This course provides delegates with the knowledge, practical skills and understanding required to load and secure plant safely, reduce risk during transport operations and follow recognised industry procedures. Training covers the key responsibilities of a plant loader and securer, including preparing machinery for movement, selecting suitable loading areas, using appropriate securing methods and carrying out essential safety checks.

The course combines classroom-based theory with practical tuition and assessment, helping experienced operators refresh their knowledge, correct unsafe habits and demonstrate competence in line with NPORS requirements.

What can I expect from the NPORS Plant Loader & Securer course?

When you attend the NPORS Plant Loader & Securer course, you can expect a focused training programme designed to confirm that you can load, unload and secure plant machinery safely and efficiently.

The course will cover the main hazards, responsibilities and legal considerations involved in plant loading and securing operations. Delegates will also develop their understanding of manufacturer guidance, machine limitations and safe working procedures.

During the course, you will cover a range of key topics, including:

• Understanding the industry, relevant hazards and operator responsibilities
• Interpreting and following the manufacturer’s handbook for the machine being used
• Identifying major components, controls and their functions
• Selecting, inspecting and using appropriate PPE
• Carrying out pre-operational checks in line with manufacturer and legislative requirements
• Selecting a suitable loading and unloading area
• Preparing plant machinery for loading, travel and transport
• Safe mounting and dismounting procedures
• Starting, stopping and manoeuvring the machine safely
• Loading and unloading plant machinery onto and from transport vehicles
• Positioning plant correctly on the vehicle or trailer
• Selecting and using suitable securing equipment
• Applying safe securing methods to prevent movement during transport
• Carrying out safety checks before, during and after loading operations
• Removing securing equipment and unloading safely
• Completing end-of-shift and shutdown procedures

By the end of the course, delegates will have refreshed their knowledge and demonstrated their ability to load, unload and secure plant machinery safely, reducing risk to themselves, colleagues, members of the public and equipment.

Are there any entry requirements for the NPORS Plant Loader & Securer course?

This experienced operator course is suitable for delegates who already have practical experience in plant loading, unloading and securing operations and require NPORS certification.

Delegates should have a good understanding of spoken and written English to complete the theory and practical elements of the course. Operators may also be required to provide proof of having passed the CITB Health, Safety & Environmental touch screen test within the last two years if they require the NPORS card to display the CSCS logo.

The NPORS assessment includes both theoretical and practical elements.

The theory assessment consists of questions designed to confirm the delegate’s understanding of safe loading, unloading and securing procedures, relevant hazards, responsibilities and operating requirements.

The practical assessment requires delegates to demonstrate safe and competent plant loading, unloading and securing techniques in a realistic working environment.

Successful delegates will be awarded NPORS certification for Plant Loader & Securer (N120).

Traditional NPORS Card:

Operators can apply for a traditional NPORS card, usually valid for either three or five years. This route does not require an NVQ. A valid CITB Health, Safety & Environmental test may be required if the operator needs the Health, Safety & Environmental logo added to their card.

NPORS/CSCS Route - 

No NVQ Held:
Operators who do not currently hold the relevant NVQ will be issued with a Trained Operator card, valid for two years. During this period, they must complete the relevant NVQ to upgrade to a Competent Operator card.

NPORS/CSCS Route - NVQ Held:
Operators who already hold the relevant NVQ can apply for a Competent Operator card, valid for five years. They will also receive a CPD record/operator logbook to support ongoing professional development.

To keep their card and NPORS registration active, operators are encouraged to complete refresher training in line with NPORS requirements.