Excavator as a Crane Training in Birmingham

Using an Excavator to Lift? Make Sure the Operator Is Trained for Lifting

An experienced excavator operator may be perfectly competent at digging foundations, grading, trenching and loading dumpers. That does not automatically mean they have been trained to carry out lifting operations with an excavator. The job changes when a bucket is replaced by a lifting point and a load is suspended beneath the machine.

The operator now needs to think about load weight, lifting radius, machine capacity, stability, lifting accessories, communication, the lifting plan and the movement of a suspended load. This is where Excavator as a Crane Training becomes important.

Vally Plant Training delivers the NPORS N100 Excavator as a Crane course for operators and employers who need to use suitable excavators for lifting operations. Our national course page confirms the N100 route and current training options.

For Birmingham employers with several suitable candidates, training and assessment can be delivered at your workplace where the machine, lifting accessories and training area meet the requirements.

Who Needs Excavator as a Crane Training?

This course is aimed at excavator operators whose work involves lifting suspended loads rather than excavation alone.

Typical candidates include operators working in:

• Groundworks
• Drainage
• Civil engineering
• Utilities
• Housing developments
• Infrastructure
• Pipeline work
• Highway construction
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Site preparation

Typical excavator lifting tasks might include positioning concrete pipes, moving manhole rings, handling trench boxes, placing chambers or lifting other suitable materials using an approved lifting point.

The course is particularly relevant where an employer has experienced NPORS 360 excavator operators whose responsibilities have expanded to include lifting operations.

Can an Excavator Legally Be Used as a Crane?

An excavator can be used for lifting in appropriate circumstances, but that does not mean every excavator should be used for every lift. HSE guidance says lifting must be permitted by the original manufacturer, the machine should have dedicated lifting points with safe working load markings, it must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and it must have been subject to the required thorough examination. HSE also identifies additional requirements for machines with lifting capacities above one tonne.

HSE separately points out that excavators are primarily designed for earthmoving and may not always be the most suitable equipment for a lifting task. Selection therefore needs to consider whether the machine is actually suitable for the intended work.

Excavator as a Crane Training teaches an operator how to carry out suitable lifting operations. It does not make an unsuitable machine, unsuitable lifting accessory or poorly planned lift acceptable.

What Does NPORS N100 Excavator as a Crane Training Cover?

The course develops the operator’s understanding of the additional risks and responsibilities involved when an excavator is used as lifting equipment. Depending on the training route and equipment available, subjects can include:

• Operator responsibilities
• Relevant lifting legislation
• LOLER requirements
• PUWER requirements
• Manufacturer instructions
• Excavator suitability for lifting
• Approved lifting points
• Safe working loads
• Rated lifting capacities
• Load charts
• Lifting radius
• Machine configuration
• Ground conditions
• Excavator stability
• Lifting accessories
• Pre-use inspections
• Attaching loads correctly
• Communication and signalling
• Suspended-load control
• Travelling with loads where permitted
• Exclusion zones
• Lift planning
• Safe positioning
• Theory knowledge
• Practical lifting assessment

The aim is not simply to add another category to an NPORS operator card. It is to make sure the operator understands what changes when the excavator becomes lifting equipment.

What Does LOLER Mean for Excavator Lifting?

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

These regulations place duties on people and businesses that own, operate or control lifting equipment. When an excavator is used for lifting, LOLER becomes particularly important.

HSE states that lifting operations involving lifting equipment must be:

• Properly planned by a competent person
• Appropriately supervised
• Carried out safely

LOLER also addresses the suitability of lifting equipment, marking, examination and the management of lifting operations. This means sending an operator on a course is only one part of an employer’s lifting responsibilities. The lifting operation itself still needs to be properly organised.

For a more detailed explanation, see our LOLER Explained Guide.

What Does PUWER Mean for the Employer?

PUWER is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

PUWER deals more broadly with work equipment and places responsibilities on businesses and organisations whose employees use it. HSE says work equipment should be suitable for its intended use, maintained safely and used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training.

This is particularly relevant when an excavator that normally digs is also expected to carry out lifting duties.

The employer needs to consider whether:

• The machine is suitable for the task
• It is correctly equipped
• It is properly maintained
• Required inspections have been completed
• The operator has appropriate training
• The operator understands the risks
• Safe working procedures are in place

PUWER Regulation 9 specifically requires employers to ensure people using work equipment receive adequate health and safety training, including the methods of use, associated risks and precautions.

Employer Responsibility – A Card Alone Does Not Make a Lift Safe

Booking an NPORS course can provide recognised training and assessment, but employer responsibility does not end when the operator receives a card.

The employer or other relevant dutyholder still has responsibilities for the equipment and the lifting operation.

HSE guidance requires lifting operations to be properly planned by competent people, appropriately supervised and carried out safely. Equipment also needs to be suitable for the task and maintained and examined as required. In practical terms, that means considering the whole lifting operation:

Competent operator + suitable machine + suitable accessories + correct lift plan + competent lifting team + safe site = a properly controlled lifting operation.

Training one person does not remove the need for the other controls.

Does My Normal 360 Excavator Ticket Cover Lifting?

Do not assume that ordinary excavator operator training automatically covers the additional competence required for lifting suspended loads.

A standard excavator course primarily deals with operating the machine for its normal functions such as excavation, trenching, grading and related work. Using an excavator as lifting equipment introduces different hazards and responsibilities.

Operators requiring their core machine qualification can view our NPORS 360 Excavator Training Course.

Operators who already hold the relevant excavator category and need the specialist lifting route should view the full NPORS Excavator as a Crane Training Course.

Excavator Load Charts – Why Radius Matters

One of the biggest mistakes when lifting with an excavator is thinking:

“The machine lifted this weight before, so it will lift it again.”

That ignores the effect of lifting radius and machine configuration. An excavator’s lifting capacity can change significantly depending on where the load is in relation to the machine.

Factors can include:

• Boom position
• Dipper position
• Working radius
• Lift height
• Whether lifting over the front or side
• Machine configuration
• Attachment fitted
• Ground conditions

The operator needs to understand the manufacturer’s information for the actual machine being used. A load that is within capacity close to the excavator may not remain within capacity as the working radius increases.

Stability When Lifting With an Excavator

Machine stability becomes even more important when a suspended load is introduced. Unlike material contained within a bucket, a suspended load can move independently of the excavator. Swing, sudden movement and poor load control can introduce additional forces.

The operator therefore needs to consider:

• Ground bearing conditions
• Excavation edges
• Slopes
• Machine level
• Lifting radius
• Load weight
• Load movement
• Machine orientation
• Attachment configuration
• Manufacturer limits

A lifting operation should never be based on guesswork.

The Lifting Point Matters

A chain or sling should not simply be attached wherever it appears convenient. Where an excavator is approved for lifting, the manufacturer’s specified lifting point should be used in accordance with the machine instructions. The lifting point itself forms only part of the arrangement.

The lifting accessories connecting the load to the machine must also be suitable for the task.

Lifting Accessories – Slings, Shackles and Chains

Excavator lifting often involves equipment such as:

• Chain slings
• Webbing slings
• Round slings
• Shackles
• Hooks
• Master links
• Other approved lifting accessories

Operators should understand that lifting accessories have their own identification, capacity, inspection and examination requirements. A sling is not suitable simply because it physically fits around the load. Selection can depend on load weight, configuration, sling angles, attachment points, condition and the planned method of lifting.

Our Lifting Accessories Explained guide explains the difference between common accessories and how they are used.

Thorough Examination – What Does the Employer Need to Know?

If an excavator is going to be used for lifting, the equipment may become subject to LOLER thorough-examination requirements. HSE specifically states that an excavator planned for lifting must be thoroughly examined by a competent person because of the additional risks associated with lifting operations.

This is different from an operator carrying out their normal daily pre-use check. A pre-use inspection is still important, but it does not replace a statutory thorough examination where one is required.

The employer should make sure the appropriate documentation is current and available.

Lift Planning – Who Decides How the Lift Will Be Done?

LOLER requires lifting operations to be properly planned by a competent person.

That does not necessarily mean every routine lift requires a huge document. HSE explains that the degree of planning should be proportionate to the complexity and risk of the lifting operation. Straightforward routine lifting may need relatively simple planning, while complex or higher-risk operations require much more detailed planning and expertise.

A lift plan may need to consider:

• Load weight
• Load dimensions
• Centre of gravity
• Excavator capacity
• Working radius
• Ground conditions
• Lifting accessories
• Attachment points
• Travel route
• Exclusion zones
• Nearby structures
• Overhead hazards
• Underground hazards
• Visibility
• Communication
• Personnel involved
• Environmental conditions

The excavator operator needs to understand and follow the agreed lifting method.

The Operator Is Only One Part of the Lifting Team

Many excavator lifts involve more than the person sitting in the cab.

Depending on the operation, other competent people may include:

• Appointed Person
• Lift Supervisor
• Slinger Signaller
• Excavator operator
• Site management

The roles and level of control depend on the nature and complexity of the lift. Where loads need to be slung and directed, a competent Slinger Signaller can play an important role in attaching the load, communicating with the operator and controlling the lifting area.

Businesses requiring this competence can view our NPORS Slinger Signaller Training Course.

For supervisory competence, see our NPORS Lift Supervisor Training.

For personnel responsible for planning lifting operations, see our Appointed Person Lifting Operations Training.

Communication During Excavator Lifting Operations

The excavator operator may not always have a clear view of the load, landing area or people involved in the lift.

Good communication is therefore critical. Before the lift begins, those involved should understand:

• Who is directing the movement
• Which signals will be used
• How communication will be maintained
• What happens if communication is lost
• Who has authority to stop the lift

The operator should never be left trying to interpret several conflicting instructions. Our Slinger Signaller Hand Signals Guide provides a useful refresher on recognised lifting signals.

Excavator Lifting on Birmingham Construction Sites

The Birmingham and wider West Midlands construction market includes everything from major infrastructure and commercial developments to housing, utilities and redevelopment.

Excavators may be required to work in areas with restricted access, existing structures, live traffic routes and other plant operating nearby. That can make lifting operations more demanding.

A lift that appears straightforward in an open yard can require considerably more planning when carried out:

• Beside an excavation
• Within a road closure
• Near existing buildings
• Around other plant
• Close to overhead services
• On restricted ground
• Within an active construction site
• Where pedestrian or workforce segregation is required

The operator’s training needs to sit within the wider site lifting arrangements.

What Happens on the Training Day?

The exact course depends on the operator’s experience and training route.

Candidates can expect a combination of theory and practical work covering the principles of excavator lifting and the safe handling of suspended loads. For an experienced operator assessment, the candidate should arrive already competent with the excavator. 

An Experienced Worker Test is an assessment route, not a shortcut for someone who still needs significant training.

If an operator is not ready for assessment, speak to us first so we can identify a more appropriate route.

On-Site Excavator as a Crane Training in Birmingham

For employers with suitable equipment and facilities, bringing the course to Birmingham can be an efficient option. It may allow several operators to be trained or assessed using the type of excavator and lifting equipment they encounter at work.

Customer-site delivery can also reduce:

• Workforce travel
• Mileage
• Hotel requirements
• Time away from the business
• Disruption caused by separate training dates

For multiple operators, ask us to compare the on-site option with individual centre bookings.

What Do We Need for On-Site Training?

For Excavator as a Crane Training at your Birmingham workplace, the training area, machine and lifting equipment must be suitable.

Requirements can include:

• Suitable excavator approved for lifting
• Manufacturer’s operator manual
• Correct lifting point
• Current LOLER/thorough-examination documentation where applicable
• Suitable lifting accessories
• Relevant inspection records
• Known test loads
• Adequate lifting area
• Suitable ground conditions
• Risk assessments
• Method statements
• Lift plan where required
• Candidate PPE
• Photo identification
• Safe exclusion from unrelated site activity

The exact requirements will depend on the course and lifting exercises. Before booking customer-site delivery, use our On-Site Plant Training Requirements Guide.

Birmingham On-Site Training or Tewkesbury Centre?

Both options have advantages.

For a business with several experienced operators, suitable machinery and a controlled lifting area, bringing the training to Birmingham can make good commercial sense.

For an individual operator or employer without suitable lifting facilities, attending our Tewkesbury training centre may be easier.

Our published website prices apply to Slinge Signaller Training and testing carried out at the Vally Plant Training centre.

On-site Birmingham courses are quoted separately and normally take account of:

• Number of candidates
• Training or test route
• Site location
• Machinery available
• Lifting equipment available
• Number of training days
• Travel requirements
• Other courses included

Discounts may be available for multiple candidates and multiple lifting courses.

Excavator as a Crane Course Prices

Our main course page currently lists the NPORS Experienced Worker Test from £320 + VAT per person, with the relevant NPORS registration/card fee additional. Current novice course pricing and training options are also published on the national course page.

These prices apply to training/testing at our Tewkesbury centre.

For the latest course options, eligibility and transparent centre pricing, visit our NPORS Excavator as a Crane Training Course.

For Birmingham company training, contact us for an on-site quotation.

Training at Our Tewkesbury Centre

Birmingham operators can also attend our dedicated training centre at Newton Farm Business Park, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury.

The centre is close to Junction 9 of the M5, providing a straightforward motorway route from the West Midlands.

For candidates travelling by public transport, Ashchurch for Tewkesbury railway station is approximately a five-minute walk from the training centre.

This can be particularly useful for individual candidates or employers who do not have a suitable excavator, lifting accessories or controlled lifting area available at their own workplace.

NPORS Accredited or In-House Excavator as a Crane Training?

We can discuss both options depending on what the employer actually requires.

NPORS Excavator as a Crane Training

The NPORS N100 route provides recognised accredited certification for operators who meet the relevant requirements. This is generally the appropriate option where NPORS certification is specified by the employer, client, principal contractor or site.

In-House Excavator as a Crane Training

Not every workplace requires an NPORS card. Vally Plant Training can also provide in-house Excavator as a Crane training and certification where this route is appropriate.

In-house training can provide an employer with documented evidence that an employee has received relevant training and assessment.

This can help employers demonstrate how they have addressed operator training and competence requirements under their health and safety arrangements, including the training duties associated with work equipment under PUWER. HSE confirms that employers must ensure people using work equipment receive adequate training for health and safety purposes.

However:

An in-house certificate is not an NPORS Operator Card.

Its acceptance depends on the employer, client, site, principal contractor and insurer. If the operator regularly works across third-party construction sites, check what certification those sites require before choosing the in-house route.

NPORS Certification Does Not Replace Employer Duties

NPORS certification can demonstrate that an operator has completed an appropriate recognised training or assessment route. It does not transfer the employer’s legal responsibilities to NPORS, Vally Plant Training or the operator.

The employer or relevant dutyholder still needs to ensure that:

• The excavator is suitable
• Lifting is permitted by the manufacturer
• Equipment is maintained
• Required examinations are current
• Accessories are suitable
• Operators are competent
• Lifts are properly planned
• Appropriate supervision is provided
• Safe systems of work are followed

That is why we encourage Birmingham businesses to think about lifting competence as a complete system, not simply a card in somebody’s wallet.

CITB Funding for Birmingham Employers

Vally Plant Training is a CITB Training Provider Network Member.

Eligible CITB-registered employers may be able to obtain funding towards qualifying training, subject to current CITB eligibility and funding rules.

If your Birmingham business is CITB registered, mention this when requesting a quotation so we can look at the training requirement correctly.

Excavator as a Crane Training Across Birmingham & the West Midlands

On-site slinger training can be arranged at suitable workplaces throughout Birmingham and the surrounding area, including:

• Birmingham
• Solihull
• Sutton Coldfield
• West Bromwich
• Walsall
• Dudley
• Wolverhampton
• Halesowen
• Bromsgrove
• Redditch
• Coventry
• Wider West Midlands

Training can take place at suitable construction sites, groundworks projects, civil engineering schemes, utilities sites, company yards and other controlled workplaces.

Why Birmingham Employers Choose Vally Plant Training

When a company asks us about Excavator as a Crane Training, we do not just need to know how many people want a card. We need to understand what those operators actually do.

Are they lifting drainage pipes every day?

Are they occasionally placing manhole rings?

Are they experienced excavator operators but new to suspended loads?

Does the business have an appropriate lifting machine?

Does the site require NPORS?

Would an in-house certificate satisfy the employer’s requirements?

Do members of the same team also need Slinger Signaller or Lift Supervisor training?

Those questions help us identify a training arrangement that makes sense for the business.

Vally Plant Training is a direct NPORS Approved Training Provider rather than a course-booking broker, so employers can discuss the actual training requirement with us.

About Vally Plant Training

Vally Plant Training is a family-run specialist plant and lifting training provider based in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

Established in 2014, we work directly with construction companies, groundworks contractors, utilities businesses, civil engineering employers and individual plant operators.

We are an NPORS Approved Training Provider and CITB Training Provider Network Member (TPN), delivering accredited and in-house training from our Tewkesbury centre and at suitable customer workplaces across Birmingham, the West Midlands and nationwide.

Our training covers plant operation as well as the wider lifting team, including Excavator as a Crane, Slinger Signaller, Lift Supervisor and Appointed Person courses.

Related Lifting & Excavator Training

NPORS 360 Excavator Training – for operators who need the underlying excavator training and assessment.

NPORS Slinger Signaller Training – for personnel responsible for slinging loads and communicating with plant or crane operators.

NPORS Lift Supervisor Training – for personnel supervising lifting operations and ensuring the agreed lifting method is followed.

Appointed Person Lifting Operations Training – for personnel responsible for planning lifting operations.