CPCS A10C Excavator 180° Below 5 Tonnes: Lifting Operations

Course Overview

The CPCS A10C Excavator 180° below 5 Tonnes – Lifting Operations course provides operators with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to safely plan, prepare, and carry out lifting operations using compact 180° excavators under 5 tonnes. Training focuses on safe machine configuration, interpreting lifting charts, selecting and inspecting lifting accessories, maintaining stability, and accurately lifting and placing suspended loads in varied site conditions. Learners also develop strong hazard‑awareness skills, understand regulatory requirements under LOLER and PUWER, and learn to work effectively with slingers/signallers and lift supervisors as part of a controlled lifting operation.

This course is suitable for new and experienced operators working in construction, utilities, landscaping, and small‑plant environments where compact excavators are used for lifting, placing, or handling light to medium suspended loads.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

• Safe Working Practices – Identify hazards, understand regulatory requirements (LOLER/PUWER), and apply safe systems of work during lifting operations
• Lift Planning and Documentation – Interpret lift plans, risk assessments, method statements and manufacturer load/lift capacity charts to plan safe lifting activities
• Lifting Accessories and Attachments – Identify, inspect and select appropriate slings, shackles, beams, eyebolts and other lifting accessories, confirming suitability, certification and safe working limits
• Machine Configuration for Lifting – Configure the excavator correctly for lifting duties, including stabilisers, boom/dipper positioning, lock‑out systems, and machine mode settings
• Load Weight & Centre of Gravity – Accurately determine load weight and centre of gravity from documentation, markings or calculations to ensure compatibility with machine lifting capacities
• Ground Conditions and Stability – Assess and verify ground suitability, understand stability factors, and position the machine correctly to prevent overturning
• Pre‑Use Checks and Safety Systems – Carry out essential machine checks, confirm serviceability of lifting points and safety devices including RCIs, indicators and limiters
• Communication and Signalling – Follow correct signalling and radio communication protocols with slingers/signallers throughout all lifting operations
• Lifting and Travelling with Loads – Conduct safe trial lifts, control load swing, maintain full visibility and carry out safe lifting, slewing and (where permitted) travel with suspended loads
• Load Placing and Accuracy – Position and place loads accurately at specified locations while maintaining machine stability and following lift‑plan requirements
• Work Area Safety – Identify proximity hazards, exclusion zones, overhead risks, underground services and environmental factors that may affect lifting operations
• Control Isolation & Attachment Procedures – Safely isolate controls during sling/attachment fitting or removal and follow safe hands‑off/step‑away procedures
• Environmental Effects on Lifting – Recognise how weather, wind, moisture and ground conditions influence load behaviour and lifting safety
• Shutdown and Securing – Shut down, isolate and secure the excavator safely after lifting operations

Pre-requisites

• Novice: The candidate does not hold a current industry recognised card within the plant category and/or has limited or no demonstrable practical experience of operating the category of plant in a construction environment. Experience of working on site and a basic knowledge of construction terminology would be beneficial.
• Experienced: The candidate holds a current industry recognised red card within the plant category or has equivalent experience. The trainer must decide and be able to demonstrate a thorough initial assessment and document their decisions for choosing the experienced route based on the candidate s knowledge and skills through a documented profiling approach.

Assessment Methods

For the successful completion of training, candidates must complete an end of course practical assessment and knowledge test that has a clear pass or fail criteria as set out by the CPCS scheme.

Additional Information

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, in good physical health, and capable of meeting the demands of practical training. An adequate level of English literacy is also required to fully engage with the course content and assessments. This course can also be offered as an in-house COTS Certification.