CPCS A12C Excavator 180° Above 5 Tonnes: Lifting Operations

Course Overview

The CPCS A12C Excavator 180° above 5 Tonnes – Lifting Operations course equips operators with the core knowledge and practical skills needed to safely plan, prepare, and carry out lifting operations using 180° excavators. Training focuses on correct machine configuration, understanding lifting capacities, selecting and using appropriate lifting accessories, maintaining stability, and accurately lifting and placing suspended loads under varying site conditions. Candidates also learn to identify hazards, follow approved lifting plans, communicate effectively with slingers/signallers, and comply with all relevant legislation and manufacturer requirements.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

• Safe Working Practices – Apply LOLER, PUWER and relevant industry legislation, identify hazards, establish exclusion zones and follow safe systems of work for lifting operations.
• Lift Planning and Preparation – Interpret lift plans, risk assessments, method statements and load/lift capacity charts to plan lifting operations safely and effectively.
• Lifting Accessories and Attachments – Identify, inspect and select appropriate lifting accessories such as slings, shackles, eyebolts and beams, and verify certification, SWLs and suitability for the task.
• Machine Configuration for Lifting – Configure the excavator correctly for lifting duties, including stabilisers, front loader, boom/dipper positions, lock‑out systems and machine mode settings.
• Load Identification and Weight Assessment – Determine load weights, centres of gravity and characteristics using documentation, markings, calculations or manufacturer data.
• Ground Conditions and Stability – Assess ground support requirements, understand factors affecting machine stability and ensure safe positioning for lifting and slewing operations.
• Pre‑Use Checks and Safety Systems – Carry out essential pre‑operational checks, confirm serviceability of lifting points, RCI systems, warning devices and safety controls, and report defects.
• Communication and Signalling – Follow and apply correct hand signals, radio procedures and communication protocols with slingers/signallers throughout lifting operations.
• Lifting and Travelling with Loads – Conduct trial lifts, control load movement and swing, maintain full visibility and execute safe lifting, slewing and (where permitted) travelling with suspended loads.
• Load Placing and Accuracy – Position, control and place loads accurately at designated points while maintaining stability, smooth hydraulic operation and adherence to lift plans.
• Work Area Safety and Hazard Awareness – Identify proximity hazards, overhead and underground risks, environmental factors and maintain safe distances from personnel and structures.
• Control Isolation and Attachment Procedures – Isolate and deactivate controls during attachment/detachment of lifting accessories and apply hands‑off/step‑away principles.
• Environmental Considerations – Recognise how weather, wind, moisture and ground conditions influence lifting operations and load behaviour.
• Shutdown and Securing – Safely shut down, secure and isolate the excavator after lifting activities in accordance with manufacturer and site requirements.

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.