CPCS A59C Excavator 360° Above 10 Tonnes: Lifting Operations

Course Overview

The CPCS A59C Excavator 360° Above 10 Tonnes: Lifting Operations course provides operators with the specialist skills and knowledge required to safely lift, move and place suspended loads using large 360° excavators. Our training develops a clear understanding of lift planning, load charts, lifting accessories and the correct machine set-up for lifting tasks.

This CPCS A59C Excavator 360° Above 10 Tonnes course is suitable for operators who need to demonstrate formal competence in lifting operations using heavy 360° excavators. It is relevant to both novice and experienced operators involved in excavation, lifting and site operations where larger excavators are used to handle suspended loads safely and efficiently.

Who is this course for?

This CPCS A59C Excavator 360° Above 10 Tonnes: Lifting Operations course is intended for personnel who are required to carry out lifting operations using larger 360° excavators. It is ideal for:

• Excavator operators who use heavy 360° machines for lifting tasks
• Plant operatives involved in excavation and load placement on construction or civil sites
• Operators who need to formalise lifting competence as part of their CPCS category
• Experienced excavator operators progressing into lifting operations work

The course is suitable for both novice and experienced candidates, and the most appropriate CPCS route will be based on the delegate’s existing knowledge and practical experience.

What you will learn

By the end of the CPCS A59C Excavator 360° Above 10 Tonnes: Lifting Operations course, delegates will:

• Understand legal and safety requirements for lifting operations, including LOLER, PUWER, risk assessments, method statements and relevant documentation
• Interpret lift plans and load charts, including lifting capacities in relation to radius, height, slew position, load centres and centres of gravity
• Identify and select suitable lifting accessories, such as chains, slings, shackles and spreader beams, ensuring serviceability and correct configuration
• Prepare the excavator for lifting, carrying out the required checks and selecting the correct machine modes and stability aids
• Configure boom and dipper positions correctly and understand the use of RCIs, stabilisers, lockouts and levelling systems
• Lift and place loads safely and accurately, maintaining smooth control, correct hook positioning and load security
• Control load movement and reduce swing by applying the correct operator techniques and taking account of environmental conditions
• Travel with suspended loads safely, assessing route suitability, maintaining visibility of the slinger/signaller and managing dynamic forces
• Establish and maintain exclusion zones, identify proximity hazards, including overhead services, and follow agreed communication methods
• Follow correct attachment and detachment procedures, including secure connections and trial lifts
• Work within the limits of machine stability, taking account of ground conditions, load characteristics, boom position and the operating environment

Practical exercises reflect typical site conditions where possible, giving delegates the chance to apply the theory under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Assessment and certification

For successful completion of training, candidates must complete an end-of-course practical assessment and knowledge test with clear pass or fail criteria set out by the CPCS scheme. The assessments are designed to confirm that delegates can carry out lifting operations safely, interpret lifting information correctly and operate within the limits of the machine and the lift plan.

On successful completion of the required CPCS technical tests, delegates can apply for the appropriate CPCS A59C card in line with current CPCS scheme rules.

Entry requirements and additional information

To attend this course, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, in good physical health and able to meet the demands of practical training, including climbing on and off the plant and working outdoors in typical site conditions. An adequate level of spoken and written English is required to fully engage with the course content and assessments. There are no formal qualification requirements, although any previous exposure to plant or construction work will be beneficial.

This course can also be delivered as a COTS-accredited in-house course. In-house training can be provided either at the COTS Training centre or at customer premises, where suitable facilities and the appropriate excavator are available. In-house training is not tied to an external awarding body syllabus, which gives COTS greater flexibility to tailor the content, examples and emphasis to the customer’s site layout, machinery and lifting requirements.

Candidates will follow either the Novice or Experienced route, depending on their background:

• Novice route: For candidates who do not hold a current industry-recognised card in this category and/or have limited or no demonstrable practical experience of operating this category of plant in a construction environment. Previous site experience and a basic knowledge of construction terminology are beneficial but not essential.
• Experienced route: For candidates who hold a current industry-recognised Red Card in a relevant category or have equivalent experience. The trainer will complete an initial assessment and documented profiling to confirm suitability for the experienced route based on the candidate’s knowledge and skills.

Candidates wishing to obtain or renew a CPCS card must also meet any current CPCS scheme requirements, which may include holding a valid CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. COTS can advise on the latest requirements at the time of booking.

PPE requirements

For the practical session, delegates must wear suitable personal protective equipment. This includes:

• Safety footwear
• Suitable work clothing
• Hard hat
• High-visibility vest or jacket
• Any additional PPE required by the site risk assessment or company rules

Any extra or site-specific PPE requirements will be confirmed before the course date.

Why choose COTS Training for CPCS A59C Excavator Lifting Operations training?

Choosing COTS for CPCS A59C Excavator Lifting Operations training means delegates are taught by instructors who understand both the CPCS scheme and the realities of carrying out lifting operations with large excavators on busy sites. Training is delivered in a clear and supportive way, with time set aside for questions, discussion and practical exercises.

By the end of the course, the aim is that every delegate is confident in preparing the machine for lifting, interpreting lift plans and load charts, carrying out lifting operations safely and working in line with site rules and best practice.

CPCS A59C Excavator 360° Above 10 Tonnes: Lifting Operations course FAQs