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CPCS Training - Appointed Persons (A61) Lifting Operations Course
The CPCS Appointed Person Course is for people who are responsible for planning lifting operations every day. This course teaches lift operations safety, legislative responsibilities, and workers' safety.
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Rated Excellent
on major review sites
Course Features
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CPCS Appointed Person Course Overview
The CPCS A61 Appointed Person Training Course is for people who plan and manage lifting operations. This course will teach you to meet legal requirements and keep everyone safe. The course includes practice exercises and allows you to apply your knowledge, including planning lifts and understanding safety standards and regulations.
The Appointed Person course comes in two levels: Foundation and Experienced Worker, to match different experience levels. You need at least two years of experience in the role to join the Experienced Worker course. After completing the course, you will know how to safely plan lifting operations for mobile cranes on a busy construction site.
To take any CPCS test, you must have passed the CSCS Health, Safety, and Environment touchscreen test for Operatives in the last two years.
CPCS Course Entry Requirements
To complete your registration, please provide:
- Your current CSCS Card Number
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your Date of Birth
- Your Home Address
You must also complete a valid CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Touch Screen Test within the last two years. A good understanding of English, both written and spoken, is necessary.
What Will You Learn
- Legislation & Codes of Practice (BS 7121)
- Roles & Responsibilities of Lifting Operations Personnel
- Duties of the Appointed Person
- Thorough Examination & Certification
- Selection of Cranes
- Lifting Capacity & Duties Charts
- Crane Positioning & Configuration
- Selection & Use of Lifting Accessories
- Methods of Communication
- Carrying Out a Risk Assessment
- Preparing a Method Statement
- Crane Plan & Elevation Drawings
Course Assessment and Certification
Candidates will take both practical and written tests. After successfully passing these tests, they will receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, valid for 2 years.
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), established in 2003, promotes safe and standardised working practices within the plant sector. CPCS training courses teach learners the necessary skills and knowledge to operate plant machinery safely and effectively according to UK health and safety regulations.
CPCS Card Categories
CPCS Red Trained Operator Card: This is issued after initial CPCS training.
CPCS Blue Competent Operative Card Card: To upgrade from a Red Card to a Blue Card, candidates must complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) relevant to their category. NVQs are available for:
- Slinger Signaller
- Crane Supervisor
- Mobile Crane
- Crawler Crane
- Appointed Person
- Vehicle Marshaller
- Telehandler
- Compact Crane
- Forward Dripping Dumper
How to Obtain a CPCS Card
The CPCS scheme comprises three stages, and Hurak Learning can assist you throughout the process:
1. Red Trained Operator Card: This card confirms core skills, knowledge, and understanding applicable in the workplace. It is awarded upon completing the CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests at an accredited test centre.
Candidates must also have passed the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test within the last two years. The Red Card is valid for two years and is non-renewable. To upgrade to a Blue Card, candidates must complete the relevant NVQ within this period.
2. Blue Competent Operator Card: To obtain this card, you must upgrade from the Red Card by completing the appropriate NVQ in Plant Operations through the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) method at your workplace. An assessor will visit you several times to collect evidence of your experience. After reviewing the evidence, your Blue Card will be issued and valid for five years.
3. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs): NVQs are competence-based qualifications achieved in the workplace. They assess your ability to perform a job safely and effectively. To complete an NVQ, candidates must submit work-based evidence and undergo an assessment by observation with an assessor.
What you will learn
- Inexperienced Lifting Supervisors
- Experienced Lifting Supervisors
- Construction Plant Machinery Handlers
- Construction Plant Machinery Operators
- Crane Banksmen
- Lifting and Loading Operators
- Slinger Signallers
General Course Content
This part defines what an Appointed Person is responsible for, including the planning, coordination, and supervision of lifting operations. It explains their role in assessing risks, selecting appropriate lifting equipment, ensuring all safety measures are in place, and ensuring everyone involved is properly trained and informed.
This section focuses on the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). It covers the requirements set out by these regulations, such as ensuring equipment is safe to use and that lifting operations are properly planned and executed.
This section focuses on ensuring that cranes are stable and safely positioned before beginning lifting operations. It covers factors affecting crane stability, such as ground conditions, crane setup, and load distribution.
The emphasis is on planning how lifts will be conducted, including calculating weights, understanding load charts, and assessing site conditions. Proper planning helps prevent accidents and ensures that lifts are carried out safely and efficiently.
This part specifically addresses the use of mobile cranes, including their unique features and challenges. It includes details on planning lifts with mobile cranes, considering factors like mobility, setup, and stability.
This section involves practical exercises where candidates use drawings and plans to practice lifting operations. It helps them develop skills in interpreting site plans, identifying lifting points, and planning safe lifting procedures based on visual information.
This part covers the importance of regular maintenance for plant machinery to ensure it remains safe and operational. It includes procedures for inspecting and servicing cranes and other lifting equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure they meet safety standards.
This section outlines the standard procedures and best practices for conducting lifting operations safely. It includes guidelines for safe operation, risk management, emergency procedures, and ensuring all team members follow safety protocols.
This part describes the steps before lifting equipment, including inspections, testing, and ensuring everything is in good working order. It ensures the equipment is safe and ready for the planned lifting operations.
This section details what needs to be done after lifting operations are complete, such as cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining the equipment. It ensures that equipment remains in good condition and that any issues are addressed promptly to maintain safety and reliability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The CPCS Appointed Person Course trains individuals to plan and supervise lifting operations on construction sites. It covers the responsibilities of an appointed person, including risk assessments, method statements, and safe lifting practices.
An Appointed Person is a professional responsible for planning and managing lifting operations, including selecting lifting equipment, creating method statements, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring all lifting activities comply with safety regulations and best practices.
The course is designed for individuals responsible for planning and overseeing lifting operations. This includes site managers, crane supervisors, and those looking to take on the role of an appointed person.
The course includes training on planning and managing lifting operations, legal and safety responsibilities, risk assessment, method statements, crane selection, and coordinating lifting activities.
You will receive a CPCS Red Appointed Person Card upon successful completion, which certifies your competence to plan and supervise lifting operations.
To obtain this card, you must upgrade from the Red Card by completing the appropriate NVQ in Plant Operations through the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) method at your workplace. An assessor will visit you several times to collect evidence of your experience. After reviewing the evidence, your Blue Card will be issued and valid for five years.
Candidates should have relevant lifting operations experience and a basic understanding of health and safety. A CITB Health, Safety & Environmental touch screen test completed within the past two years is required.
The course includes theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate your skills and knowledge in planning and managing lifting operations.