The NPORS N104 Overhead Crane Operator course delivers the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate various types of overhead cranes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator
2. Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular machine to be used
3. Be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions
4. Be able to locate and identify key controls and explain their functions
5. Set up exclusion zone
6. Identify and maintain PPE appropriate for overhead crane use
7. Conduct all pre-operational and running checks in accordance with manufacturer’s and legislative requirements
8. Prepare the overhead crane for use and operate machine safely and efficiently
9. Environmental considerations
10. Carry out all end of work and shut down procedures

Course Contents

Theory

The theory portion covers core legislative guidelines, safety awareness, technical operational data and operational know how.

• Key legislation including the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (Sections 2, 7 & 8), PUWER Regulations, LOLER Regulations, CDM Regulations, and the CPA documentation.
• Load Dynamics: Learning to identify Safe Working Loads (SWL) of overhead crane  using thorough examination reports and load/duty charts.
• Equipment & Mechanics: Identifying major crane components and understanding their functions and safety features.
• Risk & Emergency Mitigation: Learning risk assessment procedures, site hazard identification (obstacles, personnel, ground conditions) and the specific emergency stop hand signal.
• Operational Rules: Safe operating procedures and techniques, managing load swings, procedures for handling defects, reporting damage, and executing mandatory end-of-shift shut-down routines.

Practical

The practical elements train the operator to execute real-world lifting maneuvers.

• Pre-Operational Inspection: Conducting complete checks on critical components in line with a pre-use check list.
• Mandatory Lift Tasks: Operators must successfully execute lifting tasks with overhead crane as per NPORS Guidelines.
• Slinger & Signaller Coordination: Actively communicating and agreeing on a signal code with a qualified slinger/signaller, ensuring they use a guide line to keep control of the moving load.
• Precision Landing: Landing all test loads within 100mm of the designated landing point.
• Safe Shutdown: Parking the crane in its designated area, raising the hook fully, hitting the emergency stop, removing the key, and isolating the main switch.