Description

About the Course

Once a lift has been planned, someone has to make sure it’s carried out exactly as the plan says. That’s the job of the crane/lift supervisor, who controls the lifting operation on the ground, directs the slinger/signallers and operator, and stops the lift if conditions change. The NPORS N405 Crane/Lift Supervisor course gives you the training, testing and recognised card you need to supervise lifting operations safely and legally.

Whether you’re stepping into a supervisory role for the first time or you’re an experienced lift supervisor who needs to renew, we have a route for you. You can choose a full 3-day novice course or a 1-day refresher course.

Key Course Information

• Accreditation: NPORS
• Duration:
  • Novice Course: 3 days
  • Refresher Course: 1 day, with proof of previous certification
• Card Validity:
  • NPORS Traditional: 5 years
  • NPORS Red Trained Operator: 2 years
• Location: Nationwide

Who Is This Course For?

This course is built for anyone who supervises, or needs to supervise, lifting operations on construction, civil engineering, industrial or infrastructure sites. It’s particularly well suited to:

• Experienced slinger/signallers stepping up into a supervisory role
• Site supervisors, foremen and engineers who oversee crane and lifting work
• Experienced lift supervisors who need a recognised card for site compliance
• Employers who need a competent lift supervisor to meet LOLER, client or principal contractor requirements

Entry Requirements

• A good working understanding of spoken and written English
• For the NPORS Red Trained Operator Card with the CSCS logo only: the CITB Supervisors Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Touchscreen Test, passed within the last 2 years. If you haven’t taken it yet, we can help you book it.

What You Will Learn

The course covers everything from checking lifting equipment to supervising loads into place, so you can control lifting operations confidently from start to finish. By the end, you’ll be able to:

• Understand the risks of the industry and your responsibilities as a crane/lift supervisor
• Identify different types of lifting equipment and accessories, and explain how they’re made and what they’re used for
• Find and use information from the relevant documentation
• Explain and demonstrate the different communication methods used during lifts
• Explain how to take faulty items out of service
• Explain how RCI and anti-collision systems work and use the information they provide
• Explain the setting up, erection, levelling and dismantling requirements for different types of lifting equipment
• Set up exclusion zones, plan for emergencies and identify overhead hazards
• Identify hazards and unsafe lifting practices in different lifting scenarios
• Check that loads and lifting accessories are secure, balanced and sound
• Supervise the movement of loads to different locations using different methods of communication
• Explain how environmental factors and conditions outside the lift zone can affect the lift
• Carry out out-of-service and securing procedures

How You’re Assessed

Novice route (3 days): Days 1–2 cover classroom theory and practical training in supervising lifting operations. On day 3, you’ll sit the NPORS theory and practical tests. With a maximum of 6 candidates per instructor, there’s plenty of time to work through real lifting scenarios.

Refresher route (1 day): This route is for lift supervisors who already hold a valid or recently expired N405 card. It refreshes your knowledge of current legislation and good practice before you sit the NPORS tests.

What Card Will I Get?

Pass both tests and you’ll receive one of the following:

• NPORS Traditional Card: valid for 5 years. No HS&E touchscreen test needed.
• NPORS Red Trained Operator Card (CSCS logo): valid for 2 years. Only available if you’ve passed the CITB Supervisors HS&E touchscreen test within the last 2 years.

Both cards cover the N405 Crane / Lift Supervisor category.

Renewing and Upgrading Your Card

• Traditional Card: no NVQ is required. After 5 years, you’ll retake the test to renew or submit a renewal form to NPORS.
• Red Trained Operator Card: this card is valid for 2 years and can’t be renewed like-for-like. You’ll need to complete the Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Supervising Lifts and hold a supervisors touchscreen test passed within the last 2 years to upgrade to the Blue card, so it’s worth starting early.
• Blue Competent Operator Card: valid for 5 years. To renew, you’ll need to complete a logbook showing your lift supervision experience, hold a valid supervisors touchscreen test completed within the last 2 years and submit a renewal form every 5 years.

Download Course Information

Download the full NPORS N405 Crane / Lift Supervisor course PDF to save or share with your employer.

Download Course PDF

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