Overview

This course is aimed at candidates that require the knowledge and practical skills to use suction excavators to excavate ground where utilities services are located.

Course Content

Candidates will be able to:

  • Understand the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as a suction excavator operator
  • Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular suction excavator to be used
  • Locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions
  • Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturer’s and legislative requirements
  • Identify and maintain PPE appropriate for suction excavator use
  • Explain the different types of suction excavators and their advantages and disadvantages when excavating material
  • Safely mount and dismount the machine
  • Start and stop the engine, compressor and suction hoses safely and efficiently
  • Demonstrate how to safely and efficiently use the remote control
  • Configure the machine for travel and manoeuvre it safely to the work position in open and confined areas
  • Conduct all necessary safety checks at the work area
  • Manoeuvre the machine to the work area and correctly configure in readiness to carry out excavating tasks
  • Demonstrate an emergency stop explaining all relevant safety precautions
  • Carry out excavating tasks
  • Fit and remove different attachments
  • Explain and demonstrate how to deposit material from the suction excavator safely and efficiently
  • Understand environmental considerations
  • Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures

Entry Requirements

NPORS CSCS – Candidates must have achieved the relevant CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) touch-screen-test within 2 years.

Good understanding of spoken and written English.

Duration

Novice course – 5 days depending upon experience

Experienced worker tests – 1 day theory and practical assessment

Location

Customer Site (Training & Testing) – Site must adhere to NPORS specifications

Next Steps

NPORS Traditional Card – There are no requirements to complete an NVQ, a five-year card is issued and after five years reassessment is required.

To upgrade your card to Blue, you will need to complete the Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations – Extracting and an Operatives Health, Safety and Environment Test completed within the last 2 years.

Please contact the team for further details.

Our Other Courses

Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations – Extracting

This NVQ is suitable for those looking to upgrade their CPCS/NPORS Suction Excavator card from red to blue.

Emergency First Aid at Work – 1 Day

This course is suitable for anyone who is likely to find themselves taking charge of, or who has been appointed to take charge of a first aid situation.

CPCS A74 Piling Rig Attendant

This course is designed to provide operatives with thorough theory and practical training in the role of the piling rig attendant.

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Don't just take our word for it

Lambert Construction

Thank you for providing the testing the lads have all fed back to me on how good the training and testing was what I observed was very thorough. We will be in touch with future training going forward.

Lambert Construction

Testimonial

Neil and the team helped massively when training up our guys for an NPORS piling rig certification

Top work

Jane Smith

Testimonial

One of the most informative and helpful courses I have ever been on. The course gave me a better understanding of the role of an appointed person.

Very well presented and explained in a way that can be understood and used in the future.

Brian Corse