Description

About the Course

Lorry loaders, often known as HIABs, let drivers deliver and unload building materials, plant, cabins and equipment straight from the vehicle without waiting for a separate crane. But setting up on uneven ground, deploying the stabilisers correctly and lifting near people, vehicles and overhead cables all carry serious risks. The NPORS N107 Lorry Loader course gives you the training, testing and recognised card you need to operate one safely and legally.

Whether you’re brand new to lorry loaders or you’ve been operating one for years, we have a route for you. You can choose a full 2-day novice course, a refresher course or an experienced worker test.

Key Course Information

• Accreditation: NPORS
• Duration:
  • Novice Course: 2 days
  • Experienced Worker Test: 1 day
• Refresher Course: Available upon request 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 operates, or needs to operate, a lorry loader in construction, builders’ merchants, haulage, plant hire or utilities. It’s particularly well suited to:

• New operators looking to get their first lorry loader card
• Experienced operators who need a recognised card for site or workplace compliance
• HGV drivers delivering building materials, plant, cabins or equipment
• Employers who need their drivers certified to meet client or insurer 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 Operatives 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 pre-use checks and setting up the stabilisers to lifting and securing loads on the vehicle, so you can operate confidently from the start of your shift to the end. By the end, you’ll be able to:

• Understand the risks of the industry and your responsibilities as an operator
• Use the manufacturer’s handbook, other sources of information and the relevant regulations and legislation for the lorry loader you’re operating
• Identify the main components of the vehicle and loader crane and explain what they do
• Identify all operating controls and explain what they do
• Carry out pre-use checks in line with manufacturer and legal requirements
• Configure the vehicle and loader crane for travel and manoeuvre safely across varying terrain, in open and confined areas
• Carry out safety checks at the work area
• Manoeuvre to the work area and set up the vehicle and loader crane for lifting
• Deploy the stabilisers correctly, including different types such as swing-up stabilisers
• Follow the requirements for rated capacity indicators, limiters and load moment indicators
• Identify the weight and centre of gravity of loads
• Carry out lifting operations using the full capabilities of the loader crane
• Place loads accurately at set locations, including onto and off the vehicle
• Identify, fit and remove attachments and lifting accessories
• Minimise load swing and make sure loads are secure on the vehicle
• Carry out end-of-shift and shutdown procedures

How You’re Assessed

Novice route (2 days): Day 1 covers classroom theory and hands-on practical training on a lorry loader. On day 2, you’ll sit the NPORS theory and practical tests. With a maximum of 3 candidates per instructor, you’ll get plenty of time on the machine.

Experienced worker route (1 day): This route is for operators with substantial, recent lorry loader experience. You’ll go straight to the NPORS theory and practical tests with no training element, so you’ll need to be confident operating without support.

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 Operatives HS&E touchscreen test within the last 2 years.

Both cards cover the N107 Lorry Loader 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 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations – Cranes and Specialist Lifting (Lorry Loader) and hold an operatives 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 operating experience, hold a valid operatives touchscreen test completed within the last 2 years and submit a renewal form every 5 years.

Download Course Information

Download the full NPORS N107 Lorry Loader course PDF to save or share with your employer.

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