Description

About the Course

Loader compressors combine a compact loading shovel with a built-in air compressor, so one machine can break out the road surface, power hand tools, dig out and load spoil, and move materials around the job. They’re a familiar sight on utilities and highways jobs, often working right next to live traffic and the public. That makes setting up a safe exclusion zone just as important as handling the machine itself. The NPORS N206 Loader Compressor course gives you the training, testing and recognised card you need to operate one safely and legally.

Whether you’re brand new to loader compressors or you’ve been operating one for years, we have a route for you. You can choose a full 3-day novice course, a refresher course or an experienced worker test.

Key Course Information

• Accreditation: NPORS
• Duration:
  • Novice Course: 3 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 loader compressor in utilities, highways, street works, civil engineering or groundworks. It’s particularly well suited to:

• New operators looking to get their first loader compressor card
• Experienced operators who need a recognised card for site compliance
• Utilities and street works gangs who break out, dig and reinstate in roads and footpaths
• Employers who need their team certified to meet 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 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 setting up an exclusion zone and pre-use checks to operating the machine and shutting down, 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 for the loader compressor you’re operating
• Identify the main components and key controls and explain what they do
• Set up an exclusion zone
• Carry out pre-use checks in line with manufacturer and legal requirements
• Select and maintain the right PPE for loader compressor work
• Prepare the loader compressor for use
• Carry out safety checks at the work area
• Operate the machine safely and efficiently
• Understand the environmental considerations of loader compressor work
• Store and transport implements and attachments correctly
• Understand how the loader compressor itself is loaded and unloaded for transport
• Carry out end-of-shift and shutdown procedures

How You’re Assessed

Novice route (3 days): Days 1–2 cover classroom theory and hands-on practical training on a loader compressor. On day 3, 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 loader compressor 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 N206 Loader Compressor 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 in Plant Operations –Extracting – Loader Compressor 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 N206 Loader Compressor course PDF to save or share with your employer.

Download Course PDF

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