Description

About the Course

Quick hitches let excavator and plant operators change buckets and attachments in seconds, but an attachment that isn’t properly locked on can fall without warning. Incidents involving dropped buckets have caused deaths and serious injuries on UK sites, which is why quick hitch awareness is now expected by most principal contractors. The NPORS N726 Quick Hitch Awareness course gives you the knowledge, testing and recognised card you need to use quick hitches safely and correctly.

Whether you’re new to quick hitches or you’ve been changing attachments for years, we have a route for you. You can choose a 1-day course, a refresher course or an experienced worker test.

Key Course Information

• Accreditation: NPORS
• Duration:
  • Course: 1 day
  • Experienced Worker Test: 1 day
• Refresher Course: Available upon request with proof of previous certification
• Card Validity:
  • NPORS Traditional: 5 years
• Location: Nationwide

Who Is This Course For?

This course is built for plant operators who use, or need to use, quick hitches to change attachments on excavators and other plant. It’s particularly well suited to:

• Excavator operators who change buckets and attachments using a quick hitch
• Newly qualified plant operators adding quick hitch awareness to their skills
• Experienced operators who need a recognised quick hitch qualification for site compliance
• Employers who need their operators trained to meet client or principal contractor requirements

Entry Requirements

• A good working understanding of spoken and written English

What You Will Learn

The course covers everything from pre-use checks to changing attachments and confirming they’re secure, so you can use a quick hitch confidently and safely. 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 quick hitch you’re using
• Identify the main components of the quick hitch and explain what they do
• Select and maintain the right PPE for quick hitch use
• Explain the different types of quick hitch
• Carry out pre-use checks in line with manufacturer and legal requirements
• Carry out safety checks at the designated changeover area
• Fit and remove attachments safely and efficiently
• Carry out and explain checks to make sure attachments are secure
• Carry out end-of-shift and shutdown procedures

How You’re Assessed

Novice route (1 day): The day covers classroom theory and hands-on practical training with a quick hitch, and at the end of the day you’ll sit the NPORS theory and practical tests. With a maximum of 10 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 experience of using quick hitches. 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.

Both cards cover the N726 Quick Hitch Awareness category.

Renewing 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.

Download Course Information

Download the full NPORS N726 Quick Hitch Awareness course PDF to save or share with your employer.

Download Course PDF

Ready to Book?

Check availability, get a quote, or secure your place on the next available course date. Our team will get back to you within one working day.