Loading Shovel

Loading Shovel – sometimes known as a ‘Bucket Loader’ is a powerful versatile machine used to move, clear and load bulk materials like aggregate, sand, gravel, soil or waste on construction sites, quarries and farms. Normally fitted with wheels, but can be tracked, it uses a large front bucket to scoop and transport materials over short distances or, to load the material into other machinery such as a lorry or hopper.

Training is provided on the following category:

Loading Shovel – Wheeled or Tracked

Accrediting Body: Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)

Maximum Ratio: 3 : 1 : 1 (3 Trainees : 1 Instructor : 1 Machine)

Durations:

Novice* – 1 Operator = 3 days, 2 Operators = 4 days, 3 Operators = 5 days
Experienced** – 1 or 2 Operators = 2 days, 3 Operators = 3 days
Safety Refresher*** – 1, 2 or 3 Operators = 1 day
Conversion - Please contact me

* For trainees with little or no previous experience of a carrying out the duties of a loading shovel
** Existing operators with some previous experience of using a loading shovel but have not received formal training
*** This course is available for those trainees with in-date documentary evidence of formal training

Course Breakdown

The following is a list of elements that make up a novice course. (N.B. The list for experienced operators and safety refreshers courses may be shorter).

Course Introduction, the need & reasons to train and relevant statutory requirements
Introduction to the equipment, control familiarisation and principles of operation
Recommended mount & dismount and introduction to the motive & steering controls
Simple hydraulics (theory) and introduction to the hydraulic controls
Basic steering exercises – simple courses
Advanced steering exercises – figure of 8, chicane etc.
Basic maintenance and refuelling procedures
Operators safety code and relevant handout
Daily pre-use inspections
Engineering principles, rated capacity and stability
Site safety checks and working conditions
Travel around site laden and unladen over various ground conditions*
Load a lorry/hopper/other with site materials*
Backfill excavations correctly and leave area clean and tidy*
Travel up and down ramps and inclines*
Relevant safety film
Testing: Pre-use checks, practical skills and theory

*Will be covered where facilities allow/are relevant

All courses are ITSSAR accredited and are recognised throughout the industry.

On-Site Courses and Facilities Required

The course will be delivered on your premises. This will give your employees the advantage of being trained and tested on the overhead crane they will use on a daily basis after training has been completed.

Training can be tailored/bespoke to your business requirements, but the following facilities will be required:

Access to your loading shovel
An area large enough for basic & advanced manoeuvring and testing
Loads/materials appropriate to your business
For theory training – an area large enough for the instructor and the trainees to work, with chairs, a table and a power supply (a small office)
It is recommended that all loading shovel operators wear safety footwear and a hi-visibility vest. Other personal protective equipment is as per the company’s SSOW/RA

Certification

After completing the course you will receive:

A certificate e-mailed to you

If you have applied for ITSSAR TOPS* (Trained Operators Passport Scheme), you will be registered onto the TOPS database, have your own TOPS number and receive a photo identification card.

* There is an additional charge of £20 per trainee. This covers the registration onto the TOPS database and card

After Care

After completing the training, feedback (verbally and written) will be given to both the trainee and their manager on the trainee’s performance including any recommendations.

When refresher training is due, (HSE recommends every 3 – 5 years, your company policy may differ), notification will be sent via email.