A Material Re-Handler (sometimes called a 360 Material Handler) is a heavy-duty hydraulic machine, equipped with a rotating arm and grapple (grab). It is designed to efficiently move, sort, load and unload large quantities of loose materials in industries like recycling, waste management and construction. The ‘re-handler’ emphasises its role in sorting and reprocessing materials – distinguishing it from a standard excavator by features like a moving, lifting cab for better visibility. These machines can come with either wheels or tracks.
         

Category: ​360° Materials Re-Handler
 

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

Maximum Ratio: 3 : 1 : 1 (3 Operators : 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 very little or no previous operating experience of a material re-handler
** Existing operators with some previous experience of using a material re-handler but have not received formal training
*** This course is available for those operators 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, safety refreshers and conversion 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 manoeuvring exercises around site – forwards and reverse 

• Advanced manoeuvring exercises around site – varying terrain, slopes and inclines* 

• 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 

• Detach and attach grapple/attachments* 

• Set up the machine for material handling tasks 

• Sort/move various materials and leave the area clean and tidy* 

• Load/unload a vehicle/container/hopper with site materials* 

• 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 material re-handler they will use after training has been completed, safely and efficiently.
 

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

• Access to your material re-handler 

• An area large enough for basic & advanced manoeuvring, various materials to handle and testing 

• Loads/materials and a vehicle/container to load 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 material re-handler operators wear safety footwear, headwear 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. 

 

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