Level 2 Lifting Technician (Mobile Harbour Crane) Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is focused on developing lifting technicians (mobile harbour crane drivers) within the Port sector. The primary role of the lifting technician is to set up and operate mobile harbour cranes to lift and place a variety of loads in the workplace. They play a vital role in supporting projects in which they have responsibility for operating the crane to lift materials and equipment. The Lifting Technician will need to be able to interpret and comply with given contract information and work with the lifting team to carry out lifting activities.

On completion of the apprenticeship, the lifting technician will have developed the following knowledge, skills and behaviours:

Knowledge

• The principles of health, safety and welfare and how they must be applied in lifting operations and to others
• The responsibilities under legislation and guidance (including the Health & Safety at Work Act, Lifting Operations Regulations 1998 and BS 7121)
• How to communicate with others and follow organisational procedures to conform to productive work
• The functions and basic construction of the crane, the operating controls and electronic read-out system and terminology for the crane including booms, jibs, stability equipment, hoisting equipment and safety systems
• How to conform with manufacturers requirements as per the operators handbook, codes of practice, lift plans/method statements, ground loading charts and inspection and reporting forms
• The need and how to undertake pre-use checks, regular and non-scheduled maintenance procedures, the sequence of pre-use checks and of defect reporting, and of setting the crane for work
• Different techniques, methods and safety issues of lifting, moving and placing a variety of loads
• How to interpret and apply information for the sequence of lifting operations
• How to comply with lift plan specifications and official guidance for the lifting of loads
• Safe working practices for setting up, configuring, lifting, moving and placing of loads whilst minimising the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area
• The different techniques and methods on the moving, handling and storing of resources and equipment
• The requirements of working at height and the use of access equipment, and the procedures to be followed
• The actions required for proximity hazards (nearby structures) and environmental hazards (strong winds)
• The principles and safety requirements for slinging and signalling duties
• The need for pre-use checks on lifting accessories, how to identify non-serviceable items and the procedures for placing out-of service items
• How to identify centres of gravity and estimate weight of loads for slinging of loads

Skills

• Comply with relevant legislation and official guidance (including the Health and Safety at Work Act, Lifting Operations Regulations 1998 and BS 7121) when lifting and transferring loads
• Conform with manufacturers’ and the employer’s operational and health and safety requirements
• Identify the sequence of lifting operations to be carried out, communicate and organise the work with others
• Undertake all pre-use checks, configure and set the crane for lifting duties
• Programme/set-up and conform with the crane’s electronic information systems
• Lift various loads using up to the full radius and slewing capabilities of the crane
• Accurately place load whilst minimising the swinging of loads and following signals and instructions
• Maintain stability and safe working situations
• Safely use, store and maintain equipment
• Work at height following safety and working procedures
• Place cranes out of service, and isolate and secure
• Prepare and ready lifting accessories and the area of operation for the lifting of loads
• Attach and secure various types of loads to a lifting hook ensuring balance, security and integrity
• Direct and guide the movement of loads and accurately place loads using a variety of communication methods
• Comply with specific legislation and guidance (inc. Lifting Operations Regulations 1998 and BS 7121) when slinging and signalling loads

Behaviours

• Effective communication: oral, written, listening, body language, presentation
• Teamwork: work effectively with others with limited supervision
• Independent working: take responsibility for completion of your own work
• Logical thinking: use clear and valid reasoning when making decisions to undertake the work instructions
• Working effectively: undertake the work in a reliable and productive manner
• Time management: use own time effectively to complete the work instructions to schedule
• Adaptability: be able to adjust to changes to the work instructions
• Assertiveness and confidence: able to resist pressures to work following unsafe practices
• Respect: apply equality, diversity and inclusion in dealing with others

Individuals undertaking this standard will need to achieve both of the following Level 2 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ):

• NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations Mobile Crane
• NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Slinger/Signaller

Individuals without level 1 English and Maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and Maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.