Slinging & Lifting from a Hydraulic Excavator Training Course
Hydraulic excavators are no longer used solely for excavation. Across the construction, civil engineering, utilities, rail and infrastructure sectors, they are increasingly utilised for lifting operations using certified lifting points and a wide range of lifting accessories. While this versatility offers significant operational advantages, lifting with an excavator introduces additional risks that demand specialist knowledge, careful planning and competent operators.
C&G Services’ Slinging & Lifting from a Hydraulic Excavator Training Course has been specifically developed for experienced hydraulic excavator operators who are required to undertake routine lifting operations using their machine. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of lifting principles, safe slinging techniques, excavator lifting capabilities and the legal responsibilities associated with lifting operations.
Combining detailed classroom instruction with practical exercises, delegates develop the competence and confidence required to carry out lifting activities safely, efficiently and in accordance with current legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Why Specialist Excavator Lifting Training is Essential
Although modern hydraulic excavators are often supplied with certified lifting points, they should never be regarded as conventional cranes.
Using an excavator for lifting introduces a number of additional hazards, including:
- Machine instability
- Dynamic loading
- Ground failure
- Incorrect attachment selection
- Failure of lifting accessories
- Overloading
- Load swing
- Poor communication
- Unsafe load handling
- Incorrect use of quick hitches
- Failure to understand rated capacity charts
Without appropriate training, these hazards can result in serious injury, equipment damage, costly project delays and breaches of statutory duties.
Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that anyone undertaking lifting operations is adequately trained, competent and understands both the capabilities and limitations of the equipment being used.
Who Should Attend?
This course has been designed for experienced hydraulic excavator operators who are required to undertake routine lifting operations as part of their normal work activities.
It is particularly suitable for personnel working within:
- Construction
- Civil Engineering
- Utilities
- Highways
- Rail
- Groundworks
- Infrastructure projects
- Landscaping
- Industrial maintenance
The programme is ideal for operators who already possess excavator operating skills but require additional competence in lifting suspended loads safely.
Course Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the practical knowledge and theoretical understanding necessary to carry out routine lifting operations safely using a hydraulic excavator.
On successful completion, delegates will understand:
- Their legal responsibilities during lifting operations
- The principles of safe slinging and lifting
- How to select and inspect lifting accessories
- Excavator lifting limitations
- Machine stability
- Safe lifting procedures
- Load handling techniques
- Communication methods
- Hazard identification
- Risk reduction measures
The course supports improved safety, legal compliance and greater operational efficiency across lifting activities.
Comprehensive Course Content
Safe Slinging Theory
Delegates begin by developing a sound understanding of lifting theory, including the principles that underpin safe lifting operations using hydraulic excavators.
This module provides the foundation for practical lifting activities later in the course.
Duties and Responsibilities
Understanding individual responsibilities is essential for safe lifting operations.
The course examines the roles and duties of:
- Excavator operators
- Slingers
- Signallers (Banksmen)
- Supervisors
- Employers
- Persons involved in planning lifting operations
Delegates gain an appreciation of the importance of competence, communication and accountability.
Basic Lift Planning
Effective planning remains the cornerstone of every successful lifting operation.
The course introduces delegates to the principles of basic lift planning using the recognised LOLER ACoP eight-step approach, enabling operators to understand how lifting operations should be organised, assessed and executed safely.
Topics include:
- assess the weight and size of the load;
- choose the right accessory for lifting, eg depending upon the nature and weight of the load and the environment in which it is to be used;
- check the anticipated path of the load to make sure that it is not obstructed;
- prepare a suitable place to set down the load; fit the sling to the load (using an appropriate method of slinging);
- make the lift (a trial lift may be necessary to confirm the centre of gravity of the load;
- tag lines may be necessary to stop the load swinging);
- release the slings (boards or similar may be necessary to prevent trapping of the sling);
- clear up.
Excavator Requirements for Lifting
Not every excavator is suitable for lifting duties.
Delegates will learn:
- Requirements for lifting duties
- Approved lifting points
- Machine suitability
- Ancillary safety equipment
- Operator responsibilities
Training reinforces the importance of using only appropriately configured machines for lifting operations.
Dynamic Factors Affecting Lifting Operations
Unlike static loads, excavator lifting involves dynamic forces that can significantly affect machine stability.
Delegates learn about:
- Load movement
- Sudden stopping
- Slewing
- Boom positioning
- Ground conditions
- Momentum
- Centre of gravity
Understanding these factors enables operators to maintain better control and reduce operational risk.
Safe Positioning of the Excavator
Machine positioning is critical to safe lifting.
The course examines:
- Ground bearing capacity
- Excavator orientation
- Radius considerations
- Safe working distances
- Working on slopes
- Environmental constraints
Correct positioning improves both safety and lifting efficiency.
Understanding Load Rating Charts
One of the most important elements of the course focuses on understanding the manufacturer’s lifting capacity charts.
Delegates learn how to interpret:
- Safe lifting capacities
- Boom configurations
- Working radius
- Height limitations
- Lift restrictions
Understanding these charts helps prevent overloading and improves safe decision-making on site.
Quick Hitches, Safety Locks and Ancillary Devices
The course covers the safe use of:
- Quick hitches
- Safety locking devices
- Lifting eyes
- Hooks
- Ancillary lifting equipment
Delegates also examine common failures associated with incorrectly fitted or poorly maintained equipment.
Testing, Examination and Certification
Operators must understand the importance of ensuring lifting equipment remains safe.
Training includes:
- Thorough examinations
- Inspection intervals
- Certification requirements
- Defect reporting
- Equipment records
Delegates gain an appreciation of their responsibilities before commencing lifting operations.
Lifting Accessories
The programme introduces a wide range of lifting accessories including:
- Chain slings
- Webbing slings
- Round slings
- Shackles
- Hooks
- Eyebolts
Training covers correct application, limitations and suitability for different lifting tasks.
Marking, Storage and Handling
Improper storage can significantly reduce the service life of lifting equipment.
Delegates learn:
- Identification markings
- Safe storage
- Transportation
- Protection from damage
- Care of lifting accessories
In-Service Inspection
Regular user inspection helps identify defects before they result in failure.
Delegates develop the ability to recognise:
- Wear
- Corrosion
- Distortion
- Contamination
- Cracks
- Broken stitching
- Damaged fittings
Appropriate reporting procedures are also covered.
Safe Use of Lifting Accessories
Candidates gain practical experience in:
- Selecting suitable equipment
- Correct attachment methods
- Load balancing
- Preventing sling damage
- Protecting suspended loads
Banksman’s Signals (BS 7121)
Clear communication is essential during lifting operations.
Delegates are introduced to the recognised BS 7121 standard hand signals, ensuring consistent communication between operator and Banksman.
Load Weight Estimation
Safe lifting depends upon knowing the load weight.
The course covers:
- Weight estimation methods
- Sources of weight information
- Material density
- Engineering drawings
- Manufacturer’s data
Load Stability and Balance
Delegates learn how to assess:
- Centre of gravity
- Balanced lifting
- Uneven loads
- Load security
- Sling angles
Maintaining load stability reduces the likelihood of uncontrolled movement.
Tag Lines and Guiding Loads
The safe use of tag lines is demonstrated to enable operators and slingers to maintain control of suspended loads while remaining outside danger zones.
Preventing Damage
The course explains methods of protecting:
- The load
- Lifting accessories
- Excavator attachment points
- Surrounding property
Good lifting practice protects both equipment and client assets.
Landing and De-Rigging Loads
Delegates practise:
- Controlled landing
- Safe release of lifting equipment
- De-rigging procedures
- Final equipment inspections
Hazard Awareness
Throughout the course, delegates continually assess common hazards associated with lifting from hydraulic excavators, including:
- Ground instability
- Machine overturning
- Suspended loads
- Crushing hazards
- Equipment failure
- Poor communication
- Environmental conditions
- Unsafe working practices
Practical exercises reinforce safe decision-making in realistic workplace scenarios.
Course Duration
The duration of training depends upon the experience and competence of the delegates.
Novice Training
- 2 Days
- Up to four delegates
Refresher Training
- 1 Day
- Up to four delegates
Small group sizes ensure every delegate receives extensive practical coaching and individual instructor support.
Certification
Successful delegates receive certification from:
C&G Services (Europe) Ltd
Certification demonstrates that delegates have successfully completed training in the principles and practical application of routine slinging and lifting operations using a hydraulic excavator.
Why Choose C&G Services?
With decades of experience delivering specialist lifting operations and plant training throughout the UK, C&G Services has established a reputation for technical excellence, practical instruction and exceptional customer service.
Our instructors bring extensive real-world experience from construction, civil engineering, utilities, manufacturing and infrastructure projects, ensuring every course reflects current legislation, recognised industry standards and genuine workplace practice.
Training is delivered in a supportive environment that combines classroom learning with extensive hands-on practical exercises, enabling delegates to develop the confidence and competence needed to perform lifting operations safely and efficiently.
Invest in Safer Lifting Operations
Routine lifting using hydraulic excavators is a specialist activity that requires more than simply operating the machine. It demands sound judgement, technical knowledge, careful planning and a thorough understanding of lifting principles.
Whether you need to develop experienced operators or refresh existing skills, C&G Services’ Slinging & Lifting from a Hydraulic Excavator Training Course provides the expertise your workforce needs to improve safety, support compliance and increase operational efficiency.
For further information on course availability, costs or on-site delivery, contact C&G Services (Europe) Ltd today.
Telephone: 01453 826781
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gettrained.co.uk
