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How to become a mobile crane operator

It is a legal requirement for anyone operating a crane to be fully qualified, and there are additional qualifications for a mobile crane – this is understandable given the size and reach of the machinery involved. The potential risk to site personnel, other plant machinery and the general public must be taken fully into account by the operator as well as the rest of the lift team to ensure safety always comes first. Therefore, up-to-date and relevant qualifications are vital for anyone wanting to become a mobile crane operator. Qualifications The two most important qualifications for a mobile crane operator are:

  1. An LGV Category C license – this qualification allows you to operate any vehicle over 3.5 tonnes on a public highway, which includes most mobile cranes.

  2. A Mobile Crane NPORS or CPCS Card – a relevant card is needed for any construction job but there are many on offer, each focusing on different areas of competence and expertise. Members of the lift team will need a card specific to the job they are applying for: Appointed Person, Lift Supervisor, Slinger/Signaller, Mobile Crane Operator, Vehicle Marshall, etc.

If you don’t have a current NPORS or CPCS card in the discipline you need, or if yours is out of date, EB Construction Training, part of the Carter Group, can help you to get it. We run a variety of training courses from our offices in East Devon, or we can come to your site if the correct equipment is available (we may be able to provide this). As one of the most technically challenging roles, the training for a crane operator is understandably longer than for some of the other disciplines and it therefore costs a bit more.

The right attitude No matter how qualified or experienced you are, you still need to display the right character to be a mobile crane operator – there is more to it than simply technical knowledge – the key skills are good communication and the ability to listen carefully to instructions. Carter Crane Hire always applies safe working practices and we expect our employees to understand exactly what is required of them, especially when it comes to Health & Safety.




Crane Operator training At EB Construction Training, we run NPORS courses that can provide a CPCS card accepted at most UK construction sites. The advantage to you is that the NPORS qualifications can be delivered at your site – you do not have to come into our training centre unless you would prefer to do so. Topics covered during Crane Operator training include:

  • Safe systems of work

  • Risk assessment

  • Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

  • Lifting regulations

  • Crane safety and operation

  • Basic rigging procedures to attach the load to the hook

  • Sling loading, balancing and safety

  • Recognizing and responding to crane signals accurately

  • Correct positioning for a lift

  • Effects of shock loading on structural strength, stability and load displacement

  • Inspection and maintenance procedures

  • Records and certification

EB Construction Training is a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), which enables us to claim grant funding on behalf of any company that is a CITB registered levy payer. We deliver Short Duration Training and Experienced Worker Assessments through NPORS in Plant Operations and Controlled Lifting Operations, which are eligible for grant funding of up to £120 per candidate. On completion of a qualifying course, EB Construction Training has 10 days in which to claim the grant payment through CITB –all we need is your CITB levy number to make the application. Grants are paid directly into your company bank account. If you think you have what it takes to join our team, apply today! For further information on any aspect of this blog, please contact us or telephone 01395 446446

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