Excavation Plant Supervisors and Contractors

Course Description

The unit helps familiarizing the learner with the legal responsibilities of the supervisor/employer, related to Health and Safety issues and to contribute to a safer workplace by identifying hazards, taking appropriate action to reduce any risks involved and to follow good procedures in case of injury or ill health. The learner will acquire the skills to monitor and carry out secondary dimensional control for excavation operations, reading technical drawings and markings. The unit also covers basic understanding of portable powered tools and plants, and their correct operation. The learners will know how to use the correct procedure to manually excavate around utility services by selecting the correct tools and equipment and supervise other during such operations. The safe and correct method to backfill and reinstate a surface will also be demonstrated. The various types, selection and correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) will be demonstrated during this unit. Basic skills and techniques to operate an excavator will be demonstrated, including a practical session.

Overall Learning Outcomes

LO1. Supervise work whilst carrying out health and safety requirements at the workplace. LO2. Operate portable powered plant and equipment at the workplace.

LO3. Instruct manual excavation of ground and surfaces to form holes and trenches.

LO4. Carry out secondary dimensional control for excavation operations.

LO5. Monitor whilst contributing to the progress of works operations.

LO6. Operate mobile plant equipment to excavate ground and various materials.

• Minimum Entry Requirements
• Be over 21 years of age
• Possess the MQF Level 3 Award for Excavation Plant Operative (to operate small mobile plant less than 5 tonnes operating weight) (OL)
• Or 2 years experience in the construction industry
• Or Maturity Clause