To provide knowledge, understanding and training in the following areas:

• Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator.
• Conform to manufacturers’ requirements as per technical data and conform to relevant regulations and legislation.
• Locate and identify the machine’s major components and explain their functions.
• Be able to locate and identify steering, driving and braking controls and explain their functions.
• Safely mount and dismount the machine.
• Start and stop the engine and safely move the machine and stop it safely.
• Configure the machine for travel and manoeuvre it safely across varying terrain in open and confined areas.
• Conduct all necessary safety checks at the works area.
• Be able to locate and identify safe working loads and lifting capacity charts and explain different lifting configurations and working ranges.
• Identify and explain different lifting procedures and what task could fall into each category.
• Identify and explain centres of gravity and calculate estimated weights of loads.
• Identify any overhead/proximity hazards.
• Agree on the signal codes/hand signals, direction of movement, safe working and safe landing, and placement zone with the slinger/signaller.
• Ensure the excavator is in a safe condition for attachments to be fitted.
• Checking load integrity and security by carrying out trial lifts.
• Be able to lift and move a load to a designated position in a safe and controlled manner, ensuring minimum uncontrolled movement.
• Environmental considerations
• Carry out all out-of-service and securing procedures.