Construction workers must prioritise safety and efficiency in their operations. Here, CPCS dumper truck training is vital.
Fatal injuries increased steadily in the British construction industry in the last ten years. Fatalities in this industry make up 37% of the overall fatalities in a year. Well, accidents often take place when workers handle heavy machinery like a dumper truck without having the right knowledge.
Operating a dumper truck requires skill, safety, and precision. Having a CPCS certification ensures that a worker is skilled and knowledgeable enough to handle a dumper truck. Here, we will discuss why construction workers need to be CPCS trained to operate dumper trucks.
What Is CPCS Dumper Truck Training?
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is a recognised training and accreditation program for plant operators in the construction industry of the United Kingdom. This body ensures that every plant operator meets the minimum and up-to-date requirements. This accounts for enhancing health and safety standards, thereby aligning with HSE.
The CPCS dumper truck training covers a range of areas, like operation, safety checks, manoeuvring, loading/unloading, and maintenance. Whether you handle forward-tipping, articulated, or tracked dumpers, having this training makes you competent. Here is an overview of the training procedure.
| Training element | What it covers | Duration | Certification |
| Theory and Safety
|
Site rules, risk assessment and PPE | 1 to 2 days | CPCS Red Card (Trained Operator) |
| Practical Training
|
Machine operation, loading, tipping, and stability | 2 to 3 days | CPCS Blue Card (Competent Operator) |
Table 1: CPCS training overview
Vitality of Dumper Truck Training
To work as a construction worker in the UK, you need dumper truck training. Let’s find out why it is important.
1. Site Safety
Accidents are common for construction workers in the workplace, and improper handling of dumper trucks is a common cause in the UK. Therefore, you need to be an expert. Getting proper training helps you handle a dumper truck effectively.
2. Efficiency
A trained operator works quickly with higher precision as compared to an untrained one. Workers having the CPCS certification for operating dumper trucks account for fewer material spills or damages.
3. Legal Compliance
The operating construction companies in the UK need to follow Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. This makes them appoint workers who are CPCS trained. This reduces the chance of getting involved in any legal trouble.
4. Career Progression
Having a CPCS certification increases job opportunities for construction workers in the UK. Employers seek such professionals as they possess the necessary skills and expertise to handle heavy machinery. Hence, you can progress in your professional career.
What Are the Offerings of CPCS Dumper Truck Training?
Handling complex construction equipment is not a layman’s job. For this, you need to be trained. Here are the aspects that you can obtain while availing the CPCS training.
- Pre-start and safety inspections: A trained construction worker is well aware of equipment handling, and the individual can take care of an entire task. Also, such professionals can execute the required safety inspections.
- Understanding load limits: The CPCS training helps a worker to position a dumper properly to receive loads, along with ensuring load security and integrity. While engaging in dumper truck training, you can understand how materials can be discharged safely into excavations.
- Operating in confined spaces: For a construction worker, manoeuvring a dumper truck in confined spaces is challenging. Well, you become an expert in this area when you receive CPCS training.
- Safety compliance: A CPCS-trained employee is well-versed with required health and safety precautions, legal considerations, and industry best practices. These are kept in mind while carrying out a task.
Obtaining Dual Certification for More Job Opportunities
There comes a point in everyone’s life when they need to upgrade themselves to a better position. And for that, an added certification is needed. You can consider obtaining wheeled loading shovel training to handle a wheeled loading shovel. A dumper truck certification does not work here. Let’s discuss how these two types of training differ.
| Feature | Dumper truck training | Wheeled loading shovel training |
| Main Function
|
Transporting materials | Loading/unloading and stockpiling |
| Core skills | Safe tipping and stability | Bucket control and load balance |
| CPCS Category | A09 | A21 |
| Who needs it | Site drivers and haulers
|
Material handlers and loader operators |
Table 2: Dumper truck training vs wheeled loading shovel training
If you operate both dumper trucks and wheeled loading shovels, you can opt for dual certification (CPCS Dumper + CPCS Wheeled Loading Shovel). You will get a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card with both the A09 and A21 categories listed. A dual certification of dumper truck and wheeled loaded shovel training makes you more versatile, thereby making you suitable for more job opportunities.
How CPCS Certification Benefits Construction Companies?
Construction companies in the UK prioritise CPCS certifications for the following reasons.
- Complying with CPCS and HSE standards
- Lowering downtime and machine damage costs
- Creating a competent workforce
- Improving an organisation’s reputation for safety and professionalism
If you have a CPCS certification, you become more eligible to apply for different positions in a construction company. Well, a dual certification is more beneficial.
Enrolling in Dumper Truck and Wheeled Loading Shovel Training: What is the Procedure?
To achieve any CPCS certification, a construction employee can visit any CPCS-accredited centres in Essex, Wigan, West Sussex, etc. Let’s check out the enrollment requirements.
- Must be above 18 years
- Passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test
- Accomplishing the CPCS theory test
To Conclude
CPCS dumper truck training is effective for construction workers because it results in workplace safety and efficiency. Because of complying with the necessary regulations, companies focus on hiring employees who possess such certifications. This also increases job opportunities for the employees in the construction sector.
Planning to Upskill Yourself in the Construction Industry?
Enrol in a CPCS certification course. This makes you more efficient in handling equipment like dumper trucks and wheeled loading shovels. Choose a reputed construction plant worker training institute in the UK to find the one that suits your job role. This helps you excel in your career.