The Lorry Loader Crane (Hiab) R5 course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely inspect and operate lorry loader cranes, commonly referred to as Hiab cranes, within the AITT R5 category, in accordance with current health and safety legislation, recognised industry best practice and the relevant AITT operator training standard.

Combining classroom-based learning with practical operator training, delegates will develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to carry out pre-use inspections, safely position and stabilise the vehicle, assess loads, operate the crane controls and safely lift, move and position loads whilst minimising risks to themselves, other personnel, equipment, vehicles and property.

Training is delivered in accordance with the relevant AITT operator training category, ensuring a structured, competence-based programme combining theoretical knowledge with practical workplace application. Training may be delivered at different levels depending on the delegate's previous experience, including novice, experienced operator, refresher or conversion training where appropriate.

Who Should Attend?

• Drivers and operators required to use vehicle-mounted lorry loader cranes.
• Delivery and distribution personnel.
• Construction and building materials personnel.
• Utilities, highways and infrastructure workers.
• Agricultural and rural workers.
• New or experienced lorry loader crane operators requiring formal training.
• Previously trained operators requiring refresher or conversion training.

What You Will Learn

• Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
• Hazard identification and safe systems of work.
• Principles and operating characteristics of lorry loader cranes.
• Crane components, controls and operating functions.
• Pre-use inspections and defect reporting.
• Safe working loads and equipment limitations.
• Understanding rated capacity and load information.
• Effects of boom extension and operating radius on lifting capacity.
• Principles of load assessment, weight and centre of gravity.
• Assessment of the lifting area and surrounding hazards.
• Ground conditions and vehicle positioning.
• Correct deployment and use of stabilisers or outriggers.
• Safe operation of crane controls.
• Safe lifting, movement and positioning of loads.
• Maintaining appropriate observation and exclusion zones.
• Overhead hazards and services.
• Emergency procedures and response to unsafe conditions.
• Safe stowing of the crane and stabilisers.
• Isolation, shutdown and post-use procedures.
• Routine operator checks and reporting of defects.

Practical Training

• Carrying out pre-use inspections and functional checks.
• Assessing the operating area and identifying hazards.
• Positioning the vehicle correctly for lifting operations.
• Deploying stabilisers or outriggers safely.
• Familiarisation with crane controls and operating functions.
• Interpreting and applying crane capacity information.
• Safely raising and lowering loads.
• Controlling loads throughout the lifting operation.
• Operating the boom safely through appropriate working positions.
• Positioning and landing loads safely and accurately.
• Maintaining appropriate observation and clearance during operations.
• Responding appropriately to operating hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Correctly stowing the crane and stabilisers following use.
• Shutdown and post-use procedures.

Assessment

Delegates are assessed through theoretical knowledge testing and practical operator assessment to confirm that they have achieved the knowledge, understanding and practical competence required to safely operate an R5 Lorry Loader Crane.

Assessment is conducted in accordance with the relevant AITT operator training standard.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the training and associated assessment, delegates will receive an AITT Certificate of Basic Operator Training for the relevant R5 Lorry Loader Crane (Hiab) category.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will depend on the level of training being undertaken. Novice training does not require previous lorry loader crane operating experience, whilst experienced operator, refresher or conversion training requires appropriate previous experience and/or recognised operator certification relevant to the programme being delivered.

Delegates should be physically capable of safely undertaking the practical activities and possess a sufficient understanding of spoken and written English to fully participate in training and assessment.

Course Duration

Course duration will vary depending on delegates' previous experience, the number of delegates attending and the programme being delivered. Training may be provided for novice operators, experienced operators, refresher training or category conversion, as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant AITT operator training standard.

Sufficient time will be allowed for theoretical instruction, practical operator training and assessment, with the duration and delegate ratios determined by the training level and individual learning needs.