The Ride-On Roller - Safe Operation and Compaction Techniques course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate ride-on rollers and achieve effective ground compaction in accordance with current industry best practice and relevant health and safety legislation.

Combining classroom-based learning with extensive practical training, delegates will develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to carry out pre-use inspections, safely operate ride-on rollers, apply effective compaction techniques and undertake routine operator maintenance whilst maintaining safe working practices and minimising risks to themselves, others and the surrounding environment.

Training is delivered in line with the UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Course Standard, ensuring a structured, competence-based approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application in realistic working conditions.

Who Should Attend?

• Construction and civil engineering operatives.
• Highway maintenance personnel.
• Groundworks contractors.
• Agricultural and estate workers.
• Landscaping operatives.
• Individuals with little or no previous experience operating ride-on rollers.
• Existing operators wishing to refresh or formalise their skills.

What You Will Learn

• Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
• Hazard identification and safe systems of work.
• Components and operating principles of ride-on rollers.
• Selection and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Pre-use inspections and defect reporting.
• Safe starting, operation and shutdown procedures.
• Principles of ground compaction and roller applications.
• Selecting appropriate rolling patterns and compaction techniques.
• Working safely on slopes, uneven ground and confined areas.
• Safe use of rollover protection systems (ROPS) and seat restraints, where fitted.
• Routine operator maintenance and daily checks.
• Safe transportation, loading and storage of equipment.

Practical Training

• Carrying out pre-use inspections and safety checks.
• Familiarisation with machine controls and operating functions.
• Safe starting and stopping procedures.
• Operating a ride-on roller safely in a range of working environments.
• Applying appropriate rolling patterns and compaction techniques.
• Working safely around excavations, edges, slopes and other hazards.
• Carrying out routine operator maintenance and cleaning.
• Safe shutdown, transportation and storage procedures.

Assessment

Delegates are assessed throughout the course through practical observation and instructor questioning to confirm their knowledge, understanding and practical competence. Assessment is conducted against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria specified within the relevant UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Course Standard.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will receive a UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Accredited Certificate, demonstrating that they have successfully achieved the learning outcomes and assessment criteria specified within the relevant UKRS Course Standard.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Delegates should be physically capable of safely operating a ride-on roller 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 level of competence to be achieved. Training is tailored to individual requirements and may be delivered for novice operators, experienced operators or as refresher training.