Why is it important that the bucket/attachment is lowered and the engine switched off

before the operator exits the cab?

Prevent unintentional lowering of the dipper arm, and prevent falling equipment

What makes up the total (or gross) weight of a load that is to be lifted?
The weight of the load, packaging, lifting accessories and the quick hitch if that is not
already accounted for on the lift chart

When an object is needed to be lifted on a site, what should be the first consideration?
The planning of the lift by an authorized appointed person

If the operator has loaded the machine onto a transporter/trailer on behalf of a driver,
what checks must be carried out before they leave the cab?
The driver should check that the hydraulic operated components are grounded with
pressure removed, in agreed position and windows shut before leaving the cab

Describe ONE physical method of checking that a bucket is fully secured to the
quick-hitch coupler prior to work.
Rotate the bucket through the complete range.

Name THREE ways that a plant operator can contribute in ensuring repeat business
with the client or principal contractor.

Using the lifting capacity diagram for A58:

a) what is the maximum lifting capacity at a 4 m radius over the sides of the track
with the load at a height of 1 m
b) what effect does fitting a bucket have on the lifting capacity
c) what effect does the dozer blade have on the lifting capacity?

Give FOUR reasons that may cause the machine to tip over (forwards and/or
sideways).
Steep slope, Driving too close to excavations or edges, Working or lifting cross track,
Overloading, Lifting full loading buckets at full reach

When working in a confined area or space:

a) what danger can be present with regards to the counterweight of the machine
b) when should measures be taken?
The Minimum distance which should be maintained between a fixed obstacle and the
machine is 600mm this is a safe space for someone to get through
c) what measures should be implemented?
The area should be fenced off and signs erected

When slewing with a load, where should the operator be looking?

Be looking in the direction ahead of the load?

What is the purpose of the counterweight of the machine?

Reduce the overturning affect caused by reach and boom height
What is the definition of, or how can a hazard be described?
Anything which can cause harm to people plant or equipment

Why should different soils be segregated during excavating?

To avoid mixing for re-use elsewhere.

What is regarded as the danger or hazard zone during a lifting operation?

If a yellow-coloured marker tape is unearthed during excavating, which TWO types

of services could this indicate?
Gas & Electric Cable

When must a signaller be used before moving an excavator?

Explain the purpose of a lift plan.

It is how to carry out a lift. An Appointed person produces the Lift plan

Using the operator’s manual, state the cold-starting procedure for the machine. Note:
The operator’s manual for the machine being used for the test must be available for
reference by the candidate.

If travelling with a load, name FIVE factors that must be taken into account by the
operator before moving.

Describe TWO actions to be taken for an open trench at the end of a working day.

Explain ALL visual checks that must be carried out on all types of quick-hitch,
bucket-attaching systems before use.

What is the main purpose of a rated capacity indicator (RCI) or load moment indicator
(LMI)?

What information does the ‘dig-envelope’ (also known as ‘working range’) chart
give? (Candidates may be shown a copy of a chart.)

Who determines the lifting/object handling capacity of the machine?

What is the purpose of a roll or ROPS frame?

If attaching accessories to a quick-hitch coupler, give TWO reasons why the coupler
should be tilted in the downwards position (ram extended)?

If the machine is being travelled or working on the public highway, including adjacent
pavements and verges, the Road Traffic Act applies.
a) What type of licence and which classes should the operator hold?
b) What is the minimum age allowed?

According to legislation, when are check valves and a rated capacity or load moment
indicator required?
Before manually changing any bucket:
a) where should the bucket be positioned (in relation to the ground) before removing
the final pin?
b) Why?

What is meant by zero-tail swing excavators?

What is the purpose of a risk assessment?

What effect can a swinging load have on an excavator?

If the operator has to top up the hydraulic oil, state TWO precautions to ensure
cleanliness of the system.

The operator has to fit and use a new bucket using a quick-hitch coupler that they are
unfamiliar with. What do Regulations (such as PUWER 98) and other guidance
require the operator to have?

Accessories must only be attached to manufacturers' approved lifting points. Explain

THREE possible consequences if the recommendations are not followed.

Why must the seat belt be worn, even with the cab door closed?

If the accessory attachment point is not part of the bucket, give TWO reasons why it
should be removed.

If the excavator is carrying out deep excavating work using the full working range,
what hazard may occur?

If setting up to excavate in a confined area, name TWO things that should be taken
into account before starting.

What THREE main duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act must employees
follow?

The safe working load (SWL) or working load limit (WLL) of a multi-leg chain sling
only applies in what TWO conditions or configuration?

What particular and specific hazards can affect the stability of the machine when
working on old, industrial (brownfield) sites?

In what situation does a hard hat NOT need to be worn when operating a 360
excavator?

List SIX typical subject areas that should be covered in a site induction.

If setting up to work in a pedestrianised area, state THREE factors that need to be

taken into account.

On both tracked and wheeled types:

a) what differs between lifting over the side compared to over the front or the rear of
the machine?
b) Explain why. If both travel levers (or travel pedal for wheeled machines) are
pushed forwards when the track motors (or driving wheels) are in front of the cab, in
which direction would the machine move?

If a trench has a depth of 2 m:

a) what is the minimum distance to maintain from the edge of the trench when placing
spoil?
b) Explain why.

What needs to be inspected on a quick-hitch coupler if attaching lifting accessories for

the lifting of slung loads?

On a semi-automatic, quick-hitch bucket-attaching system:

a) what is the purpose of the safety pin
b) what checks must be made to the pin before use?

State the purpose of the check valve(s) located on the boom cylinder rams.

What is the nearest distance allowed to gas pipes when excavating with the machine?

Why must excavator operators not begin to load vehicles until the forward-tipping
dumper driver is clear of their machine?

If the load inadvertently or accidentally lands, what course of action should be taken?
a) What is the purpose of a method statement?
b) What is required of the operator?

Apart from the operator, who else may need to use the machine operator’s manual?

If checking the oil level using a dipstick, why must gloves be worn?

Before leaving the cab for a rest break, after parking and switching off the machine,
what final action must be carried out?

Give THREE reasons why an oversize bucket should not be used when excavating
trenches to specification.

What does the Health and Safety at Work Act require employers to do, specifically
regarding plant?

Before lowering into or moving a drag box into a trench, what trench-related checks
must be made?

Why are plant operators generally regarded as ‘safety-critical’ workers?

What factors determine the shoring requirements of a trench?

Which parts of the machine is the radius (for lifting) measured from?

Using the operator’s manual, state the figure for setting track tension. For wheeled
units, state the tyres’ operating pressure. Note: The operator’s manual for the machine
being used for the test must be available for reference by the candidate.

Why should an excavator be re-fuelled at the end of the day?

How can a qualification or card benefit a plant operator?

Why should long loads be lifted using a swivelling type lifting accessory?

Many smaller excavators have the ability to slew the boom (mounted on a king post)
relative to the cab/upper structure. Give one application where this facility may be
used.

The operator is asked to excavate a new trench. State FIVE different requirements that
must be considered or implemented before work commences.

What is the meaning of this hand signal (being demonstrated by the tester)?

Name THREE ways in which an operator can minimise their impact upon the
environment whilst using the machine.

Why must the controls be isolated before each load can be attached or disconnected
by the slinger?

Where should the excavator’s operator’s manual be kept and why?

a) What is the recommended minimum distance to be kept away from overhead power
lines mounted on wooden poles when setting up the machine?
b) Explain why a distance should be kept.

If the machine's rated capacity/object handling capacity chart is not available for
reference, what other methods can be used to determine the machine's lifting
capacity?

Name FOUR different types or levels of disciplinary actions or sanctions that can be
applied (by employers and judicial bodies) to operators of plant who do not comply
with, or follow legislation and regulations.

Give TWO reasons why, wherever possible, operators should excavate the ground in
layers.

When parking the machine at the end of the shift, name THREE places where the
machine should not be parked?

Manufacturers' lifting or object handling capacity charts apply (in all known cases)
when the machine is level. What is the effect if a load is lifted or travelled facing
downhill on a downhill slope?
What are the possible outcomes of facing prosecution for not complying with
legislation and regulations?

If a hook is fitted to the machine for lifting purposes, what must be checked before
use?

If the operator has been asked to drive the machine onto a transporter/trailer:
a) who is responsible for the loading operations?
b) State FOUR actions to be considered by the operator before loading commences.

During work, the engine starts to overheat. Explain the danger if someone tries to
remove the radiator or expansion tank cap.

Name TWO types of equipment used to ensure that excavation levels, measurements
and positions are to the required specification.

With regards to lifting accessories, irrespective of who supplied the accessories, what
THREE factors should be ensured before the accessories are used?

Cable avoidance tools (CATs) can detect a variety of buried services. What type of
material do they have limitations in locating?

Lifting Operations

What makes up the total (or gross) weight of a load that is to be lifted?

With regards to lifting accessories, irrespective of who supplied the accessories, what
THREE factors should be ensured before the accessories are used?

Using the lifting capacity diagram for A58:

a) what is the maximum lifting capacity at 4 m radius over the sides of the track with
the load at a height of 1 m
b) what effect does fitting a bucket have on the lifting capacity
c) what effect does the dozer blade have on the lifting capacity?

Manufacturers' lifting or object handling capacity charts apply (in all known cases)
when the machine is level. What is the effect if a load is lifted or travelled facing
downhill on a downhill slope?

When slewing with a load, where should the operator be looking?

Before lowering into or moving a drag box into a trench, what trench-related checks
must be made?

Why must the controls be isolated before each load can be attached or disconnected
by the slinger?

What is regarded as the danger or hazard zone during a lifting operation?

On both tracked and wheeled types:
a) what differs between lifting over the side compared to over the front or the rear of
the machine?
b) Explain why. Explain the purpose of a lift plan.

If travelling with a load, name FIVE factors that must be taken into account by the
operator before moving.

What is the main purpose of a rated capacity indicator (RCI) or load moment indicator
(LMI)?

Who determines the lifting/object handling capacity of the machine?

If attaching accessories to a quick-hitch coupler, give TWO reasons why the coupler
should be tilted in the downwards position (ram extended).

According to legislation, when are check valves and a rated capacity or load moment
indicator required?

If the load inadvertently or accidentally lands, what course of action should be taken?

Which parts of the machine is the radius (for lifting) measured from?

What effect can a swinging load have on an excavator?

The safe working load (SWL) or working load limit (WLL) of a multi-leg chain sling
only applies in what TWO conditions or configuration?

Accessories must only be attached to manufacturers' approved lifting points. Explain

THREE possible consequences if the recommendations are not followed.

If the accessory attachment point is not part of the bucket, give TWO reasons why it
should be removed.

If the machine's rated capacity/object handling capacity chart is not available for
reference, what other methods can be used to determine the machine's lifting
capacity?

Why should long loads be lifted using a swivelling type lifting accessory?

When an object is needed to be lifted on a site, what should be the first consideration?

If a hook is fitted to the machine for lifting purposes, what must be checked before
use?

What needs to be inspected on a quick-hitch coupler if attaching lifting accessories for

the lifting of slung loads?