The Ribble Valley course content is very comprehensive and so cardholders are able to use their skills when performing duties with any type of plant equipment, the course consists of 13 modules. The course duration is one day for experienced candidates and up to three days for novice candidates. A maximum of four candidates can attend a novice course. Both courses culminate in a written and practical examination.
The assessment process is set by Ribble Valley and administered by the instructor. It consists of two theoretical assessments and one practical. The theoretical assessments consist of a set of multiple choice and ‘open’ questions. The practical assessment is designed to identify whether the candidate has the appropriate practical skills to perform their duties on the required plant safely and efficiently.
Upon successful completion of the course every candidate will receive a certificate and will be registered on the Ribble Valley database. The certificate is valid for three years, after which time refresher training and assessments will need to be undertaken.
The strength of Ribble Valley training comes from the technical and training knowledge on its Training Standards Committee. The Committee is made up of training and technical professionals from all the major loader crane manufacturers and importers within the UK. In addition, the Health and Safety Executive is represented. The Committee develops, consults upon, and maintains all the training standards set by Ribble Valley
To provide thorough practical and theory plant training in operating a Spider crane to enable the candidate to carry out the role competently and safely and pass the Theory and Practical Tests.
From beginners to advanced users, our 1 to 3 day flexible course is designed to suit varying levels of operator experience. Our programme involves a mix of hands-on training and theory, delivered by fully qualified trainers and testers.
What does the course cover
Theory & Legislation:-
• Crane construction terminology and principles of lift
• Health, safety, welfare and environmental code
• Lifting operation regulations and best practice guidelines
Hands-on Training:-
• Pre-use checks and preparation for work
• Travelling and manoeuvring Compact Cranes
• Lifting and placing loads using full radius and slewing capabilities
• Configuration for lifting duties
Compact Crane Course Description
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT MINI CRANES & SPIDER CRANES IN GENERAL (A66)
Mini cranes and spider cranes have become a popular choice for lifting and moving heavy loads in various industries. As such, it is no surprise that people often have many questions about them when first being introduced. In this section we have collected and answered some of the most commonly asked questions about mini cranes and spider cranes in general.
If we try to give you the short answer, a mini crane or spider crane is a type of crane that is smaller in size than conventional cranes. Their popularity has grown rapidly all over the world. They typically have a compact design with four outriggers (legs) that can be extended for optimal stability. Thanks to their compact size and great flexibility they can be used in confined spaces and easily be moved. These cranes are usually powered by a low emission combustion engine, and they work by using hydraulic power to lift and move heavy loads. Furthermore, they are often operated using a remote control, which enables operators to move freely on the site and safely manoeuvre the lifted load with high precision.
Mini cranes, also known as spider cranes, have emerged as efficient and reliable solutions for mastering construction projects of all sizes. With their small size, these cranes can access and manoeuvre in areas where larger cranes simply cannot go. They can drive through tight spaces and offer unique capabilities for reaching awkward spaces and angles. Using a mini crane for the next project can increase productivity, save time, and help cut costs. Our battery-powered mini cranes for example, are entirely electric and rechargeable, making them cost-effective and suitable for indoor projects – without the need for extra equipment like complex ventilation.
Unlike many other industrial cranes, our mini cranes are straightforward to set up and easy to operate, ensuring that the work can start almost immediately. For example, our standard Mini Cranes may look complicated, but they are relatively easy to set up. Investing in a high-quality mini crane can help improve your efficiency and increase productivity, making it a valuable addition to any crane fleet.
Are you wondering whether you need a crane license to operate a mini crane (spider crane)?
The answer is not always straightforward and depends on where the crane will be used. If you plan to use a crane on private land, technically anyone can operate it. All mini cranes are very safe and have many built-in safety features that ensures a reliable and secure handling. However, it’s crucial to remember that you will be held responsible for any accidents or safety hazards that may arise as a result of improper use. Therefore, obtaining a license or receiving training from a qualified instructor is highly recommended.
On the other hand, if you need to operate a crane on a public road in for example the United Kingdom, you will need a full UK driver’s license along with either a Category C1 crane licence or a Category C crane license, depending on the weight of the crane. These licences ensure that you are knowledgeable about road rules and equipped to operate such heavy machinery safely, without putting other road users in harm’s way.
Even when working on private land, clients and contractors will often require proof of your competency and expertise. Obtaining a valid Certificate of Competence is hence also highly recommended, as it provides peace of mind to those who hire your services, knowing that you are qualified to complete the job. Ultimately, the safety of all involved is the top priority, and obtaining the appropriate crane licence or certification is an essential step towards achieving this goal.
Yes, this is one of the many great advantages of the mini cranes, also known as spider cranes. When it comes to working in congested urban areas with limited space, a mini crane proves to be a game-changer. These nifty machines provide a practical solution to lifting challenges in tight access areas. With its compact design, a mini crane can deftly navigate through confined spaces, considerably mitigating the risks associated with such projects.
Additionally, our range of mini crane models comes in varying sizes, with some of the smallest models easily fitting through single and double doorways. This feature makes them an ideal tool for indoor construction work, ensuring that your project can be executed without unnecessary disruptions. As many indoor jobs require zero emissions, we recommend you look at our battery-powered models.
Yes, thanks to the advanced multi-position outrigger system operators can easily adjust the outriggers to suit their specific requirements while still lifting the maximum rated load between fully extended outriggers. This is made possible by a moment limiter mechanism, which ensures efficient and safe operation. With the sophisticated outrigger positioning system, they can be easily configured and operated in the more challenging of workspaces.
Basically yes. An outrigger pad is actually a crucial component for heavy machinery operations. For those who are new to the space, it is an oversized pad that is placed under the outrigger foot to prevent the equipment from sinking into the soil or damaging the ground surface. Typically made of dense polyethylene, an exceptionally strong and durable synthetic material that is lightweight and impervious to water. Outrigger pads serve to evenly distribute the weight of the equipment and provide extra stabilisation.
It is essential to choose suitable outrigger pads, and while wood and steel may seem like good options, they come with significant shortcomings. Polyethylene pads on the other hand are ideal due to their long-lasting nature, high friction, easy liftability, and availability, thus making them a preferred choice.
To summarise, you need to use outrigger pads to ensure safety, stability, and longevity.
Mini cranes are exceptional machines that are capable of operating on uneven terrains with ease thanks to their specialised design. Whether you are working on hilly landscapes, steep mountains, or irregular surfaces, these mini crawler cranes are designed to navigate such challenging terrain with their durable rubber tracks and multi outrigger positioning. They are compact in size yet feature powerful engines that provide exceptional performance.
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