The Overhead Crane Training course is suitable for a wide range of participants across various industries where lifting operations are part of daily activity. This includes:

• Construction workers and site operatives

• Warehouse and logistics personnel

• Maintenance technicians and engineering staff

• Supervisors and safety officers involved in lifting operations

• New operators with no prior crane experience

• Experienced operators seeking to refresh or update their knowledge

Whether you’re operating an overhead crane directly or overseeing crane operations, this course is designed to build safe, competent, and compliant handling practices in line with current legislation and industry standards.

The Overhead Crane Training course is delivered through a combination of classroom-based theory and practical hands-on training.

• The theory session covers essential topics such as crane components, operating procedures, safety legislation, and load handling principles

• The practical element provides delegates with the opportunity to operate an overhead crane under the supervision of a qualified instructor, including exercises in rigging, lifting, and manoeuvring loads safely

This blended approach ensures participants gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical competence required to operate overhead cranes safely and effectively in the workplace.

Attending the Overhead Crane Training course offers far more than just basic operational instruction. Participants will gain:

• Enhanced understanding of safety standards and industry best practices, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and promote a safer working environment

• Greater confidence and competence in operating overhead cranes, leading to more efficient and controlled lifting operations

• Improved productivity and job performance, thanks to refined load handling techniques and awareness of potential hazards

• Recognition of the importance of pre-use inspections, proper rigging, and safe load management

These benefits support not only individual development but also contribute to a more compliant, reliable, and efficient workplace.

Training is typically delivered to a maximum of 4 delegates per session to ensure quality instruction and sufficient hands-on practice.

• For mixed ability groups or experienced operators, the course can usually be completed in 1 day

• If all participants are novice operators, the course may extend to 2 days to allow adequate time for practical training and assessment

This structure ensures each delegate receives the necessary support to become confident and competent in overhead crane operation.

The Overhead Crane Training course includes a comprehensive range of modules designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Key topics covered include:

• Why we train? – The importance of competence and safety in lifting operations

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA)

• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR)

• Common accidents and associated risks in crane operations

• Personal risk assessment and situational awareness

• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Introduction to lifting tackle, types, and inspection

• Slings and slinging techniques

• Crane signals and effective communication

• Basic engineering principles relevant to overhead lifting

• Pre-use checks and procedures for reporting defects

• Establishing and following safe working procedures

• Practical training covering all of the above

• Final theory and practical testing to assess competency

This structured approach ensures delegates are fully prepared to operate overhead cranes safely and in line with current legal and industry requirements.

The IPAF Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) course is typically assessed through a combination of practical evaluations and theoretical tests. Participants must demonstrate their ability to perform a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection on powered access equipment during practical sessions. Additionally, there may be a written assessment that tests knowledge of regulatory requirements, inspection procedures, and safety protocols. Successful completion of these assessments is required to earn the certification.

To successfully deliver the Overhead Crane Training course at your premises, the following facilities and conditions must be met:

• A suitable classroom space must be available for the full duration of the theory session. The room should comfortably accommodate all delegates and the instructor, and must be quiet, private, and free from interruptions. (Please note: staff canteens are not acceptable as training rooms.)

• Once the theory is complete, we require uninterrupted access to an operational overhead crane and sufficient space to carry out practical training and assessments. This area must also be free of workplace disruptions during the training.

• Delegates must have access to the company’s crane, lifting accessories, and rigging equipment, all of which should be in good working order and compliant with LOLER and PUWER regulations.

⚠️ Important:
If the instructor determines that the training environment is unsuitable or unsafe due to ongoing disruptions, they reserve the right to cancel the training session, and delegates may be marked as failed due to incomplete participation.

As part of the Overhead Crane Training course, we supply all necessary learning materials, including:

• Printed handouts and reference guides

• Slide presentations used during the classroom sessions

• Health & Safety literature relevant to overhead crane operations, including guidance on PUWER, LOLER, and safe lifting procedures

These materials are designed to support delegates during the course and serve as a valuable reference for maintaining safety and compliance in the workplace after training.

To attend the Overhead Crane Training course, participants are typically expected to meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Possess basic literacy and numeracy skills to understand written and verbal safety instructions

• Be physically capable of performing tasks associated with crane operation and manual load handling

• Be willing to participate in hands-on practical training sessions

While previous experience in crane operation or a related field is not mandatory, it may be beneficial for grasping the more advanced elements of the course.

If you have any concerns about meeting these requirements, please contact us prior to booking.

To conduct the Overhead Crane Training course at your location, the following facilities and equipment must be available and meet safety compliance standards:

Classroom Facilities

• A dedicated classroom space for theory sessions

• Projector or TV for presentations

• The room must be quiet, private, and free from disruption

Equipment & Setup for Practical Training

• A functional overhead gantry crane with valid LOLER certification (within the last 12 months)

• A selection of lifting accessories typically used on-site, including:

  • Slings

  • Chains

  • D-shackles, bow shackles, and other lifting attachments

  • All accessories must have current LOLER certification (within the last 6 months)

• An undisturbed area for practical training and assessments

• Access to various loads reflecting typical site lifting tasks (your regular or routine lifts)

These requirements are essential to ensure the training is realistic, compliant, and effective. If these conditions cannot be met, training may need to be rescheduled.

Upon successful completion of the Overhead Crane Training course, participants will receive a UK Industries Training In-House Certificate of Competence.

This certificate confirms that the delegate has:

• Completed both theoretical and practical training

• Demonstrated an understanding of safe lifting practices, relevant health and safety regulations, and overhead crane operation

• Shown competence in pre-use inspections, load handling, and communication protocols

The certificate serves as formal recognition of the delegate’s ability to operate an overhead crane safely and responsibly in accordance with current workplace standards.

The UK Industries Training In-House Certificate of Competence issued for the Overhead Crane Training course is valid for 3 years.

After this period, delegates are strongly encouraged to attend a refresher course to:

• Stay up to date with changes in legislation and safety standards

• Maintain safe and compliant crane operation practices

• Reinforce practical skills and correct lifting techniques

Regular refresher training helps ensure ongoing competence, compliance, and operational safety in the workplace.