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360° Excavator – Lifting Operations (Basic Lift) Course
On 17th September 2025, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) issued formal guidance to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) clarifying the requirements surrounding the use of 360° excavators for lifting operations.
The HSA confirmed that:
“The SOLAS CSCS excavator courses are designed to assess the competency of the excavator operator for its use as an excavator only, and not for its use as an excavator used as a crane.”
“Excavator operators are not permitted to use an excavator as a crane unless additional add-on training has been carried out covering lifting operations with excavators.”
“The employer and employee must have proof of having carried out this additional training on excavators being used as a crane.”
In response, SOLAS, in collaboration with the HSA, CIF, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), and other industry stakeholders, has developed a suite of training and assessment materials to address this requirement.
We are now delivering this approved training programme.
Course Overview – Basic Lift with a 360° Excavator
This course provides the required additional add-on training for experienced 360 excavator cardholders / operators who need to use a 360° excavator for lifting operations.
The programme includes:
- Structured theory training
- SOLAS-developed PowerPoint presentation materials
- Practical demonstration and assessment
- Formal theory assessment
- Practical skills evaluation
The course is designed to ensure operators can safely and competently carry out a basic lift using a 360° excavator in compliance with current HSA guidance.
Integration with CSCS / QSCS Programmes
Going forward, the training materials will be incorporated into the existing CSCS/QSCS Excavator programmes.
Upon:
- Completion of the CSCS/QSCS New Entrant Programme, and
- Successful completion of the CSCS/QSCS Experienced Operator Assessment
Operators will be able to demonstrate that they have completed the required training for carrying out a basic lift using an excavator.
This provides employers and employees with documented proof of compliance, as required by the HSA.
Who Should Attend?
- 360° excavator operators required to carry out lifting operations
- Contractors working in construction and civil engineering
- Employers seeking compliance with HSA guidance
Why This Training Is Essential
Without this additional training:
- Excavators may not be legally used as cranes
- Operators may be non-compliant with HSA guidance
- Employers may lack the required proof of training
This course ensures full compliance and documented evidence of competency.
On successful completion of this course, candidates will receive a certificate of competency.
Requirements
- Solas CSCS 360 excavator card
- Previous experience lifting and slewing using a 360 excavator.
- PPS Number
- Valid Safe Pass Card
- Photo ID
- x1 Passport Photo
- Must be 18 Years Old
- Basic understanding of English
Group Training
On-site training available
Flexible scheduling for employers
Multi-course bookings available
