CSCS 360° Excavator study plan

State the excavator's stability triangle/tipping lines and explain how track width, boom position and load radius shift the centre of gravity

Identify five ground-condition hazards (soft ground, voids, slopes, edge collapse, buried services) and describe the travel or working response to each

Describe safe travel procedure on site: boom and bucket position, travel speed, banksman use, and gradient limits

Explain how slew forces, momentum and load swing affect stability during 360° rotation

Sequence the steps for safe excavation: locate and mark services, trial holes, exclusion zones, and spotter use

Calculate and state safe working loads at given radii using a load chart, including the effect of attachment weight

Describe the pre-lift checks and signalling protocol for lifting with an excavator, including when lifting is not permitted

List the controls for working near overhead lines, underground services and excavations (batter, edge protection, access)

Carry out a written risk assessment for a given excavator task using a hazard/severity/likelihood format

Match at least eight hazard scenarios to the correct control measure and responsible person

Select the correct PPE for given tasks (dust, noise, water, overhead, pedestrian interface) and justify each item

Interpret at least ten site safety signs and describe the safe system of work each implies (permits, exclusion zones, banksman)

Summarise the duties placed on operators and employers under health and safety at work legislation, including reporting obligations for accidents and dangerous occurrences

Explain the requirements for competent operation, authorised use and the consequences of operating without authority

Describe environmental obligations relevant to plant: spill control, waste segregation, dust and noise control, and refuelling containment

Identify the enforcement actions and penalties that can follow non-compliance

Label the main excavator components and explain the function of each hydraulic circuit, track and cab control

Demonstrate in writing the correct control inputs for travel, slew, boom, dipper and bucket, including pattern-change awareness

Produce a full pre-use inspection checklist covering fluids, tracks, hoses, guards, alarms, lights, seat, seatbelt and fire extinguisher

Describe the defect-reporting chain and the operator's authority to refuse to operate an unsafe machine

Plan a trenching and backfilling sequence that keeps the machine on stable ground and clear of the excavation edge

Describe attachment changeover procedure and the safe use of buckets, breakers and grabs, including pin and hose checks

Explain how to set up and work safely near pedestrians and other plant, including exclusion zones and communication

Apply stability and load-radius rules to three realistic site scenarios and justify the chosen working position

Sequence the correct shutdown and parking procedure: attachment lowered, controls neutral, isolation, keys, parking on firm level ground

Describe safe refuelling and fuel storage practice, including spill response and no-source-of-ignition rules

Explain loading, securing and transport preparation of the machine, including ramps, tie-down points and height checks

State the emergency actions for fire, hydraulic hose failure, machine rollover risk and an accident involving a person

Complete two full-length timed mock tests across all eight domains and record scores per domain

Re-teach the three weakest domains by rewriting the missed questions and the correct reasoning

Recite the shutdown, emergency and defect-reporting sequences from memory without notes

Confirm readiness by scoring consistently above the pass threshold on both mocks