NVQ L3 Construction Equipment Operator flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Hierarchy of control

The order in which risks are controlled: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, then PPE. PPE is the last resort and never replaces a higher-level control.

Residual risk

The risk that remains after controls have been applied. It is recorded in the risk assessment and reviewed whenever the task, plant, people or site conditions change.

Lifting accessory inspection interval

Lifting accessories such as slings and shackles are thoroughly examined at least every six months. Other lifting equipment is examined at least every twelve months under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.

RIDDOR reportable injury

Injuries to workers that keep them off normal duties for more than seven consecutive days are reportable, along with fatalities, specified injuries and dangerous occurrences.

Welfare facilities minimum

Sites must provide drinking water, washing facilities, sanitary conveniences, a rest area and a drying room. These are legal minimums for every construction site.

Pre-use inspection order

Walk-around visual check, fluid levels, structure and guards, cab controls, then a functional test at low speed in a clear area before starting work.

Shutdown sequence

Park on firm level ground, lower the attachment, apply the parking brake, neutralise controls, allow turbo cool-down, stop the engine, isolate and remove the key.

Battery isolator purpose

It cuts electrical power to the machine so it cannot be started or operated by others when left unattended, and protects against electrical faults during maintenance.

Safety-critical defect

A fault that makes the machine unsafe to operate, such as failed brakes, steering, alarms or lifting gear. The machine is stopped, isolated, tagged and reported.

Load chart

A machine-specific table or plate giving the safe capacity at each radius and configuration. Capacity falls as radius increases, so the chart must be read for the actual setup.

Control pattern ISO vs SAE

Two arrangements of excavator controls. ISO and SAE swap the functions of the joysticks, so the pattern must be confirmed before operating an unfamiliar machine.

Outrigger setup

Outriggers are fully extended and set on load-spreading pads on firm ground. Ground bearing capacity is checked before setting up near excavations, drains or made ground.

Travelling on slopes

Travel up and down the fall line rather than across it, keep the heavier end uphill, keep the attachment low, and avoid slewing downhill with a load.

Lift plan contents

Load weight and centre of gravity, rigging, radius, capacity, ground conditions, communication method and the named responsible person. Required for complex or tandem lifts.

Gross load

The total weight lifted, made up of the load plus slings, shackles, spreader beams and any other rigging. Capacity checks use gross load, not just the load itself.

Sling angle effect

As the angle between sling legs and the horizontal decreases, tension in each leg increases. At 60 degrees each leg carries about 0.58 of the load; at 30 degrees it carries the full load.

Buried services before digging

Services are located and marked before excavation starts. Hand digging is used within the safety margin of marked services to avoid striking cables, gas or water mains.

Spoil set-back

Excavated material and stored loads are set back from the excavation edge by at least the depth of the trench, or as specified, to prevent surcharge collapse of the sides.

Stop signal rule

Only the nominated signaller directs the operator, but anyone may give a stop signal. The operator stops immediately and does not resume until it is safe.

Lost communication procedure

If radio or visual contact with the signaller is lost, the operator stops the machine and makes it safe. Work resumes only when communication is restored.

Permit to work

A formal written authorisation controlling high-risk work such as entry to excavations or energised areas. It sets the precautions, the isolations and who may authorise the work.

Lock-off tag-out

Isolate the energy source, fit a lock, attach a tag showing name and date, then test for zero energy before maintenance. Only the person who fitted the lock removes it.

Defect categories

Safety-critical defects stop work and require isolation and tagging. Major defects are reported and repair planned. Minor defects are logged and monitored.

Service interval rule

Maintenance follows the manufacturer's schedule by machine hours or calendar interval, whichever comes first. Hours are recorded at each service in the machine log.

Hydraulic leak response

Treat a hydraulic leak as both a machine defect and an environmental spill: stop the machine, contain and clean up with the spill kit, report it, and repair before further use.

Spill response steps

Stop the source, contain the spill with the spill kit, protect drains and watercourses, report it, and dispose of contaminated material as controlled waste.

Silica dust control

Cutting, crushing and drilling release respirable silica. Control it with wet methods, water suppression or extraction, plus suitable respiratory protection where required.

Waste segregation

Separate inert, hazardous, recyclable and general waste. Hazardous waste goes to a licensed carrier with a waste transfer note recording the transfer.

Daily plant record

A daily entry covering machine hours, fuel used, work done, defects found, incidents and weather affecting the work, signed and dated by the operator.

Defect report contents

Machine identification, location, clear description of the defect, date, time and the reporter's name. It is passed to the supervisor and logged in the machine history.

Handover note

A note to the next operator covering known defects, isolations, incomplete tasks and any restrictions on the machine, so work continues safely across shifts.

Operator legal duties

Operators must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others affected by their work, and cooperate with the employer on health and safety matters.