NPORS Plant Machinery Marshal (N133)

Duration 1 Days
Cost £448.80pp (inc VAT)
Locations

Course Overview

The course is designed to equip delegates with the knowledge and practical skills needed to safely guide and manage the movement of plant and machinery around a worksite — especially in areas with restricted visibility or tight access.

Prerequisites

Please note, that in all cases, operators are required to supply proof to support their application. They have to have passed the CITB health, safety & environmental touch screen test within two years prior to their application.
Good understanding of spoken and written English

Delegates will also be required to provide:
- Proof of a Health & Safety Qualification e.g. CSCS Card

Course Content

1. Introduction & Course Overview
▪ Purpose of the course
▪ Importance of safe plant marshalling
▪ Role of the Plant Machinery Marshal

2. Health & Safety Legislation
▪ Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA)
▪ PUWER & LOLER regulations
▪ Site rules and responsibilities
▪ Employers’ and employees’ duties

3. Roles & Responsibilities
▪ Duties of the plant marshal (banksman)
▪ Relationship with plant operators and site personnel
▪ Understanding chain of command on-site

4. Understanding Plant Machinery
▪ Types of plant commonly encountered (excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, etc.)
▪ Hazards specific to each type of machinery
▪ Blind spots and visibility limitations

5. Traffic Management and Site Planning
▪ Creating and understanding traffic management plans
▪ Pedestrian and vehicle segregation
▪ Identifying safe zones and exclusion areas

6. Communication Methods
▪ Standard hand signals (as per industry guidelines)
▪ Use of radios and verbal commands
▪ Maintaining visual contact with operators
▪ Clear and effective communication practices

7. Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
▪ Spotting risks in real-time (obstacles, uneven ground, weather conditions)
▪ Dynamic risk assessments
▪ Working around obstructions or confined spaces

8. Practical Demonstration
▪ Hands-on guidance of plant vehicles
▪ Safely marshalling plant in simulated work environments
▪ Forward and reverse manoeuvring
▪ Maintaining control and safety throughout

9. Theory & Practical Assessment
▪ Multiple-choice test to confirm knowledge
▪ Assessed practical exercise using live plant equipment

Target Audience

The NPORS Plant Machinery Marshal (N133) course is aimed at individuals who are responsible for directing the movement of plant and machinery on construction sites or similar work environments. It’s especially relevant where large vehicles and equipment are being operated, and there’s a need to manage and coordinate safe movement and communication between the driver/operator and those on the ground.

Certification

NPORS awarding body

Revalidation

3 Years

Venue

Classroom & Onsite practical area

Items To Bring

Site Access PPE such as hard hat, boot, high vis, gloves, glasses

Health Prerequisites

A good level of physical fitness is required