RSS Adds LEEA-Accredited Overhead Travelling Crane Course

Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. (RSS) has added a new overhead crane course to its Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Accredited Training Scheme (ATS) portfolio.

The two-day course, Overhead Travelling Crane (Operating and Slinging), is now part of the RSS Training Academy, and will be given for the first time next month (March). It is open to up to four students.

RSS offers a comprehensive portfolio of lifting and rigging products and training, in addition to live365 digitalisation and compliance technology. It supplies blocks, shackles, hooks, slings, harnesses, and other rigging gear — all covered by periodic Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) examinations — to some of the UK’s most notable large-scale infrastructure projects and blue chip firms.

It is a longstanding member of LEEA’s ATS, which offers end user training delivered by member companies, giving assurance of good-quality training, instructors, and facilities. LEEA ATS status is only granted to companies that demonstrate high-quality course design and materials; qualified and experienced trainers; and excellent facilities and learning environment.

Overhead Travelling Crane (Operating and Slinging) is targeted at crane operators or prospective operators who will be responsible for using overhead travelling cranes, in addition to slingers or riggers who need formal training in safe slinging and load control as part of lifting operations. Likely candidates include supervisors, forepersons or team leaders responsible for people operating cranes or carrying out slinging tasks.

Andy Hawkins, training manager at RSS, said: “It is always an important endorsement of courseware to be given [LEEA] ATS status. This is a relatively broad course, but one that is of immediate benefit to those looking to operate an overhead gantry crane safely and efficiently. It is also open to safety officers or managers who need competence in crane safety and regulations, and anyone with operational responsibilities in lifting operations where overhead cranes are used.”

In addition to LOLER, other central themes of the course include Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Candidates will also learn how to identify the types and functions of overhead gantry cranes; carry out pre-use inspections of lifting accessories and equipment; safely sling loads using appropriate lifting accessories; understand and use hand signals and communication methods effectively; and identify and mitigate risks associated with lifting operations.

Hawkins added: “The course is delivered in-person only and limited to four candidates; fewer attendees mean less crowding around live lifting gear and overhead cranes, lowering risk of injury during practice lifts. It also allows instructors to manage site safety briefings and control risks effectively. We continue to combine quality, accredited content with practical tools and digital support that helps trainees and companies improve safety and competence.”

Overhead Travelling Crane (Operating and Slinging) becomes the RSS Training Academy’s seventh course and fourth with LEEA ATS status. The academy was recently rebranded to closer align course content and delivery with industry feedback and the findings of the LEEA State of the Lifting Industry Report.

Caption: The RSS Training Academy’s Overhead Travelling Crane (Operating and Slinging) course is part of the LEEA Accredited Training Scheme (ATS).

Contact for editorial enquiries: Steve Hutin, managing director, Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd., steve@rssgroup.co.uk