Competence is the ability to consistently perform activities to a defined standard of efficiency and safety. It is a combination of knowledge, ability, attitude and behaviour; derived from training and experience, and verified through supervision and assessment.
Why do we need Competence?
It’s a legal requirement. Legislative requirements which are usually expressed in general terms, stipulate; “Employees and others are not, so far as is reasonably practicable, exposed to risks to their health and safety”.
Achieving Competence with NSL Lifting Operations
In September 2002 NSL, in association with the UK Government award body EMTA Awards Ltd. (EAL), created competence programmes designed specifically for personnel required to carry out lifting operations and those required to certify and inspect lifting equipment.
Rigging & Lifting LEVEL 1
Aimed at Technicians, Banksman / Slingers and Load Handlers who are required to perform Routine and Simple lifts but may also participate in Complicated and Complex lifts under supervision.
Rigging & Lifting LEVEL 2
Aimed at Riggers and Deck Foremen who are required to perform Routine, Simple, Complicated and Complex lifting operations, it is also aimed at those responsible for the planning and safe execution of lifting operations.
Advanced Rigging & Lifting LEVEL 3 | Technical Support
Aimed at Deck Foremen, Lifting Supervisors involved in de-commissioning, subsea and complex lifting operations.
Lifting Operations Portfolio Prerequisites
Personnel new to lifting operations must take a progressive route to achieving competence, i.e. starting with Level 1, reflecting their inexperience in this subject. Level 2 is designed to record and assess existing knowledge and experience. Therefore, beginners or less experienced personnel MUST complete Level 1 first and then gain the necessary experience over two years before they attempt Level 2.
Completing the Portfolio
The portfolio contains a list of tasks that have to be completed three times by the delegate to provide evidence of competence in the workplace when operating Lifting Equipment, or otherwise involved in Rigging & Lifting or Crane Operation activities.
Bespoke Competence Programmes
NSL can also offer clients various training and competence process maps for disciplines such as:
- Slingers
- Banksmen
- Riggers
- Lifting Equipment Inspectors
- Mobile and Pedestal Crane Operators
- Site Competent Personnel, and
- Lifting Technical Authorities
- Lifting Equipment Inspectors
The programme is divided into the following modules:
- MODULE 1 : GENERAL LIFTING EQUIPMENT
- MODULE 2 : WINCHES & POWERED HOISTS
- MODULE 3 : PEDESTAL & MOBILE CRANES
- MODULE 4 : OVERHEAD TRAVELLING CRANES, RUNWAY BEAMS & SWING JIBS
- MODULE 5 : FORKLIFT TRUCKS & STACKERS
- MODULE 6 : CONTAINERS AND CCUs
Inspector’s Portfolio
The completed portfolio should contain records in the form of log sheets, supported with examination reports or test certificates for the individual items of lifting equipment, which have been visually examined and / or proof load tested and examined.