Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences

Operate Specialised Vehicles And Or Complex Static Or Moving Machinery And Equipment Training

SAQA US 119830 | NQF 3 | Credits 12 | Duration 9 Days
From $1,798 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills and knowledge to safely operate specialised vehicles and complex static or moving machinery and equipment in a workplace environment. It covers pre-operational checks, operational procedures, and adherence to safety regulations to minimise risk and ensure compliance with South African health and safety standards.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct pre-operational inspections and identify potential hazards on specialised vehicles and complex machinery.
  • Apply safe operating procedures for starting, manoeuvring, and shutting down static or moving machinery and equipment.
  • Analyze operational risks and implement control measures to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.
  • Evaluate the performance of machinery and equipment during operation and adjust techniques to maintain efficiency and safety.
  • Implement emergency shutdown procedures and respond appropriately to malfunctions or accidents.
  • Demonstrate proper loading, unloading, and securing of loads when operating specialised vehicles or equipment.

Target Audience

This course is intended for operators, supervisors, and technicians who are required to operate specialised vehicles or complex machinery and equipment in industries such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and logistics.

Prerequisites

Valid driver's license for relevant vehicle class or prior certification in machinery operation may be required. Learners must be physically fit and medically cleared to operate heavy equipment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Specialised Vehicles and Machinery Operations

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and context of specialised vehicle and machinery operations in South Africa.
• Identify relevant legislation, standards, and safety protocols.
• Explain the principles of machine stability and load handling.
• Recognise different types of specialised vehicles and equipment.

Topics:
• Overview of the unit standard 119830
• Legal framework: OHS Act, SANS codes, and site-specific requirements
• Basic terminology and classifications
• Principles of stability, centre of gravity, and load limits
• Safety signs and signals
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements

Day 2: Pre-Operational Checks and Maintenance Procedures

Objectives:
• Conduct thorough pre-operational inspections.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks according to manufacturer specifications.
• Identify and report defects or faults.
• Complete relevant documentation and checklists.

Topics:
• Daily and pre-start inspection procedures
• Fluid levels, tyres, brakes, and controls checks
• Lubrication and greasing points
• Battery and electrical system checks
• Logbook completion and defect reporting
• Housekeeping and storage of equipment

Day 3: Operational Controls and Handling Techniques

Objectives:
• Demonstrate correct start-up, shutdown, and emergency stop procedures.
• Operate controls for steering, braking, and load handling.
• Apply smooth and safe handling techniques.
• Understand the functions of various control systems.

Topics:
• Control layout and ergonomics
• Steering systems: articulated, front-wheel, and rear-wheel
• Braking systems: service, parking, and emergency brakes
• Hydraulic and pneumatic controls
• Throttle and transmission management
• Hand signals and communication with ground personnel

Day 4: Manoeuvring and Navigating Confined Spaces

Objectives:
• Manoeuvre vehicles and machinery in tight or restricted areas.
• Apply techniques for reversing and turning.
• Assess spatial awareness and clearance requirements.
• Operate safely on slopes and uneven terrain.

Topics:
• Forward and reverse driving techniques
• Turning radius and pivot points
• Use of mirrors and cameras
• Navigating ramps, loading bays, and narrow aisles
• Operating on gradients and cross-slopes
• Site-specific hazard identification

Day 5: Load Handling and Attachment Operations

Objectives:
• Select and attach appropriate implements or attachments.
• Lift, move, and place loads safely.
• Calculate load capacities and centre of gravity.
• Demonstrate safe stacking and de-stacking procedures.

Topics:
• Types of attachments: forks, buckets, grabs, and hooks
• Attachment coupling and uncoupling
• Load charts and capacity plates
• Safe lifting angles and load stability
• Tiered stacking and load securing
• Handling oversized or irregular loads

Day 6: Operational Planning and Risk Assessment

Objectives:
• Conduct a risk assessment prior to operation.
• Plan routes and work sequences.
• Implement traffic management and exclusion zones.
• Respond to dynamic site conditions.

Topics:
• Job safety analysis (JSA) and risk assessment matrix
• Site layout and traffic flow planning
• Pedestrian and vehicle segregation
• Weather and environmental factors
• Emergency response plans
• Communication protocols with site supervisors

Day 7: Advanced Manoeuvres and Complex Operations

Objectives:
• Execute complex manoeuvres such as tandem lifts and tight turns.
• Operate in multi-machine environments.
• Manage blind spots and limited visibility.
• Perform precision tasks under time constraints.

Topics:
• Tandem lifting and coordinated operations
• Working with spotters and signal persons
• Operation near overhead power lines and utilities
• Night operations and low-visibility techniques
• Precision placement and fine control
• Simulated complex scenarios

Day 8: Troubleshooting and Fault Finding

Objectives:
• Diagnose common mechanical and operational faults.
• Perform basic troubleshooting procedures.
• Determine when to escalate to maintenance.
• Implement corrective actions within scope of authority.

Topics:
• Common faults: hydraulic leaks, brake fade, electrical issues
• Diagnostic tools and procedures
• Reading fault codes and warning lights
• Temporary repairs vs. permanent fixes
• Manufacturer troubleshooting guides
• Reporting and documenting faults

Day 9: Integrated Practical Assessment and Final Evaluation

Objectives:
• Demonstrate competence in all operational aspects.
• Complete a full pre-operational check and operational cycle.
• Perform a complex task under assessment conditions.
• Reflect on performance and identify areas for improvement.

Topics:
• Practical assessment: pre-start check, operation, and shutdown
• Simulated work site with multiple tasks
• Oral questioning on theory and safety
• Feedback and debrief session
• Certification requirements and next steps
• Closing and course evaluation

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
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Fri 11 Sep 2026 Wed 23 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,798 Register
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Wed 05 Jan 2028 Mon 17 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,338 Register
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Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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