Hi all I have recently started a new job and its going well. One of the departments use a 2tonne overhead crane. Some staff have been trained by an external company with a certificate for: "overhead crane operators basic slinging". Other staff have then been trained by these people inhouse. My question is, does it say anywhere in guidance etc that an operator must have a licence or can we do inhouse training ourselves? I understand they must be competent, but is this defined anywhere? We also use smaller overhead crane systems upto 1 tonne, which staff have only received basic operation training (very brief). I have not dealt with lifting operation much and would appreciate your comments and any suggested guidance / info. Thanks in advance

How are the people who have attended the training course competent to train the other staff? You have 2 standards within one company. The weakness is that the knowledge gets watered down from person to person. The HSE call this training "sitting with Nelly". They don't like it as it's inconsistent. Why not send one of the operatives on a instructor/train the trainer course and run your own in house course with an assessment at the end? You will then have records of formal training for all staff and an assessment of competence for everyone This worked for me at a previous company.

Thanks for thr response so far There are basically two different companies trading under one brand, which is why there are two different standards. Im aware the training is not currently up to scratch and have been recently looking into train the trainer courses for the guys and gals. Thanks for you help