NPORS N120 Plant Loader & Securer Course
Moving plant by road is high-risk work. Done right, it’s smooth and safe. Done badly, it can cost time, money – and put people in danger. Our NPORS N120 Plant Loader & Securer Course shows you how to load, secure and unload mobile plant correctly, in line with UK safety rules and transport standards.
What this course covers
We focus on real tasks you face every day: choosing the right trailer, preparing the machine, and restraining it so it stays put – whatever the journey throws at you.
Key skills you’ll build:
- Pre-use checks: walk-rounds, fluids, leaks, tyres/tracks, slew/travel locks, isolators and beacons.
- Trailer selection & setup: low loader / beavertail, ramp angles, working area, winch use.
- Load positioning: centre of gravity, axle weights, overhang limits, chocks and blocks.
- Load restraint: chains, ratchet straps, tensioners, edge protectors, lashing points and angles (typ. 30–60°), cross-lashing.
- Attachments: forks retracted, booms and buckets lowered, quick-couplers secured, ancillary tools stowed.
- Safe loading/unloading: spotter/banksman roles, exclusion zones, clear signals, ground conditions, gradients.
- Docs & handbooks: manufacturer guidance, site rules, risk assessments and method statements.
- Legal duties: your responsibilities under PUWER, LOLER and UK load-securing best practice.
- End-of-job checks: re-tension, signage, keys, shutdown and handover.
By the end, you’ll know how to prepare excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers and access platforms for transport – safely and efficiently.
Who it’s for
Plant delivery drivers. Yard and depot teams. Fitters and mechanics. Operators who load or unload plant but don’t use it for productive work on site. New to the job or experienced and need proof of competence? This course fits both.
How training works
Short, focused theory and lots of hands-on practice. You’ll work with real trailers, ramps and restraint gear under instructor guidance. Small groups mean plenty of time on the kit and clear feedback.
Certification & validity
Complete the course and you’ll receive an NPORS N120 Plant Loader & Securer Operator Card valid for five years. It’s recognised across the UK construction and transport sectors.
Entry requirements
Bring photo ID and be comfortable with spoken and written English. No prior tickets are required – just be ready to follow safe systems of work.
Delivery & locations
We deliver UK-wide, either on your site or at our Wellingborough training centre. Nearby areas include Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Leicester, Coventry, Cambridge, Rugby, Banbury and Aylesbury.
Why choose Construction & Plant Training Services
Practical training, real equipment and instructors with site and transport experience. We offer flexible dates, UK-wide delivery, a zero-cancellation guarantee and a price-match promise – find a cheaper like-for-like course and we’ll match it.
What you gain
- NPORS N120 Plant Loader & Securer Card (5 years).
- Confidence with ramps, winches, restraints and lashing angles.
- Fewer transport incidents, less damage and quicker turnarounds.
- Clear proof of competence to support PUWER/LOLER compliance.
Ready to book?
Tell us your location and preferred date. We’ll confirm availability and get your N120 training in the diary.
NPORS N120 Plant Loader & Securer – FAQs
What is the NPORS N120 Plant Loader & Securer course?
Practical training on loading, positioning and restraining mobile plant for transport. You learn safe methods for ramps, winches, chains and straps, plus end-of-job checks.
Who should take this course?
Plant delivery drivers, yard and depot teams, fitters, mechanics and operators who load or unload machines but don’t use them for productive tasks on site.
Do I need to operate the plant?
No. This course is about moving onto/off the trailer and securing for road transport – not digging, lifting or other site work.
What machines are covered?
Typically excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers and access platforms. The focus is preparation, load positioning and restraint.
What will I learn in practice?
Pre-use checks, trailer selection, ramp setup, winch basics, centre of gravity, lashing points and angles, cross-lashing, edge protection, re-tensioning, and clear signals with a banksman.
Which rules apply?
Your duties under PUWER and LOLER, plus UK load-securing best practice. We keep it practical and task-focused.
How long does it take?
Usually one day. For complete novices we can run a two-session format.
What qualification do I get?
An NPORS N120 Plant Loader & Securer Operator Card, recognised across the UK and valid for five years.
Where do you run training?
UK-wide, either on your site or at our Wellingborough training centre. Nearby areas include Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Leicester, Coventry, Cambridge, Rugby, Banbury and Aylesbury.
Is on-site delivery available for groups?
Yes. On-site training lets your team practise with your trailers, ramps and plant – which makes the learning stick.
Do I need a driving licence?
No. The course covers loading, restraint and unloading, not driving on public roads.
What do I need to bring?
Photo ID and suitable PPE if we’re on your site. A good level of English helps with briefs and signage.
Is there an assessment?
Yes – short practical tasks plus a knowledge check to confirm you can load, restrain and unload safely.
How much does it cost?
It depends on location and group size. We offer the lowest rates and will match any cheaper like-for-like quote.
Do you help with CITB grants?
If your employer is CITB-registered, funding may apply. We’ll guide you through the claim.
How do I book?
Tell us your preferred date and location. We’ll confirm availability and get your N120 course scheduled.
Related NPORS Courses
NPORS N132 Plant Mover Course
Relocate plant safely on site: route planning, ramps, banksman signals, shutdown. Ideal for mechanics, fitters and yard teams. NPORS card valid 5 years. Click here to read more.
NPORS N133 Plant Machinery Marshal Course
Guide heavy plant movements with NPORS-approved hand signals and radio comms. Manage exclusion zones and blind spots. NPORS card valid 5 years. Click here to read more.
NPORS N304 Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT & Genny) Course
Locate underground services before loading or moving plant. HSG47-aligned practice to prevent strikes. NPORS card valid 5 years. Click here to read more.
