A59 360 Excavator (above 10 tonnes)

Technical Test Theory QUESTIONS

1) Name 3 ways that a plant operator can contribute towards repeat

business with the client or principle contractor

2) What is the meaning of this hand signal (being demonstrated by the

tester)?

3) What information does the ‘dig-envelope’ (also known as ‘working range’)

chart give? (Candidates may be shown a copy of a chart)

4) If the machine’s rated capacity/object handling capacity chart is not

available for reference, what other method can be used to determine the
machines lifting capacity?

5) What is the definition of, or how can a hazard be described?

6) Why should long loads be lifted using a swivelling type lifting accessory?

7) a) What is the purpose of a method statement?

b) What is required of the operator?

8) Give TWO reasons why, wherever possible, operators should excavate the
ground in layers.

9) If checking the oil level using a dipstick, why must gloves be worn?

10) Where should the excavator’s operator’s manual be kept and why?

11) If setting up to work in a pedestrianised area, state THREE factors that

need to be taken into account.
12) In what situation does a hard hat NOT need to be worn when operating
a 360 excavator?

13) What THREE main duties of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act must
employees follow?

14) When an object needs to be lifted on a site, what should be the first
consideration?

15) State the purpose of the check valve(s) located on the boom cylinder
rams.

16) What are plant operators generally regarded as ‘safety-critical’

workers?

17) Give THREE reasons why an oversized bucket should NOT be used when
excavating trenches to specification.

18) With regards to lifting accessories, irrespective of who supplied the

accessories, what THREE factors should be ensured before the accessories
are used?

19) The operator is asked to excavate a new trench. State FIVE different
requirements that must be considered or implemented before work
commences.

20) Accessories must only be attached to manufacturers approved lifting

points. Explain THREE possible consequences if the recommendations are
not followed.

21) The operator has to fit and sue a new bucket using a quick-hitch coupler
that they are unfamiliar with. What do Regulations (such as PUWER 98)
and other guidance require the operator to have?

22) Cable avoidance tools (CATs) can detect a variety of buried services.
What type of material do they have limitations in loading?
23) Explain ALL visual checks that must be carried out on all types of quick-
hitch, bucket-attaching systems before use.

24) If a hook is fitted to the machine for lifting purposes, what must be
checked before use?

25) a) What is the recommended minimum distance to keep from overhead

power lines, mounted on wooden poles, when setting up the machine?
b) Explain why a distance should be kept.

26) If both travel levers (or travel pedal for wheeled machines) are pushed
forwards when the track motors (or driving wheels) are in front of the cab,
in which direction would the machine move?

27) When parking the machine at the end of the shift, name THREE places
where the machine should NOT be parked.

28) Using the lifting capacity diagram for A59:

a) If the machine is equipped with a 2.5m long dipper, what is the
maximum lifting capacity in tonnes at a 6m radius/reach over the sides
of the track with the load at 3m height
b) In principle, if a longer dipper is fitted, what effect does that have on
the lifting capacity (assuming same sizes bucket and machine
configuration)?

29) Why should different soils be segregated when excavating?

30) If the operator has to top up the hydraulic oil, state TWO precautions to
ensure cleanliness of the system.

31) If a yellow-coloured marker tape is unearthed during excavating, which

TWO types of service could this indicate?

32) Explain the purpose of a lift plan.

33) Using the operator’s manual, state the cold-starting procedure for the
machine. Note; The operator’s manual for the machine being used for the
test MUST be available for reference by the candidate.

34) Give TWO examples of where The Work at Height Regulations may apply
to 360 Excavator operations.

35) What makes up the total (or gross) weight of a load that is to be lifted?

36) Why is it important that the bucket/attachment is lowered and engine

switched off before the operator exits the cab?

37) Name FOUR different types or levels of disciplinary actions or sanctions

that can be applied (by employers and judicial bodies) to operators of
plant who do not comply with or follow legislation and regulations.

38) If the accessory attachment point is not part of the bucket, give TWO
reasons why it should be removed.

39) Apart from the operator, who else may need to use the machine’s
operator’s manual?

40) When must a banksman/signaller be used before moving an excavator?

41) Describe a physical method of checking that a bucket is fully secured to

the quick-hitch coupler prior to work.

42) If the operator has loaded the machine onto a transporter/trailer on

behalf of a driver, what checks must be carried out before they leave this
cab?

43) Manufacturer’s lifting or object handling capacity charts apply (in all
known cases) when the machine is level. What is the effect if a load is
lifted or travelled, facing downhill, on a downhill slope?
44) What is the main purpose of a rated capacity indicator (RCI) or load
moment indicator (LMI)?

45) Using the operator’s manual, state the figure for setting track tension.
For wheeled units, state the tyres’ operating pressure. Note; The
operator’s manual for the machine being used for the test MUST be
available for reference by the candidate.

46) The safe working load (SWL) of working load limit (WLL) of a multi-leg
chain sling only applies in what TWO conditions or configurations?

47) How can a qualification or card benefit a card operator?

48) The operator has been asked to drive the machine onto a
transporter/trailer.
a) Who is responsible for the loading operations?
b) State FOUR actions to be considered by the operator before loading
commences.

49) What is the nearest distance allowed to gas pipes when excavating with
the machine?

50) If travelling with a load, name FIVE factors that must be taken into
account by the operator before moving.

51) What factors determine the shoring requirements of a trench?

52) Describe TWO actions to be taken for an open trench at the end of a
working day.

53) What is the purpose of a roll or ROPS frame?

54) What is the purpose of the counterweight of the machine?

55) Who determines the lifting/object handling capacity of the machine?

56) Why must excavator operators not begin to load vehicles until the
forward tipping dumper driver is clear of their machine?

57) If the load inadvertently or accidentally lands, what course of action

should be taken?

58) On a semi-automatic, quick-hitch, bucket-attaching system:

a) What is the purpose of the safety pin?
b) What checks MUST be made to the pin before use?

59) What needs to be inspected on a quick-hitch coupler when attaching

lifting accessories to lift slung loads?

60) What are the possible outcomes of prosecution for not complying with
legislation and regulation’s?

61) What does the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act require employers to
do, specifically regarding plant?

62) If a trench has a depth of 2m:

a) What is the minimum distance to maintain from the edge of the trench
when placing spoil?
b) Explain why.

63) Why must the controls be isolated before each load can be attached or
disconnected by the slinger?

64) List SIX typical subject areas that should be covered in a site induction.

65) On both tracked and wheeled types:

a) What differs between lifting over the side, compared to over the front or
the rear of the machine?
b) Explain why.

66) What particular and specific hazards can affect the stability of the
machine when working on old, industrial (brownfield) sites?
67) What is the purpose of a risk assessment?

68) When working in a confined area or space:

a) What danger can be present with regards to the counterweight of the
machine
b) When should measures be taken?
c) What measures should be implemented?

69) Why should an excavator be re-fuelled at the end of the day?

70) What is regarded as the danger or hazard zone during a lifting

operation?

71) Before manually changing any bucket:

a) Where should the bucket be positioned (in relation to the ground)
before removing the final pin?
b) Why?

72) Name THREE ways in which an operator can minimise their impact upon
the environment whilst using the machine?

73) Which parts of the machine is the radius (for lifting) measured from?

74) Why must the seatbelt be worn, even with the cab door closed?

75) What effect can a swinging load have on an excavator?

76) Give FOUR reasons that may cause the machine to tip over – forwards
and/or sideways.

77) If setting up to excavate in a confined area, name TWO things that

should be taken into account before starting.

78) Before lowering into or moving a drag box into a trench, what trench-
related checks must be made?
79) If attaching accessories to a quick-hitch coupler, give TWO reasons why
the coupler should be tilted in the downwards position (ram extended)?

80) Name TWO types of equipment used to ensure that excavation levels,
measurements and positions are to the required specification.

81) a) Why should the slewing direction be to the left wherever possible?
b) Explain why?

82) Before leaving the cab for a rest break, after parking and switching off
the machine, what final action must be carried out?

83) If the excavator is carrying out deep excavating work using the full
working range, what hazard may occur?

84) When slewing with a load, where should the operator be looking?

85) If the machine is being travelled or working on the public highway,

including adjacent pavements and verges, the Road Traffic Act applies.
a) What type of licence and which classes should the operator hold?
b) What is the minimum age allowed?

86) According to legislation, when are check valves and a rated capacity or
load moment indicator required?

87) During work, the engine starts to overheat. Explain the danger if
someone tries to remove the radiator or expansion tank cap.

88) Using the lifting capacity chart for A58:

a) What is the maximum lifting capacity at a 4m radius over the sides of the
track with the load of a height of 1m?
b) When required to fit a bucket, what effect does this have on the lifting
capacity?
c) What effect does the dozer blade have on the lifting capacity?
89) Many smaller excavators have the ability to slew the boom (mounted on
a king post) relative to the cab/upper structure. Give one application
where this facility may be used.

90) What is meant by a 0-tail swing excavator?

 ANSWERS

1) Good time keeping, work safely, comply with method statements.

2) Slew right

3) Gives the full digging potential, depth and reach of machine.

4) None must be at the manufactured load chart for machine

5) Something that can cause harm to my life/health/buildings or

environment

6) So, you can keep the load away from machine so the load doesn’t
contact the machine if you are required to keep the load close in

7) Tells you how to do the job safely and you must follow the method
statement

8) Reduce the risk of hitting buried cables/and a cleaner cut

9) Stops skin disease and stops oil getting onto controls and cab

10) In the cab so you can get to it easy

11) Noise/fumes, the machine movement bursts, engine stops

12) When sitting in a ROPS cab/roll over protection structure

13) Take care for myself and others/co-operate with employer/ do not
interfere with health and safety

14) If the machine is capable of carrying out the lift

15) Stops the boom lowering or if a hose bursts or when the engine
stops
16) My actions with the machine could have health and safety
consequences on myself and others

17) More time to dig out/more backfill and machine stability

18) They are certificated/able to support the load and are serviceable

19) Shoring/underground services/permit to work/method statement

where you put the spoil

20) Damage machine / damage the load and the load could fall off

21) Information/training and instructions on the machine

22) Plastic

23) No damage to coupler hoses all fitted correctly / locking system

working / safety pin in the correct hole

24) Safety catch is on and working, this will stop chains falling off

25) 9 metres plus the length of boom electricity can jump gaps in wet
weather

26) Backwards / reverse

27) Soft ground / wet ground / on a hill

28) A 2.25 ton / reduce lift capacity

29) Re-use on or off-site

30) Clean the filler and cap area / use clean containers

31) Gas and electricity

32) Tells you how to do the lift safely / how it is to be carried out and
what lifting gear to be used

33) Operators manual

34) Getting up to engine compartment and greasing the boom

35) Load itself / weight of lifting gear / the bucket and quick hitch

36) You could catch the levers when leaving the cab causing the
machine to move unintentionally which could cause injury

37) Verbal warning / written warning / sacked or even jail

38) It can reduce your vision and it can add extra weight to the lift

39) Fitters / low loader drivers / planers

40) When you cannot see where you are going such as reversing

41) Put the bucket on the ground and try to unhitch the bucket

42) The machine and dipper are in agreed position, hydraulic controls
are grounded and pressure removed, cab door closed, windows closed

43) Machine could tip forward

44) Tells the operator when reaching the SWL or has exceeded the
SWL

45) Manual question

46) When all of the legs are equally loaded and within 90 degrees of
each other

47) Get you a job / proves skill / makes you credible

48) Low loader driver, ground conditions, ramp grip, ramp height,
positioning on trailer

49) Half a metre

50) Machine is capable / travelling with load is allowed on the site /

good ground conditions / no over head cables and as stated on lift plan

51) Soil type / weather / depth of trench / working in trench

52) Barriers and warning signs stating an open trench

53) To provide protection in the event of a rollover (roll over

protection structure)

54) Provides a counterbalance for the load in the bucket

55) The manufacturer

56) The bucket could hit the dumper driver

57) Need to check the lifting gear for security on the machine and the
load

58) Stops the bucket falling off / In the correct hole / Fully locked and
secured by safety pin

59) Attachment is approved for lifting / the SWL / Condition of lifting

gear / security of the pin

60) Sacked / fine / jail

61) Provide plant that is safe and kept serviced / no risk to health

62) More than the depth of trench, any less could cause the trench to
collapse
63) So, the machine does not move causing injury

64) First aid / smoking / traffic routes / toilets / safety signs / buried
services

65) Reduce lifting capacity when lifting over the side of tracks, stability
is reduced due to a shorter track base

66) Soft ground or old workings

67) It identifies the hazard and puts controls on them

68) The gap between the building being reduced when slewing / if the
gap is less than 600ml then block off access routes

69) To stop water building up in fuel tank

70) When working between boom and dipper

71) Place the bucket on the ground so it does not fall / it could hit
your legs and your feet causing injury

72) Low engine revs / minimise fuel and oil spillage / keep machinery
serviced

73) Centre of slew to centre of hook

74) In case the machine rolls over / keeps you in the seat / stops injury

75) Makes machine unstable

76) Soft ground / working on a hill / oversized bucket / working over

the side of the tracks

77) Where to put your spoil / any hazards that are close to you

78) Make sure all workers are out of trench

79) The attachment point is near to the bucket, pinhole area the
radius is calculated from and stops fouling the chains on the coupler.
Could cause restricted movement and stops bending and twisting the
chains

80) Travellers / laser levels

81) Door side has a clearer view / right side is blocked by boom

82) Remove the key or isolator to stop any other workers from
starting or operating machine

83) Undermine machine

84) Ahead of the load

85) UK driving licence, Class B required, 21 for machines about 7.5

tonnes

86) Lifting over 1 tonne

87) System is under, removing the cap can allow hot water to escape
causing burns

88) a) refer to lift chart

b) reduces lift capacity
c) increases lift capacity

89) when working close to a building in a confined space

90) the counterweight stays within the track area during slewing