Quick Hitch Awareness Training (N726)

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Quick Hitch Awareness (N726)

Duration: 0.5 Day(s)

Certificate: NPORS N726 Quick Hitch Awareness Card

Location: Nationwide

Course Overview

The NPORS Quick Hitch Awareness (N726) course provides delegates with the knowledge and practical understanding required to safely attach, detach, and inspect quick hitch systems used on excavators and other plant machinery.

This essential short course promotes operator safety and helps reduce the risk of accidental bucket releases — one of the most common causes of serious plant-related incidents.

Training is delivered on your site, using your own equipment, ensuring that learning is relevant to the quick hitch systems and procedures your team uses daily.

On successful completion, delegates receive an NPORS N726 Quick Hitch Awareness card, demonstrating competence and compliance with HSE, NPORS, and PUWER regulations.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

- Plant operators, supervisors, and groundworkers who work with excavators fitted with quick hitch systems.
- Plant mechanics or fitters responsible for inspecting or maintaining attachment couplers.
- Any personnel who need to understand the hazards, inspection checks, and safe use of quick hitches.
- Employers wishing to demonstrate compliance with HSE Construction Information Sheet No. 57 (rev 4) – “Safe use of quick hitches on excavators”.

Course Durations & Structure

This is a short, focused awareness course designed to fit into a single training session.

Standard Course Duration – ½ Day (Approx. 3–4 Hours)

Combines classroom-based learning with practical demonstrations and participant interaction.

Please note: Durations may vary depending on the number of attendees, machinery type, and site setup.

Entry Requirements

General Prerequisites - All Course Levels

To ensure the course runs safely and effectively, all delegates must meet the minimum physical and occupational standards required under NPORS and BS7121 guidelines.

Be aged 18 or over on the first day of training.
Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
Be physically fit, in good general health, and capable of safely completing all practical elements of the training and assessment.
Learners should not suffer from medical conditions that could affect their ability to participate safely, such as:
- Impaired eyesight or hearing
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Epilepsy or impaired limb function
- Alcohol or drug dependence
- Psychiatric illness or similar health concerns

Specific Course Requirements

To attend this course, delegates must:

Meet all general prerequisites (aged 18+, physically fit, medically suitable).
Have basic literacy and numeracy skills in English.
Ideally hold, or be working towards, a relevant NPORS plant qualification such as Excavator 180 (N201) or Excavator 360 (N202).
Be familiar with basic plant operations and safety practices.

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Request a tailored quote and we’ll get back to you with availability and pricing the same day if during business hours (Mon-Fri 08am-4pm).

NPORS – Quick Hitch Awareness (N726)

Click Register Interest to request a bespoke quote for training. A member of our team will get back to you with pricing and availability.

We strive to offer the best value for money and will consider matching or beating any genuine like-for-like quotation where circumstances allow.

More Information

Key Outcomes

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

Understand the function, purpose, and types of quick hitch systems.
Identify potential hazards and failure risks associated with incorrect use.
Carry out visual and functional checks before, during, and after operation.
Recognise the importance of positive locking and safe attachment procedures.
Follow the correct sequence for coupling and uncoupling attachments.
Understand employer and operator legal responsibilities under PUWER and HSE guidance.
Take appropriate action if a fault or unsafe condition is found.

Course Syllabus

The NPORS Quick Hitch Awareness (N726) course covers:

Legislation and standards: HASAWA, PUWER, LOLER, and HSE CIS No.57
Types of quick hitch systems: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic
Hazards and accident causes related to quick hitch failures
Operator and employer responsibilities
Pre-use inspections and daily checks
Attaching and detaching procedures
Locking mechanism verification
Use of safety pins and indicators
Safe working practices and communication
End-of-shift and maintenance procedures
Knowledge assessment and trainer-led practical demonstration

Candidate Progression

After completing this course, learners can progress to:

NPORS Excavator 180 (N201) or Excavator 360 (N202) for full operational competence.
NPORS Slinger/Signaller (N402) for lifting coordination.
NPORS Appointed Person (N401) or Crane Supervisor (N405) for lift planning.
NPORS Plant Machinery Marshal (N133) for site traffic and plant control.

What's included

All NPORS Quick Hitch Awareness (N726) courses delivered by TL Training include:

Instructor-led classroom and practical training from NPORS-accredited, industry-experienced instructors.
All course materials and safety documentation, including checklists and quick reference guides.
Registration and certification fees with NPORS.
Competence verification through knowledge assessment and observation.
NPORS certificate and photo ID card issued to successful candidates.
Nationwide delivery, conducted at your site using your own excavator and hitch system.

Site Requirements

To deliver NPORS Quick Hitch Awareness (N726) training effectively at your premises, the following must be provided:

A suitable excavator fitted with a quick hitch system in safe working order.
Attachments (e.g. buckets or breakers) for demonstration.
Operational area with safe access and sufficient space for training.
Stable, level ground and exclusion zones for observation.
Indoor or classroom area for theory-based elements.

Accessibility

TL Training is committed to ensuring all learners can access and complete their training safely and successfully.

Before booking, please ensure:

Delegates meet the minimum health and physical standards (see prerequisites section).
A suitable training environment is available on site — including a meeting/training space and access to lifting equipment for the practical element.
Any learner who requires additional support (for example, language assistance, literacy support, or reasonable adjustments) should notify us in advance so we can make arrangements.
All course materials can be provided in digital or large-print formats upon request.

Location & Contact Details

This course is delivered nationwide at customer premises — we come to you.
To host training on your site, you’ll need suitable facilities and access to the required plant or equipment (see the Site Requirements section above).

Telephone: 0151 343 0588

Email: [email protected]

Ask us a question..

Need more info or have a question?

Drop us a message below and we’ll reply within one working day (usually the same day during business hours, Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00).

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 21 July 2023
 
 
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Had the pleasure of doing my novice FLT course with Gwynn, who was very patient with me and the two other people on the course, he gave us all the information we needed to pass first time, great banter too.
One of the best instructors I've received training from.

Recommend this place to anyone looking for the training they offer.
  
 
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 29 June 2023
 
 
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 19 June 2023
 
 
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 26 May 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great course and amazing instructors Les and Alister. Thank you so much for both of you! Passed exam's for 2 trucks in one week :)
  
 
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 2 April 2023
 
 
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 16 March 2023
 
 
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