High pressure Air Lance

High-pressure air lances are highly effective tools for safely exposing buried utilities, but their use involves extreme compressed air, flying debris, and high noise levels. Our NPORS High Pressure Air Lance (N054) course provides operators with the critical safety and technical skills required to operate this equipment safely. You will learn to conduct rigorous pre-use checks, set up secure exclusion zones, and master various lancing techniques—often working in tandem with Vacuum Excavation (Vac-Ex) teams

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Description

Course Overview

This course is essential for operatives working in street works, utilities, and civil engineering who are tasked with safe digging around live underground services.

Training emphasizes strict compliance with health and safety legislation, including HASAWA, PUWER, and regulations concerning vibration and noise at work. Candidates will learn to properly identify and inspect critical components such as compressors, pressure gauges, hoses, whip checks, and dead-man triggers. The curriculum also focuses heavily on real-world operational safety, including clear communication methods with ground workers or Vac-Ex operators, and managing the environmental impacts of flying debris, dust, and noise.

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion, candidates will be competent in:

Legislation & Risk Assessment: Understanding industry dangers and legal responsibilities under health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Pre-Operational Inspections: Conducting thorough checks on the compressor, hoses, couplings, and insulated shafts, and ensuring vital safety devices like whip checks are secure.
Site Preparation: Conducting safety checks at the work area, safely routing hoses, and setting up mandatory exclusion zones to protect the public and other workers.
Specialized PPE: Identifying and maintaining appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including face shields, hearing protection, and flame/arc-proof suits.
Operating Techniques: Mastering various ground-breaking methods including sealing, tapping, sweeping, pulsing, and mixing.
Hazard & Environmental Management: Managing the risks of airborne debris (using debris cones/nets), noise, and protecting tree roots and wildlife.
Shutdown & Quarantine: Executing correct end-of-shift procedures, signing off permits, and correctly tagging and quarantining defective equipment.

Course Durations & Eligibility

Novice Duration: 1 Day.
Refresher Duration: 1 Day.
Class Ratio: Maximum 6 Learners : 1 Instructor.

Testing & Certification

Candidates must pass a theoretical exam (consisting of 25 questions with an 80% pass mark) and a rigorous practical assessment that covers pre-use checks, safe setup, active operation, and correct shutdown procedures.

Upon successful completion, candidates will receive an NPORS card and certificate endorsing them for High Pressure Air Lance (N054).