The A36 qualification is structured in three endorsements:
A: Lorry Loader - Hook
B: Lorry Loader - Clamshell Bucket
C: Lorry Loader - Hydraulic Clamp
Theory assessment
73-question written theory test, pass standard 80% (59 of 73). Answered in the candidate’s own handwriting, covering:
Health and safety law, roles and responsibilities
Machine components, controls and terminology
Pre-use checks and reporting defects
Pre-travel set-up, travelling the vehicle and manoeuvring in confined spaces
Setting up for lifting duties: stabilisers, ground conditions, overhead and underground hazards
Rated Capacity Indicator and lifting capacity
Lifting technique: radius, slewing, swing and un-balanced loads
Lifting accessories and slinging
Shutdown, securing and preparation for the public highway
The following are safety-critical and must be answered correctly regardless of the overall score:
Show all 10 safety-critical points in full
A hard hat need only be omitted when the operator is seated in an enclosed cab meeting FOPS criteria
A UK (or approved) driving licence bearing class C or C1 is required to drive the host vehicle on the public highway; minimum age 18 for a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes MAM, 21 above 3.5 tonnes MAM
The minimum distance kept from an open trench must be more than the depth of the trench, or the trench can collapse
The stabilisers apply the loading to the ground; reduce it by reducing the lorry loader’s weight or by increasing pad area with timber matting
Underground hazards that can affect stability: manhole and other covers, utility ducts and pipes, uncompacted terrain, proximity to open excavations
Centre of gravity is the point at which the load is in balance
The SWL/WLL of a multi-leg chain sling only applies when every leg is equally loaded and each leg is within 90 degrees of the others
If a load must be held suspended, the operator must remain at the controls and near the load
Lifting downhill on a slope can increase the radius and cause instability
Before rejoining the public highway, the stabiliser pads and stabilisers must be fully retracted, folded back and locked
Practical assessment
Structured exercises, each marked against observed performance criteria. Every criterion must reach competent; any dangerous act terminates the assessment.
Show all 5 exercises in full
Exercise 1, pre-use inspection and preparation (Units 4904, 1072, 4903): carry out a full walk-round check to the manufacturer’s specification, identify principal components, controls and terminology correctly, check lifting accessories, the hook safety catch and attachment security, check hydraulics, boom, hoses and rams for leaks or damage, confirm the rating plate is present and legible for the configuration to be used, record checks and report defects correctly
Exercise 2, set up and configure for lifting duties (Units 4907, 4908): assess the site for ground bearing, slopes and banks before deploying the stabilisers, identify overhead hazards such as power lines and underground hazards such as services and voids, deploy and lock the stabilisers fully with partial extension only on manufacturer authorisation, match the rating plate/RCI configuration to the planned lift, set an exclusion zone for pedestrians and other site traffic
Exercise 3, travel and manoeuvre (Units 4905, 4906): carry out correct pre-travel set-up with the boom stowed, load secured and mirrors/controls checked, manoeuvre in confined spaces without contact, use a banksman or signaller when reversing, maintain a safe distance from trenches, excavations and pedestrians, control speed and position to suit ground and site conditions
Exercise 4, lift, slew and place loads (Units 4909, 4910, 4911, 4912): plan the lift from the rating plate/RCI (weight, radius, configuration), select and check lifting accessories for SWL, condition and sling angles, carry out a trial lift and confirm the load is supported, level and secure, slew and place the load smoothly looking ahead of the load, respond correctly to RCI warnings and to a ‘STOP NOW’ instruction, manage un-balanced or awkward loads without excessive swing
Exercise 5, shutdown, securing and highway preparation (Unit 4913): clear the load bed of loose material after unloading, secure the attachment and check the boom height before highway travel, fully retract, fold and lock the stabilisers before highway travel, isolate and secure the vehicle and remove the key on leaving the cab
The assessor deemed Fred Bloggs competent within the stated scope, and the qualification was awarded in August 2026.
Units achieved
1072Health, Safety and Security at Work
4901Operator Roles and Responsibilities
4902Regulations and Legislation
4903Principal Components, Controls and Terminology
4904Pre-Use Checks
4905Pre-Travel Set-Up and Travelling the Vehicle
4906Manoeuvring in Confined Spaces
4907Configure for Lifting Duties
4908Hazards: Underground and Overhead Services
4909Rated Capacity Indicator for Lifting Duties
4910Lifting Loads: Radius, Slewing and Swing
4911Moving Un-balanced Loads
4912Lifting Accessories
4913Shutdown and Securing Procedures
The legal position
No UK government body issues a licence to operate a lorry loader crane, and no statute requires one. The duty to train and assess competence sits with the employer, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 section 2(2)(c) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 regulation 9.
The Approved Code of Practice L113 sets out the training and assessment standard for this class of lifting equipment. Because the lorry loader lifts loads, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 1998) also apply, and the Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply wherever loads or people are at height. When the vehicle and crane travel on the public highway, the host vehicle and crane configuration must meet the Road Traffic Act.
The applicable law and guidance in full:
ACOP L113
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998) regulation 9
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 1998)
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Road Traffic Act (host vehicle and crane configuration when travelling on the public highway)
The full site evidence statement sets out the basis of the qualification, the assessment decision and the audit trail, for presentation to site management and health and safety personnel.
The full site evidence statement is issued with the operator’s pack.