Use a sideboom to lift, lower and carry material
Train your operators to safely and compliantly lift, lower, and carry
material using a sideboom — in line with South African construction
regulations and zero-harm site standards.
DESCRITPION
Unit Standard SAQA Reg:14566
Sideboom operations carry significant risk when conducted without proper training. This course ensures your operators understand load planning, site preparation, rigging requirements, and safe operational practice — reducing the risk of workplace incidents, protecting your workforce, and keeping your construction projects compliant and on schedule.This CETA-accredited sideboom operator training course is designed for plant operators, rigging assistants, and construction professionals in the pipeline, civil engineering, and heavy construction sectors. Registered under SAQA Unit Standard 14566 at NQF Level 2 and awarding 5 credits, the course equips learners with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to safely plan, prepare, and execute sideboom lifting, lowering, and carrying operations in full compliance with South African construction regulations.
Successful candidates credited with this unit standard are able to:
- Plan work activity
- Prepare work area
- Lift, lower and carry material
- Report and communicate information
COURSE DURATION:
- 5 Days Novice
- 1 Day Re-certification
NQF LEVEL: Level 2
CREDITS: 5 Credits
Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority
Description
This unit standard will be useful for people who work in the construction and maintenance of roads. People credited with this unit standard will be able to demonstrate the use of a sideboom to lift, lower and carry material. Previously disadvantaged persons who through recognition of prior learning will be able to be accessed against this standard and receive National recognition for their competence. This will enhance their employability and career advancement and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the country.
Plan Work Activity
This module introduces learners to the planning processes required before operating a sideboom in a construction or pipeline environment. Learners study how to interpret work instructions, identify the materials to be lifted, assess load weights and rigging requirements, and evaluate site conditions that may affect safe operation. Risk assessment, pre-operation inspections, and compliance with relevant health and safety legislation are covered in full, ensuring operators approach every lift with a structured, safety-first plan.
Prepare the Work Area
This module focuses on the practical steps required to prepare a safe and compliant work area prior to sideboom operation. Learners are guided through site clearance, ground stability assessment, identification of underground services and overhead hazards, and the correct positioning of the sideboom for safe load handling. Learners also cover the inspection and preparation of lifting accessories, slings, and rigging equipment to ensure all components meet operational and legal requirements before any lift begins.
Lift, Lower and Carry Material
This is the core operational module of the course. Learners develop the practical skills to safely and efficiently use a sideboom to lift, lower, and carry materials in accordance with manufacturer specifications, load charts, and South African construction regulations. Topics include controlled load movement, communication with banksmen and rigging teams, managing dynamic loads, operating on uneven terrain, and responding to unexpected site conditions. Emphasis is placed on precision, situational awareness, and zero-harm operational practice.
Report and Communicate Information
This module equips learners with the communication and reporting skills required of a competent sideboom operator in a professional construction environment. Learners cover how to complete post-operation inspection reports, document defects and incidents, communicate effectively with supervisors and team members, and escalate safety concerns through the correct channels. Accurate record-keeping in line with CETA requirements and site-specific procedures is emphasised throughout.
Entry level requirements into this programme?
- Code 8 drivers license
- Certified copy of ID.
- ABET 4 in Literacy and ABET 3 in Numeracy.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for plant operators, construction workers, and site supervisors in the pipeline, civil engineering, and heavy construction sectors who are required to operate a sideboom to lift, lower, and carry materials on site. It is particularly suited to:
Plant and Equipment Operators Operators who work with or alongside sideboom equipment on construction and pipeline sites are required to hold a formal, accredited qualification demonstrating their competence to operate the machine safely. This course provides the CETA-accredited certification needed to fulfil that requirement compliantly under South African construction health and safety legislation.
Rigging Assistants and Banksmen Rigging assistants and banksmen who work directly with sideboom operators during lifting operations need a thorough understanding of load planning, rigging requirements, and safe lifting protocols. This course equips them with the formal knowledge and practical skills to support sideboom operations safely and effectively on any construction site.
Construction Site Supervisors Site supervisors responsible for overseeing lifting and carrying operations need to understand sideboom capabilities, load limitations, and safe operational practice to manage their teams effectively. This course ensures supervisors can identify unsafe practices, enforce compliance, and maintain a zero-harm environment on site.
Health and Safety Officers Health and safety officers operating in the construction, pipeline, and civil engineering sectors need a working knowledge of sideboom operations to conduct effective risk assessments, develop safe work procedures, and ensure their organisation meets its obligations under South African construction regulations.
Operators Seeking Formal Recognition of Prior Learning Experienced sideboom operators who have developed their skills on the job but have never held a formal, SAQA-registered qualification will benefit from this course. The CETA-accredited NQF Level 2 certificate provides nationally recognised evidence of competence — supporting career advancement, tender eligibility, and B-BBEE skills development reporting for their employer.
Any Employee Required to Work Around Sideboom Operations Any construction worker required to work in proximity to sideboom lifting operations will benefit from understanding the safety protocols, communication procedures, and hazard awareness covered in this course — contributing to a safer, more compliant worksite for everyone.
