General Winching Theory and Practice

Winching is a key skill required in many work environments from agriculture to construction to wildlife management.

The Lantra Awards general winching theory and practice course is an ideal introduction to the process, giving trainees the knowledge and confidence to operate hand or powered winches safely and effectively.

Industry Experience

Our industry experience includes working with both public and private sector, construction and utility sectors, government organisations, local authorities, MOD and conservation groups. We have some of the most experienced Lantra Awards and NPORS trainers in the UK, many of whom are also highly experienced with all types of all-terrain vehicles.

Course Structure

The Lantra Awards General Winching Theory and Practice course is a mixture of theory and practical sessions and trainees will gain hands-on experience of winching, while also learning how to recognise potential hazards and fully manage any risks.

The course is very flexible and can be tailored to the types of winch and winching operations being carried out in the work setting. General principles for all types of winch will also be taught.

Trainees will learn how to risk assess a situation so that you can carry out winching correctly and in using a winch to move an object or vehicle from A to B safely.

Awarding Bodies

Contour Training Ltd provide General Winching Theory and Practice training accredited by Lantra Awards. 

Winch Training Course Content

Duration: 1 day

Maximum delegates: 4

Awarding bodies: Lantra Awards, NPORS

At the end of this course, you will confidently be able to:

• Recognise a range of tasks for which winches can be used,
• Identify the health and safety requirements for winch operation and be able to carry out a risk assessment – including emergency procedures,
• Understand the legislative requirements of winching operations,
• Recognise the different types of winches and their inspection, maintenance and potential uses,
• Recognise and understand safe working practices for winching,
• Understand working signals and be able to control an operation,
• Be aware of a range of different winch cables, ropes and accessories and their inspection, maintenance and uses,
• Understand load rating terminology and how different configurations can affect the ratings,
• Recognise when to remove equipment from service,
• Plan and set up basic winching systems for a range of winches,
• Recognise the safety zones/procedures for different winching operations,
• Understand the basics of mechanical advantage (use of pulleys) and how this can be used to facilitate a winching operation,
• Understand how different factors can affect the winching operation,
• Demonstrate different winching operations: straight line; offset and double-line pulls,
• Understand how to conclude the operation and make the site safe.