The EFNARC Nozzle Operator Pathway: Robotic and Hand
EFNARC runs the sprayed concrete industry's own nozzle operator certification scheme. It is the only globally recognised certification scheme that covers both Hand Spraying and Robotic Spraying of sprayed concrete, and it is the certification all Australian clients ask for in tunnelling and mining. It certifies the two as separate categories, because they are different competencies, and a certificate in one does not cover the other. The Hand Spraying certificate is the only hand spraying nozzle operator certification available in Australia.
Five Modules
Both courses run on the same 5 modules. One day of classroom theory, delivered by the EFNARC Examiner, covering the material, mix design, accelerators, equipment set-up, the spraying method, thickness control, rebound, the EFNARC quality requirements and health, safety and environment. The EFNARC online theory examination, drawn from EFNARC's question database. VR simulator training and assessment. Forty verified days of spraying, recorded on the EFNARC work experience form. And a practical assessment on site with the examiner present.
Which modules a candidate does, and in what order, depends on experience.
The Experienced Operator
An operator with 40 verified days submits the work experience form before the course, does the theory and the examination, and goes to the on-site practical assessment. On the Hand Spraying course that assessment includes sprayed test panels that are cored and tested at a laboratory, charged to the candidate or their employer. The spraying can be done on the operator's own site on an agreed day as part of normal production, or at a set-up arranged by us.
On the Robotic course the experienced operator does the simulator module as well. It is not optional, because the examiner has to see them run the machine the right way before the practical assessment. On the Hand Spraying course the simulator is available to an experienced operator and it is not required. An experienced hand spray operator who does it is assessed on the simulator record instead of the panels.
The New Operator
An operator without the 40 days does the theory and the examination, then 2 days on the VR simulator with a third available if the scenarios need it. They then build up 40 verified days on their own site and return for the practical assessment. No test panels are required on this pathway, because the simulator record covers that part of the assessment.
A candidate short of the days can still attend the theory and simulator modules and come back for the practical at a CGC assessment day or, by arrangement with the examiner, on an active job site. The practical module cannot be shortened. Distance, angle, pattern, reading the material and reading the ground are motor skills and judgement, learned on the nozzle under someone who can correct them.
Where It Runs and Who Issues It
Courses run on the candidate's site or at other locations by arrangement, with the VR simulator set up for Robotic or Hand Spraying. Where the candidate has no machine, CGC's Shotcrete pump truck can be set up for hand spraying for the assessment day at an agreed location, (extra charges apply) for equipment, concrete supply and the testing and clean up.
Our director and founder, Scott Graham, holds the EFNARC Examiner certificates for both the Robotic and the Hand Spraying schemes, and the EFNARC nozzle operator certificates for both as well. He is currently the only EFNARC Examiner in Australia certified for both schemes. The examiner observes the assessment, checks the panels, makes the recommendation and provides EFNARC with the evidence. EFNARC issues the certificate.
On the enquiry form, tick the course and say whether the operator has 40 days a supervisor can verify, so the right pathway is quoted.
We run EFNARC nozzle operator courses for Robotic and Hand Spraying, on your site or at other locations by arrangement. The course pages have the modules and the enquiry form.
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