What is the purpose of the logbook?
	The logbook has been designed so a record of work can be made when the operator uses plant and equipment.

How will the Logbook benefit the operator?
	By recording the work done using machines or equipment, the logbook confirms work history, and can prove to current and future employers that the operator has used one or more types of plant in different situations. It can help the employer prove that they are experienced, for example satisfying health and safety requirements, and can provide work evidence if working to achieve an N/SVQ.

When, and what is needed to be recorded in the logbook?
	It is recommended that the Logbook is completed on a regular basis. If left too long, it may be harder to remember work that was done. Examples of the type of details required are given in each logbook section.

Do a certain number of hours need to be completed each month?
	No, as long as 300 hours are completed over the five year period it does not matter when these happen.

Do all types of work need to be recorded in the logbook?
	We encourage the maintaining of the logbook because, it can help the operator to provide proof of experience and skills.

What happens if operators need help completing the Logbook?
	The employer can provide first hand help, otherwise CPCS regional staff or CITB-ConstructionSkills’ Call Centre can provide further help.

What happens when the logbook is full?
	Another one can be obtained from the CPCS Helpdesk by calling 0870 417 7274. The completed books must be stored for future reference.

Can someone else complete the logbook on the cardholders’ behalf?
	The person making entries on behalf of the logbook owner must sign and date each section that they complete. The employer, who will be checking the book, must know who and why someone else completed parts of the book.

What is the purpose of the Employer Endorsement Section in the logbook?
	To retain categories on card renewal, the employer must confirm competence on each category, against the standards listed in the logbook. The person signing this section, to be known as an Endorser, must be in a supervisory position and are aware of your work activities.

Will instructors be required to maintain 300 operating hours?
	No, CPCS Instructors will renew their instructor card under a new system.

Who can `sign off’ the Logbook?
	Nominated company representatives, validators registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills, will confirm the operator’s competence on each category and that the minimum number of operating hours has been attained.

Why can't experienced operators get a competence card straight away if they have passed the operating test, and can complete the logbook retrospectively?
	Because an N/SVQ is required to obtain the blue competence card.

How will the abuse of logbooks be dealt with?
	CITB-ConstructionSkills, on behalf of CPCS, will be monitoring and auditing the logbooks. All information has to be verified by a company approved validator who will be registered with CPCS. During an audit, if discrepancies are found, the validator will be suspended.

Could the operator be assessed on site at the end of 5 years, instead of getting them to fill in logbook?
	There is an option of taking a site assessment every five years in place of filling in the logbook. However the employer must declare the operator competent on each category to be renewed.

Will the logbook be the property of the employer or the operator?
	The logbook will be the property of the user, who can take with them when moving between different contracts or employers. We encourage employers to help operators complete their books.

Could the hours be recorded electronically?
	Employers may choose options which best suit their business. However for renewal the information must be transferred to the logbook. This is important as the operator needs to retain those hours when moving between contracts etc.

How will a self-employed operator ‘sign off’ their logbook?
	If the self employed operator is the proprietor of their business, in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act, they are responsible for their own safety so they may validate their own renewal. If they sub-contract their employment services to an employer, that employer may validate their renewal providing they have been working for a minimum of 2 weeks for that employer.

If the logbook has been lost, could some form of declaration from the employer, that the hours have been attained, be acceptable?
	Hours may be recorded in the logbook retrospectively, so long as these hours were auditable via other records, i.e. timesheets etc. The retrospective hours must fall within the same 5 year validity period of the card.

Can the logbook be managed by the HR department?
	The employer may choose the best system that suits their business. However should an employee change employer, they must be allowed to take the book with them.

Might the awarding body’s External Verifiers wish to audit the logbooks?
	The book is designed to record hours to renew a CPCS card. However, if the logbook was being used as part of the N/SVQ evidence they may wish to view selected entries.

Do the logbooks go back to the Data Management Unit upon renewal?
	The operator retains the book. The employer confirms that the hours have been attained and are authentic. This will be confirmed by random auditing

How do I become a logbook validator?
	The application form to apply can be found under Logbooks – endorsers and validators.