Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Training Course Level I

Basic Safety

This module introduces basic construction and maintenance safety by stressing how to follow Safe work practices and procedures, to inspect safety equipment before use, and to use safety equipment properly. Recognizing that the typical construction site has many hazards, trainees will learn that a job site does not have to be a dangerous place to work. Basic safety begins by eliminating hazards in the equipment and the workplace.

Introduction to Construction Math

This module introduces basic mathematical procedures commonly used in the construction and maintenance crafts. It relates the use of math to various career options available in the industry. The information is tied to everyday activities that trainees are likely to encounter on the job and illustrates how mathematics is a valuable tool for the workers.

Introduction to Hand Tools

This module introduces basic hand tools used in construction and maintenance. The module shows trainees how to use common tools safely and how to maintain those tools. It also introduces some specialty tools used by different crafts. Recognizing and caring for tools is an important job skill for all workers.

Introduction to Blueprints

This module introduces basic blueprint terms, components, and symbols. It presents different types of construction drawings commonly found on job sites and describes why each type of drawing is important. The module covers standardized information contained on blueprints such as identification, revision status, symbols, project titles, dimension, and scale. It shows the importance of reading and interpreting blueprints to visualize a project before actually starting to build it.

Basic Rigging

This module introduces basic principles and practices behind safe and efficient rigging operations. At this level of training, no trainee should perform rigging operations. Only a qualified person should perform the rigging and moving of any size load on a job. Trainees need only be aware of basic equipment requirements and selection criteria at this stage of their training. They will be introduced to factors such as load stress in this module.

Orientation to the Trade

Provides an overview of heavy equipment operation, operator responsibilities, and career opportunities. Covers basic principles of safety and engine operations

Safety, Part 1

Provides a comprehensive overview of safety requirements on job sites, with emphasis on OSHA and NIOSH requirements. Presents basic requirements, for personal protections, safely driving equipment, and HAZCOM.

Identification of Heavy Equipment

Introduces the ten most used pieces of heavy equipment such as dump trucks, backhoes, and bulldozers. Describes the functional operation and uses for each piece of equipment.

Equipment Preventive Maintenance

This course covers preventive maintenance responsibilities of the operator including specifying basic equipment subsystems and major mechanical systems; knowing how and when to service equipment, and how and when to complete routine maintenance.

Backhoe, Part 1

This course presents types and designs of backhoe excavators, safer operating techniques of the backhoe and front bucket tractor, and use of the backhoe for trenching and digging foundations. Setting up the backhoe safely is emphasized.

Loader, Part 1

Here the student will be presented an introduction to the use and maintenance of the loader, periodic maintenances, safer operation, and operator safety. The different types of loaders are described along with the various attachments that loaders may utilize.

Tractors

This course covers operation of general utility tractors in the construction and excavation industry. Describes duties and responsibilities of the operator, safety rules for operation, the attachment of implements and basic preventive maintenance practices.

Dump Trucks

This course covers operation of dump trucks used in the excavation industry. Describes duties and responsibilities of the operator, safety rules for operation, the attachment of implements, and basic preventive maintenance practices.

Soils, Part 1

Provides an overview of soil composition and characteristics. Describes different types of soil classification methods and how to use them. Introduces concept of soil compaction in highway and building construction.

Grades, Part 1

This course introduces the concept of preparing graded surfaces using heavy equipment. Covers identification of construction stakes and interpretation of marks on each type of stake. Describes process for grading slopes.

These classes may not reflect that of all member schools. Please refer to your school's catalogue for a full class schedule.