360° EXCAVATOR
Course Syllabus
Duration: Refresher Course – 1 day
3 Experienced Operators – 3 days
2 Experienced Operators – 2 days
3 Novice Operators – 5 days
2 Novice Operators – 4 days
1 Novice Operator – 3 days
Definition: Experienced = Operators with approx 6 months experience but no certificate
Ratio: 3 Operators: 1 Instructor : 1 Machine
1. AIM
To provide the theoretical and practical knowledge to safely operate an excavator.
2. ELEMENTS
The course will comprise of theoretical and practical instruction on an Excavator covering the following:
2.1 Responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and PUWER (1998), LOLER
(1998)and (HSG 136) Workplace Transport Safety.
2.2 Safe operator practices (Company Mobile Plant Rules if on customer premises) including evasive action / roll-over measures
2.3 Daily and weekly maintenance schedules
2.4 Identification of components
2.5 Daily inspections and fault recording
2.6 Start-up procedures
2.7 Factors affecting stability
2.8 Motive and hydraulic controls / introduction to all controls and gauges
2.9 Manoeuvring in open and confined spaces
2.10 Travelling over different types of terrain including inclines
2.11 Excavation principles
2.12 Working on stock-piles/side-casting/forming edge protection / forming ramps and work platforms
2.13 Loading hoppers
2.14 Loading production machinery/transport vehicles
2.15 Trenching principles/re-instatement/working with a banksman/weather conditions
2.16 General levelling and grading
2.17 Batter formation (where required)
2.18 Identification and changing of attachments
2.19 Re-fuelling
2.20 Parking and post-stop checks
2.21 Travelling on the public highway
2.22 Loading and unloading from a transporter (where applicable)
3. KNOWLEDGE
On successful completion of training on an Excavator, candidates will have a theoretical understanding on the importance of the following:
3.1 The need to train and statuary requirements
3.2 Understanding machine stability and limitations
3.3 Causes of accidents / risks associated with mobile plant
3.4 Safe operator practices / understanding the operator’s handbook
3.5 Pre-start checks, start-up procedures and safety checks
3.6 Daily and weekly maintenance requirements
3.7 Risk assessment / Permit to Work procedures / hazards associated with underground and overhead services
3.8 Excavation principles
3.9 Loading techniques
3.10 Backfilling, grading, spreading and levelling of materials
3.11 Identification of attachments particularly quick-hitch systems – safe removal and re-attachment
3.12 Effects of differing weather conditions
3.13 Lifting limitations
3.14 Safe parking, re-fuelling and post-stop checks
3.15 Safe loading and unloading procedures from a transporter (where applicable)
3.16 Requirements for travelling on the public highway.
4. SKILLS
On successful completion of training on an Excavator the candidate will have demonstrated to a basic operational standard all of the following:
4.1 Pre-start safety checks and start-up procedures
4.2 The ability to manoeuvre and operate the vehicle correctly within the manufacturer’s recommendations and to the operator’s safety code
4.3 Travel safely about site including inclines
4.4 Manoeuvre accurately within confined spaces
4.5 Follow safe operational procedures for excavation and extraction
4.6 Work safely on stock piles
4.7 Load production machinery and / or transport vehicles
4.8 Backfill, grade, spread and level materials
4.9 Correctly identify hitching systems and follow safe procedures for removal and attachment
4.10 Safely load and unload from a transporter (where applicable)
4.11 Correctly park, shut down and secure the vehicle
4.12 Carry out a post-stop inspection.