Block C – Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer) Tasks

Trends

Heavy equipment operator (dozer) functions are becoming more complex and precise, for example joy sticks which incorporate multiple control functions, and electrical over hydraulic functions.

Advancements in technology are allowing workers to perform their duties with improved efficiency and safety. New ergonomic controls and new cab designs not only improve ease of use and heavy equipment operator awareness, but also reduce their fatigue and injury. More efficient engines and transmissions, the use of GPS, wireless technology, and remote control equipment have helped improve worker efficiency.

There are more stringent regulations around the spread of contaminants such as noxious weeds, bugs and other biological contaminants. These regulations affect what a heavy equipment operator has to do to the equipment before it can be moved.

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 6 Performs basic heavy equipment operator (dozer) functions.

Context

This task involves smooth operation of equipment controls, effective set-up of machine for task at hand, the installation and removal of attachments, and monitoring of equipment performance. It also covers troubleshooting and emergency procedures.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 three-point contact when entering and exiting machine
• K 2 function and location of controls and gauges on various equipment such as parking brakes, shut-offs and throttles
• K 3 limitations of equipment and attachments
• K 4 communication methods such as hand signals and radio
• K 5 content of OMM
• K 6 significance of warning symbols and labels on equipment
• K 7 emergency procedures such as fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, muster points and ERP
• K 8 contractor and company safety policies, OH&S Acts and other applicable regulations and legislation
• K 9 lock-out and tag-out procedures
• K 10 procedures for installing various attachments
• K 11 compatibility of attachments to carriers
• K 12 gear and speed selection based on grade and roughness of terrain
• K 13 centre of gravity
• K 14 work area
• K 15 right-of-way
• K 16 compaction density and swell factors
• K 17 pull-type compacting equipment such as smooth drums, rubber tires, sheep’s foots, rollers and packers
• K 18 types of soil such as granular aggregates, clay, organic, top soil and rock
• K 19 factors that affect soil stability such as weather, vibration and surcharge
• K 20 traveling on icy or slippery surfaces with dozers
• K 21 snow and ice removal procedures

Sub-task - C-6.01 Maintains control of equipment.

Key Competencies

• C-6.01.01 enter and exit machine using three-point contact while facing machine
• C-6.01.02 adjust seat and controls for ease of operation
• C-6.01.03 adjust gear, throttle and track speed according to grade and roughness of terrain to meet safety and production requirements
• C-6.01.04 manipulate controls for smooth operation of equipment
• C-6.01.05 maintain centre of gravity while manoeuvring equipment
• C-6.01.06 maintain prescribed clearance between equipment, and obstacles and utilities

Sub-task - C-6.02 Positions equipment for task.

Key Competencies

• C-6.02.01 determine location for set-up taking into consideration factors such as working in conjunction with other equipment, hazards, obstacles and the need for access/egress
• C-6.02.02 stabilize equipment taking into consideration capabilities and limitations of equipment and ground conditions of work area

Sub-task - C-6.03 Monitors performance of equipment.

Key Competencies

• C-6.03.01 visually scan gauges for temperature and oil pressure to confirm that they are within safe operating range
• C-6.03.02 identify signs of fluid leaks, loss of power or other equipment problems using senses such as sight, smell and feel
• C-6.03.03 identify signs of equipment or component failure by feeling for vibration or listening for unusual sounds

Sub-task - C-6.04 Troubleshoots equipment problems.

Key Competencies

• C-6.04.01 identify faulty components and fault codes in order to explain problem to service personnel or to order parts
• C-6.04.02 interpret fault codes and monitor warning in order to determine course of action such as changes in operation or removal of debris off the cooling system
• C-6.04.03 report extent of problem to supervisor to determine how production, safety and environment will be affected (major vs. minor shut-down)

Sub-task - C-6.05 Installs attachments.

Key Competencies

• C-6.05.01 select type of attachment needed for job and equipment
• C-6.05.02 select tools needed to complete installation
• C-6.05.03 follow installation and removal procedures based on type of attachment and equipment being installed or removed according to manufacturers’ and job specifications
• C-6.05.04 lubricate attachment according to manufacturers’ specifications and job conditions
• C-6.05.05 inspect attachment for faults such as cracks, missing bolts and loose hoses before and after installation, and before use
• C-6.05.06 test equipment to ensure proper installation of attachment
• C-6.05.07 remove and store attachments according to established procedures

Sub-task - C-6.06 Performs emergency procedures.

Key Competencies

• C-6.06.01 assess emergency to determine course of action
• C-6.06.02 stop equipment, lower implement and attachment, lock-out (hydraulics, transmission, brakes) and perform engine shut-down
• C-6.06.03 initiate established ERP according to assessed situation
• C-6.06.04 inform supervisor, co-workers and general public of hazards

Sub-task - C-6.07 Compacts material.

Key Competencies

• C-6.07.01 operate pull-type compacting equipment such as smooth drum, rubber tire and sheep’s foot to achieve required densities and rolling pattern
• C-6.07.02 coordinate water application with co-workers
• C-6.07.03 offset equipment to avoid rutting
• C-6.07.04 avoid disturbing compaction while manoeuvring around obstacles such as utilities, manholes and fire hydrants
• C-6.07.05 shut off vibratory function while stopping and changing directions to avoid creating divots in surface
• C-6.07.06 operate track or wheel equipment to aid in compaction of material

Sub-task - C-6.08 Performs cut and fill operations.

Key Competencies

• C-6.08.01 identify reference points to delineate the perimeter of the work area
• C-6.08.02 adjust operation based on material and changing ground conditions
• C-6.08.03 visually assess ground elevations for highs and lows
• C-6.08.04 select and use ground engaging tools and equipment such as blade and ripper
• C-6.08.05 use equipment functions such as pitch, angle, and tilt to obtain correct slope and grade
• C-6.08.06 maintain a profile according to site plan
• C-6.08.07 determine action to be taken when encountering obstacles such as rocks, logs and debris
• C-6.08.08 remove and disperse excess materials
• C-6.08.09 synchronize operation of equipment with other heavy equipment operators such as two dozers pushing bulk material together

Sub-task - C-6.09 Clears snow and ice. (NOT COMMON CORE)

Key Competencies

• C-6.09.01 use appropriate blade for snow removal such as V-plow and one-way plow
• C-6.09.02 prepare equipment for snow and ice conditions such as installing tire chains, lightings and hazard warnings
• C-6.09.03 adjust speed of equipment according to road conditions
• C-6.09.04 apply appropriate down pressure on snow removal attachments to prevent damage to surface being plowed and blade, and to maintain steering and traction control
• C-6.09.05 move snow to designated area within large areas such as a parking lot using slot method, if possible
• C-6.09.06 adjust snow wing position according to obstacles, conditions and manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.09.07 identify obstacles and use caution
• C-6.09.08 maintain control of equipment when clearing snow and ice taking into consideration adverse weather conditions

Task 7 Transports equipment.

Context

This task involves mobilization and demobilization of equipment. It includes preparing, loading and securing equipment for transportation as well as unloading. Driving equipment on public roads is also part of this task.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 licensing (equipment and driver) and permitting requirements
• K 2 road regulations
• K 3 jurisdictional regulations and company policies for loading and unloading of equipment
• K 4 lighting requirements such as beacons, flashing lights and head/tail lights
• K 5 signage requirements such as “slow vehicle” and “over dimension” signs
• K 6 types of trailers and their uses and limitations
• K 7 loading and unloading techniques according to type of trailer used
• K 8 weight and size of attachments for safe placement on trailer
• K 9 height, width and weight restrictions for load
• K 10 necessary disassembly of equipment
• K 11 positioning of equipment on trailer
• K 12 changes to centre of gravity of equipment after removal of attachments
• K 13 cleaning requirements of equipment before transport
• K 14 tie-down points and procedures
• K 15 rigging and winching techniques

Sub-task - C-7.01 Prepares equipment for transportation.

Key Competencies

• C-7.01.01 clean equipment to prevent debris from falling during transportation, or to prevent contamination of next site
• C-7.01.02 remove attachments and components according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-7.01.03 remove cleats or install planking to protect haul unit
• C-7.01.04 ensure haul unit is clean (free of mud and snow) and is on stable and level ground

Sub-task - C-7.02 Loads equipment and attachments for transportation.

Key Competencies

• C-7.02.01 manoeuvre equipment onto haul unit while maintaining stability
• C-7.02.02 position equipment based on the directions of the transport person
• C-7.02.03 set parking brakes, lower implements and attachments, engage hydraulic lock-out, and shut down engine depending on weather conditions, manufacturers’ specifications and jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task - C-7.03 Assists in securing equipment for transportation.

Key Competencies

• C-7.03.01 help tie down equipment and attachments as required
• C-7.03.02 close and cover windows and doors to prevent damage during transport
• C-7.03.03 engage steering lock to prevent articulation during transport
• C-7.03.04 cover exhaust on stopped engines according to manufacturers’ specifications to prevent turbo damage during transport

Sub-task - C-7.04 Unloads equipment and attachments.

Key Competencies

• C-7.04.01 identify hazards such as overhead power lines, underground utilities, slippery decks and unlevel ground
• C-7.04.02 remove tie-downs
• C-7.04.03 remove exhaust coverings
• C-7.04.04 perform a walk-around inspection to identify any potential damage during transport
• C-7.04.05 start-up engine, disengage lock-out bar, lift attachments and disengage parking brakes
• C-7.04.06 manoeuvre equipment off of haul unit while maintaining stability and following directions of transport person

Task 8 Operates dozers.

Context

This task involves using dozers to move mass material, strip surface materials, and spread materials. It also includes backfilling trenches and excavations, and creating slopes and ditches as well as clearing land, levelling demolition materials, pushing scrapers, and maintaining dumpsite areas.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 limitations and capabilities of dozers and attachments to ensure equipment suitability for existing site and soil conditions
• K 2 grade stakes, worksite plans and GPS
• K 3 soil types and factors affecting soil stability
• K 4 slope ratios for various soil types
• K 5 effects of environmental conditions on materials
• K 6 operational functions of equipment and attachments
• K 7 basic preventative maintenance practices
• K 8 jurisdictional and environmental regulations and policies
• K 9 safety regulations
• K 10 methods to prevent segregation of aggregates
• K 11 dozer attachments such as rippers, mulchers, discs, winches, brushcutters (hydro-axes), root rakes and side booms
• K 12 heavy equipment operator (dozer) station components such as gauges, levers and switches
• K 13 effects of external and operational factors on the centre of gravity of the dozer
• K 14 change in centre of gravity and reduction in equipment capacity when using various attachments
• K 15 effect of weight of machine on loose fill and trench
• K 16 multiple operations being performed at the same time in various locations and levels at dumpsite
• K 17 colour codes for utility markings and locates
• K 18 precautions necessary when working around buried or overhead utilities
• K 19 rigging requirements for job at hand
• K 20 compaction and swell factors, and proctor tests

Sub-task - C-8.01 Moves mass material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.01.01 identify the volume of material to move and the site conditions
• C-8.01.02 identify the type of material to move such as snow, rock and topsoil
• C-8.01.03 estimate distance the material is to be moved to determine the type of method such as stockpile, slot method and short push
• C-8.01.04 perform ongoing visual inspection of site to ensure minimal disturbance to underlying soils and surfaces
• C-8.01.05 determine the depth of blade cut required to operate the dozer in a fluid manner to obtain optimum productivity
• C-8.01.06 adjust tilt, pitch and angle of blade to support an optimum blade cut
• C-8.01.07 synchronize operation of equipment with other heavy equipment operators such as two dozers pushing bulk material together

Sub-task - C-8.02 Strips surface material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.02.01 determine the depth of blade cut required to operate the dozer in a fluid manner to obtain optimum productivity
• C-8.02.02 move stripped material to final location based on established method of approach, for example using slot/dozing method
• C-8.02.03 adjust tilt, pitch and angle of blade to support an optimum blade cut
• C-8.02.04 perform ongoing visual inspection of site to ensure minimal disturbance to underlying soils

Sub-task - C-8.03 Creates slopes and ditches.

Key Competencies

• C-8.03.01 use dozer functions to obtain correct slope and grade, such as tilt, pitch, and angle
• C-8.03.02 adjust operation or technique based on type of material and to ensure slope ratio for soil type according to regulation
• C-8.03.03 maintain a profile as required according to site plan
• C-8.03.04 determine action to be taken when encountering obstacles such as rocks, logs and debris
• C-8.03.05 remove and disperse excess materials

Sub-task - C-8.04 Spreads material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.04.01 determine the depth of blade cut required to operate the dozer in a fluid manner to obtain optimum productivity
• C-8.04.02 adjust pitch, angle and tilt of blade to achieve specified elevation
• C-8.04.03 synchronize operation of equipment with other heavy equipment operators such as two dozers pushing bulk material together

Sub-task C-8.05 Clears land.

Key Competencies

• C-8.05.01 check the site for existence of utilities and get locates
• C-8.05.02 remove materials such as trees, stumps and brush using attachments such as stump splitters, root rakes and rippers depending on size of material
• C-8.05.03 fall trees in an orderly manner, keeping trees and soils separate, to facilitate clean-up and increase operator safety
• C-8.05.04 remove designated material taking precautions to prevent damage to wildlife or plant life
• C-8.05.05 move cleared material to final location according to the worksite plan
• C-8.05.06 adjust tilt, pitch and angle of rake or blade to support an optimum push
• C-8.05.07 perform ongoing visual inspection of site to ensure awareness of potential hazards
• C-8.05.08 pile up debris (vegetation, rocks) using attachments such as rakes to prevent dirt contamination

Sub-task - C-8.06 Pushes scrapers.

Key Competencies

• C-8.06.01 use attachments such as push blades and cushion blades required to perform tasks
• C-8.06.02 align the dozer to position the scraper for subsequent cuts
• C-8.06.03 synchronize operation of equipment with other heavy equipment operators such as two dozers pushing bulk material together and other scrapers to keep level cutting/excavation area

Sub-task - C-8.07 Backfills trenches and excavations.

Key Competencies

• C-8.07.01 confirm installation is complete and safe for backfilling by checking that workers and tools are out of the trench, joints are completed and service connections are completed
• C-8.07.02 perform preventative actions such as diverting water or re-sloping to prevent cave-ins, trench collapse and utility damage
• C-8.07.03 determine the blade pitch, angle, tilt and depth of cut required to operate the dozer in a fluid manner to obtain optimum productivity and to establish lift size of engineered fill
• C-8.07.04 synchronize operation of equipment with other heavy equipment operators such as two dozers pushing bulk material together
• C-8.07.05 return excavated material to point of origin as required

Sub-task - C-8.08 Levels demolition materials.

Key Competencies

• C-8.08.01 perform preventative actions to prevent hazards while moving materials such as airborne metals, wood flip-ups and protruding rebar
• C-8.08.02 adjust the blade pitch, angle and tilt to achieve specified elevation and required compaction
• C-8.08.03 maintain a firm and level materials receiving pad

Sub-task - C-8.09 Maintains dumpsite area.

Key Competencies

• C-8.09.01 adjust the pitch, angle and tilt of the blade to achieve specified elevation and required compaction
• C-8.09.02 maintain a firm and level work area