Block C – Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) Tasks

Trends

Heavy equipment operator (excavator) functions are becoming more complex and precise, for example pilot controls which incorporate multiple control functions, and electrical over hydraulic functions. Steering levers are being replaced by pilot controls and in some cases steering wheels (wheeled excavators).

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, and wireless technology have helped improve worker efficiency.

There is a growing list of attachments that can be secured to the excavator such as compactor, hoe-ram, thumb, sheers, forks, sweeper and ripper. These attachments have greatly expanded the capacity and role of the excavator.

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 (excavator) 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 quick attach procedures
• K 2 three-point contact when entering and exiting machine
• K 3 function and location of controls and gauges on various equipment such as parking brakes, shut-offs and throttles
• K 4 limitations of equipment and attachments
• K 5 Communication methods such as hand signals and radio
• K 6 content of OMM
• K 7 significance of warning symbols and labels on equipment
• K 8 emergency procedures such as fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, muster points and ERP
• K 9 contractor and company safety policies, OH&S Acts and other applicable regulations and legislation
• K 10 lock-out and tag-out procedures
• K 11 procedures for installing various attachments
• K 12 types of attachments and their uses
• K 13 compatibility of attachments to carriers
• K 14 gear and speed selection based on grade and roughness of terrain
• K 15 centre of gravity
• K 16 work area
• K 17 right-of-way
• K 18 compaction and swell factors
• K 19 types of soil such as granular aggregates, clay, organic, top soil and rock
• K 20 traveling on icy or slippery surfaces with excavators
• K 21 clearing and snow removal procedures
• K 22 factors that affect soil stability such as weather, vibration and surcharge

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 speed according to grade and roughness of terrain to meet safety and production requirements
• C-6.01.04 maintain centre of gravity while manoeuvring equipment with load
• C-6.01.05 manipulate controls for smooth operation of equipment
• C-6.01.06 maintain prescribed clearance between equipment, and obstacles and utilities using features such as mirrors and back-up cameras

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 inspect and lubricate quick attach according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.05.02 select type of attachment needed for job and equipment
• C-6.05.03 select tools needed to complete installation
• C-6.05.04 follow installation and removal procedures based on type of attachment and equipment being installed or removed according to manufacturers’ and job specifications
• C-6.05.05 lubricate attachment according to manufacturers’ specifications and job conditions
• C-6.05.06 inspect attachment for faults such as cracks, missing bolts and loose hoses before and after installation, and before use
• C-6.05.07 test equipment to ensure proper installation of attachment
• C-6.05.08 remove and store attachments according to established procedures

Sub-task - C-6.06 Performs emergency procedures.

Key Competencies

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

Sub-task - C-6.07 Compacts material with attachments. (NOT COMMON CORE)

Key Competencies

• C-6.07.01 operate compacting attachments such as vibratory hammers to achieve required densities
• C-6.07.02 coordinate water application with co-workers
• C-6.07.03 offset compaction to achieve even densities
• C-6.07.04 avoid disturbing compaction while manoeuvring around obstacles such as utilities, manholes and fire hydrants

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 angle buckets and blades
• C-6.08.05 use equipment functions such as 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

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 identify obstacles and take remedial action
• C-6.09.07 maintain control of equipment when clearing snow and ice taking into consideration adverse weather conditions
• C-6.09.08 load trucks with snow

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 lifting 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 such as buckets, counterweights and tracks as required

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

Key Competencies

• C-7.02.01 load attachments onto haul unit using rigging and quick coupler
• C-7.02.02 manoeuvre equipment onto haul unit while maintaining stability
• C-7.02.03 position equipment based on the directions of the transport person
• C-7.02.04 set parking brakes, lower implements and attachments, engage hydraulic lock-out and shut down engine depending on weather conditions and jurisdictional regulations and manufacturers’ specifications

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 windows and doors to prevent damage during transport
• C-7.03.03 cover exhaust pipes on stopped engines 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 hydraulic lock-out bar, lift implements and attachments and disengage parking brakes
• C-7.04.06 manoeuvre equipment off of haul unit while maintaining stability and following directions of transport person
• C-7.04.07 lift attachments off haul unit

Sub-task - C-7.05 Drives equipment on roads.

Key Competencies

• C-7.05.01 clean equipment and components to prevent traffic hazards and spreading debris on roads
• C-7.05.02 clean and inspect lights/beacons, windows and slow moving signage to ensure they are visible and functioning
• C-7.05.03 arrange for escort vehicle as required
• C-7.05.04 stabilize boom on rubber-tired excavators to correct height to clear overhead wires or bridges
• C-7.05.05 unlock suspension on rubber-tired excavators according to manufacturers’ specifications

Task 8 Operates excavators.

Context

This task involves the use of excavators to excavate and backfill trenches, to create mass excavations and slopes, to clear land and to lift loads, as well as to perform demolitions. Stripping, stockpiling and placing of material are also covered in this task.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 safety regulations relating to trenching, mass excavations, demolitions, clearing land, lifting, stockpiling, confined space awareness and traffic control
• K 2 soil types and factors affecting soil stability and environmental conditions
• K 3 slope ratios for various soil types
• K 4 types of excavators and attachments and their capabilities and limitations (load charts, boom reach)
• K 5 change in centre of gravity and reduction in equipment capacity when using various attachments
• K 6 colour coding for locations of underground utilities
• K 7 sorting and recycling procedures such as for demolition materials, asphalt waste and wood waste
• K 8 jurisdictional requirements for trenching
• K 9 precautions necessary when working around buried or overhead utilities
• K 10 grade stakes, worksite plans and GPS
• K 11 bell hole (service hole) placement
• K 12 rigging requirements
• K 13 water control
• K 14 effect of weight of machine on loose fill and trench
• K 15 compaction and swell factors, and proctor tests
• K 16 cycle time
• K 17 hand signals for lifting
• K 18 stabilizers (rubber-tired excavator)
• K 19 use of floatation mats to create a stable work platform
• K 20 proper handling and installation of floatation mats
• K 21 control pattern

Sub-task - C-8.01 Excavates trenches and ditches.

Key Competencies

• C-8.01.01 maintain a consistent grade according to engineering specifications
• C-8.01.02 maintain wall slope based on soil type and conditions, engineer’s specifications, or jurisdictional regulations and legislation
• C-8.01.03 clear all obstructions to maintain walkway according to jurisdictional regulations and legislation
• C-8.01.04 strip trench walls and slopes of loose rocks and other materials
• C-8.01.05 create a smooth trench bottom to minimize bedding and provide good surface for installation of utilities, wires and pipes
• C-8.01.06 pull trench box while keeping box on line and on grade, without disturbing installed utilities
• C-8.01.07 separate material in preparation for backfilling (frost lumps, rocks, finer materials)

Sub-task - C-8.02 Backfills trenches and excavations.

Key Competencies

• C-8.02.01 place bedding to specifications to support utilities
• C-8.02.02 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-8.02.03 protect piping or utilities by applying backfill techniques and procedures such as covering with finer material (shading) according to job specifications
• C-8.02.04 manage piles of imported aggregates such as sand, rock and pit run to minimize waste and avoid contamination with other materials
• C-8.02.05 return excavated material to point of origin, as required
• C-8.02.06 place material in lifts with appropriate thickness to obtain required compaction

Sub-task - C-8.03 Creates slopes.

Key Competencies

• C-8.03.01 excavate soil between survey cut stakes to achieve required grade
• C-8.03.02 cut slope while avoiding filling tracks with soil
• C-8.03.03 keep tracks parallel to the slope while grading to maintain required angle
• C-8.03.04 verify slope using grade checking instruments
• C-8.03.05 scale rock slopes to prevent any loose material from falling into the work area

Sub-task - C-8.04 Creates mass excavations.

Key Competencies

• C-8.04.01 keep straight edges and stable slopes according to specifications and type of soil being excavated
• C-8.04.02 hold grade over entire area (correct elevation)
• C-8.04.03 create a stable work platform using floatation mats and plates
• C-8.04.04 create steps or ramps to allow access to excavation area according to regulations
• C-8.04.05 maintain level work area between excavation and spoil pile according to jurisdictional regulations and legislation

Sub-task - C-8.05 Clears land.

Key Competencies

• C-8.05.01 remove stumps and roots using attachments such as digging buckets, brushcutters (hydro-axes), thumbs, rippers and rakes
• C-8.05.02 pile up logs to preserve them and allow easy access for removal
• C-8.05.03 pile up debris (plant matter, rocks) using attachments such as rakes and thumbs to prevent dirt contamination
• C-8.05.04 consolidate piles for optimal production

Sub-task - C-8.06 Strips surface material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.06.01 remove surface material one layer at a time to avoid contaminating end product and for optimal production using attachments such as ditching buckets, digging buckets and blades
• C-8.06.02 use full reach of equipment when stripping and dumping to increase productivity
• C-8.06.03 perform ongoing visual inspection to ensure minimal disturbance to underlying soils

Sub-task - C-8.07 Stockpiles material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.07.01 create piles with maximum volume and height without exceeding boundaries
• C-8.07.02 smooth off and slope piles to promote the shedding of water
• C-8.07.03 identify grades of material and create buffer between stockpiles to prevent cross-contamination

Sub-task - C-8.08 Places material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.08.01 place riprap using attachments such as digging buckets and thumbs to prevent erosion and provide stability of underlying material
• C-8.08.02 place sheet piling using vibratory hammer to provide shoring
• C-8.08.03 place bedding in trench following directions of signal person to avoid injury to workers and damage to tools and equipment

Sub-task - C-8.09 Lifts material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.09.01 determine weight of load to be lifted to ensure machine, attachment and rigging is capable of handling the load
• C-8.09.02 refer to load charts to determine safe working load of machine, attachment and rigging
• C-8.09.03 check rigging to ensure required taglines are attached and load is rigged for task at hand to avoid failure during lifting
• C-8.09.04 confirm lift capability
• C-8.09.05 carry load using best practices such as low to ground and heavy end up hill

Sub-task - C-8.10 Loads trucks.

Key Competencies

• C-8.10.01 position equipment for level, stability and shortest cycle time
• C-8.10.02 visually check tailgate of truck to make sure it is locked
• C-8.10.03 empty material gently into the truck to minimize impact
• C-8.10.04 centre load to avoid spillage
• C-8.10.05 balance load to meet axle weight restrictions
• C-8.10.06 spot for trucks to be loaded using signals such as horns and position of bucket
• C-8.10.07 signal driver that truck is loaded and ready to go

Sub-task - C-8.11 Performs demolitions.

Key Competencies

• C-8.11.01 demolish structure or materials using attachments such as thumbs, sheers and concrete pulverizers according to task at hand
• C-8.11.02 separate recyclable materials (asphalt, concrete, metal, clean wood and roofing material) from waste materials (mixed garbage, toxic or contaminated material) during demolition
• C-8.11.03 apply environmental procedure requirements according to jurisdictional requirements and legislation