Block C – Heavy Equipment Operator (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe) Tasks

Trends

Advancements in technology are allowing workers to perform their duties with improved efficiency and safety. More efficient engines and transmissions, the use of GPS and, wireless technology, have helped improve worker efficiency.

Heavy equipment operator (TLB) functions are becoming more complex and precise, for example, pilot controls which incorporate multiple control functions, and electrical over hydraulic functions. 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.

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

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 (tractor-loader-backhoe) 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 factors that affect soil stability such as weather, vibration and surcharge
• K 21 traveling on icy or slippery surfaces with TLB
• K 22 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 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 with load
• 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 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 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 with attachments.

Key Competencies

• C-6.07.01 operate towable compacting attachments such as vibratory plate tampers 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
• C-6.08.09 synchronize operation of equipment with other heavy equipment operators

Sub-task - C-6.09 Clears snow and ice.

Key Competencies

• C-6.09.01 use appropriate blade or bucket for snow removal
• C-6.09.02 prepare equipment for snow and ice conditions such as installing tire chains, lightings and hazard warnings according to regulations and legislation
• 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 blow snow from area using loaders with blower attachment
• 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
• C-6.09.09 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 secure attachments and components 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 equipment such as forks and rigging quick attach
• 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, and shut down engine depending on weather conditions, 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 help block wheels as required
• C-7.03.03 close and cover windows and doors to prevent damage during transport
• C-7.03.04 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, 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 body and tires 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 test steering and back-up alarm, and ensure brake pedals are locked together before accessing public roads
• C-7.05.04 arrange for escort vehicle as required
• C-7.05.05 lock rear boom in the transport position
• C-7.05.06 carry bucket low
• C-7.05.07 operate equipment using methods such as ride control and two wheel drive according to manufacturers’ specifications and, government regulations and legislation

Task 8 Operates tractor-loader-backhoe.

Context

This task involves using tractor-loader-backhoes to place and stockpile material, to lift, to excavate and backfill trenches, ditches and excavations, and to load trucks. It also includes performing clean-up operations.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 safety regulations relating to trenching, 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 equipment and attachments and their capabilities and limitations (boom reach)
• K 5 colour coding for locations of underground utilities
• K 6 sorting and recycling procedures such as for demolition materials, asphalt waste and wood waste
• K 7 jurisdictional regulations for trenching and excavations
• K 8 precautions necessary when working around buried or overhead utilities
• K 9 grade stakes, worksite plans and GPS
• K 10 rigging requirements
• K 11 water control
• K 12 effect of weight of machine on loose fill and trench
• K 13 compaction and swell factors, and proctor tests
• K 14 cycle time
• K 15 hand signals for lifting
• K 16 two-pedal brake system
• K 17 stabilizers and boom lock feature
• K 18 control pattern
• K 19 change in centre of gravity and reduction in equipment capacity when using various attachments such as rock breakers and extended forks

Sub-task - C-8.01 Places material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.01.01 place granular backfill in lifts
• C-8.01.02 place bedding in trench with due care following directions of signal person to avoid injury to workers and damage to tools and equipment
• C-8.01.03 spread and grade material in lifts by adjusting the bucket to achieve a level and smooth surface

Sub-task - C-8.02 Excavates trenches and ditches.

Key Competencies

• C-8.02.01 maintain consistent grade according to engineering specifications
• C-8.02.02 maintain wall slope based on soil type and conditions, engineer’s specifications, or jurisdictional regulations and legislation
• C-8.02.03 maintain proper walkway by clearing all obstructions as per jurisdictional regulations/legislation
• C-8.02.04 strip trench walls and slopes of loose rock and other materials
• C-8.02.05 create a smooth trench bottom to minimize bedding and provide good surface for installation of utilities, wires and pipes
• C-8.02.06 separate material in preparation for backfilling (frost lumps, rocks, finer materials)
• C-8.02.07 stabilize equipment using outriggers and loader bucket
• C-8.02.08 use extend-a-hoe to increase reach

Sub-task - C-8.03 Backfills trenches and excavations.

Key Competencies

• C-8.03.01 place bedding to specifications to support utilities
• C-8.03.02 confirm installation is complete and safe for backfilling by checking workers and tools are out of the trench, joints are completed and service connections are completed
• C-8.03.03 protect piping or utilities by applying backfill techniques and procedures such as covering with finer material (shading) according to job specifications
• C-8.03.04 manage piles of imported aggregates (sand, rock and pit run) to minimize waste and avoid contamination with other materials
• C-8.03.05 return excavated material to point of origin, as required
• C-8.03.06 place material in lifts with appropriate thickness to obtain required compaction

Sub-task - C-8.04 Loads trucks.

Key Competencies

• C-8.04.01 minimize travel during truck loading operation to optimize cycle time
• C-8.04.02 maximize traction using methods such as wheels on the ground and reduced acceleration to reduce tire wear and rutting
• C-8.04.03 spot for trucks to be loaded using signals such as horns and position of bucket
• C-8.04.04 square machine to dig material
• C-8.04.05 remove excess material, keeping the bucket low while carrying to prevent spillage and improve stability
• C-8.04.06 centre load to avoid spillage
• C-8.04.07 visually check tailgate of truck to make sure it is locked
• C-8.04.08 empty material gently into the truck to minimize impact
• C-8.04.09 balance load to meet axle weight restrictions
• C-8.04.10 signal driver that truck is loaded and ready to go
• C-8.04.11 position equipment in tripod position for backhoe loading and to avoid contact with truck (hitting sideboards, counterweights against wheels)

Sub-task - C-8.05 Lifts material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.05.01 lift and place shoring without disturbing installed utilities
• C-8.05.02 determine weight of load to be lifted to ensure machine is capable of handling the load
• C-8.05.03 select rigging, including taglines, for task at hand to avoid failure during lifting
• C-8.05.04 check rigging to ensure load is rigged for task at hand to avoid failure during lift
• C-8.05.05 confirm lift capability
• C-8.05.06 secure load using tie-offs such as chains, straps and rope
• C-8.05.07 carry load using best practices such as low to ground and heavy end up hill

Sub-task - C-8.06 Stockpiles material.

Key Competencies

• C-8.06.01 load front bucket to optimal capacity while minimizing wheel spin
• C-8.06.02 remove excess material, keeping the bucket low while carrying, to prevent spillage and improve stability
• C-8.06.03 build ramp to access stockpile
• C-8.06.04 identify grades of materials and create buffer between stockpiles to prevent cross-contamination
• C-8.06.05 maintain clean and level worksite to avoid tire damage and increase efficiency

Sub-task - C-8.07 Performs clean-up operations.

Key Competencies

• C-8.07.01 clean up excavation area using attachments such as sweepers, 4-in-1 buckets and pallet forks
• C-8.07.02 sweep material using attachments such as power angle or fixed angle broom according to job specifications
• C-8.07.03 pick up small amounts of remaining material using methods such as using the backstop method, using another piece of equipment, or using a 4-in-1 bucket