Vehicles and Heavy Equipment (Excluding Operation of Heavy Equipment)
1. Develop a working knowledge of pre-trip inspection which
includes ensuring lights and warning lights are operational,
inspecting safety chains on dump truck tailgates, ensuring
audible alarms are operational, making sure pins on
excavators/backhoes/tailgates are securely fastened;
2. Gain the ability to identify swing paths for excavation
equipment – for both ground level and overhead (utility
poles, overhead wires, oncoming vehicle or foot traffic
within excavation area), understand hand signals between
equipment operators and ground staff while properly
setting up a work zone (signs, cones, barrels) ensuring
employee, vehicle and foot traffic safety; 3. Use necessary safety procedures while working in
proximity to heavy equipment, such as: excavators,
backhoes, front loaders, dump trucks, service trucks,
pumps, air compressors & generators;
4. Demonstrate understanding of different excavation
techniques for water and wastewater such as; excavation
around natural gas lines and buried electric lines,
swabbing new fitting with disinfectant to prevent any
contamination before excavation, and mitigating any
potential health hazards such as de-watering a water main
before it is excavated;
5. Understand proper equipment placement (i.e., dump trucks
next to excavation), proper materials placement and
assisting the heavy equipment operator with identifying
other utilities (gas & electric) in an excavation;
6. Master the overhead crane operation: safety and operation
in using overhead cranes for pump and motor repairs and
replacements
