UBCT 166 - Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operator I

40 Noncredit Contact Hours
35 Lecture Hours 5 Lab Hours


This course provides an introduction to heavy equipment operations, as well as safety and industry best practices. This course also provides general information about earthmoving and the operation and use of skid steers and utility tractors.

Prerequisite(s): UBCT 105, 107 or BCT 105, 107

  

1. Identify uses and types of heavy equipment, work safety practices, and requirements.
2. Describe earthmoving operations and grading methods.
3. Interpret the proper placement of cut and fill slope stakes.  
4. Demonstrate the ability to use proper PPE and equipment for earthmoving operations.
5. Demonstrate basic earthmoving operations.
6. Demonstrate the ability to place temporary traffic control devices and control traffic.

1. Introduction to Earthmoving 
   1. Earthmoving operations 
      1. Planning excavations  
      2. Characteristics and types of soil 
      3. Use of plans and specifications in earthmoving 
      4. Methods used to layout slopes and grades
      5. Site preparation
         1. Coordinating operations 
         2. Set-up 
         3. Staging 
         4. Cycle times 
      6. Site drainage requirements 
      7. Safety practices in earthmoving operations
   2. Excavating equipment and methods 
      1. Measuring production in excavating 
      2. Loading excavated soil 
      3. Hauling excavated soil 
      4. Dumping excavated soil 
      5. Fill, backfill, and embankment construction 
   3. Stabilizing soils 
      1. Binders 
      2. Applying binders to soil 
      3. Soil compacting 
2. Heavy Equipment Operations Safety 
   1. Work safety requirements
      1. Methods and devices used for work zone safety 
      2. Traffic control safety methods 
   2. Hazard communication
      1. Safety Data Sheets 
      2. Labeling systems used hazardous materials 
      3. Noise control methods 
   3. Heavy equipment operation safety practices 
      1. Jobsite and equipment safety requirements
      2. Weather safety hazards 
   4. Safety practices with trenches and excavations 
      1. Soil composition 
      2. Worker protection methods in trenches and excavations
      3. Personal safety hazards 
3. Classification of Heavy Equipment 
   1. Heavy equipment in construction and mining 
      1. Equipment used in excavating and grading 
      2. Trenching equipment 
      3. Heavy equipment in mining 
   2. Hydraulic systems and equipment components 
      1. Hydraulic systems fundamentals 
      2. Hydraulic equipment and components 
4. Equipment, Operation, Inspection, and Readiness 
   1. Pre-start procedures 
      1. Mounting a vehicle 
      2. Pre-start inspection procedures  for equipment, attachments and tire/tracks
      3. Pre-start inspection procedures for vehicle drive procedures 
      4. Pre-start inspection procedures for hydraulic systems 
      5. Pre-start inspection procedures for electrical systems 
   2. Starting, operating, and shutting down heavy equipment 
      1. Initial checks 
      2. Basic maintenance
      3. Equipment shutdown and security 
   3. Heavy equipment engine and auxiliary systems 
      1. Primary engine types
      2. Service auxiliary systems  
   4. Pre-operational checks 
      1. Hybrid equipment 
      2. Electrical equipment 
5. Grades and Grading 
   1. Planning for grading a site 
      1. Grading process 
      2. Marking and setting grade stakes 
   2. Measuring and establishing finish grades 
      1. Horizontal and vertical measurements 
      2. Electric equipment and systems used in grading 
      3. Establish and check grade
6. Finish grading methods 
   1. Grading specifications 
   2. Slopes 
   3. Finish, subgrade, and base 
   4. Ditches and trenches 
   5. Parking lots, sidewalks, and curbs