Compact Excavator Operator Safety Training

Compact Excavator Operator Safety Training Program

Participants in this program will learn the safe practices of operating a Compact Excavator. They will recognize and evaluate the hazards associated with Compact Excavators and understand the methods of operating them safely.

This program is divided into a theory portion and practical portion.

Theory Program

• The Occupational Health and Safety Act and the applicable regulations

• Components of a Compact Excavator and their function

• Operating Controls – their use and function

• Safety features and their importance

• Controlling the Working Zone

• Safe Entry and Exit

• Going up and down grades

• How to change attachments safely

• Weight distribution and compact excavator steering and stability

• Utilities overhead and underground

• Safe manoeuvring, travelling and working with an attachment

• Basics of Trenching and shoring – what the law requires

• Pre-use inspections

Each participant will be expected to write a test on the theory portion of the program, which is three hours in length.

Practical Program

There is also a practical portion of this program. Participants will be divided into groups of 4-5. Each group will spend two hours with an instructor applying the theory knowledge to a practical application. Included in this portion is:

• Review of components

• Pre-use inspection

• Maintenance checks

• Driving evaluation

• Proper method of removing, attaching and using attachments

• Refuelling

• Safe parking, starting and stopping