The Alberta Construction Training Institute’s (ACTI) course is 6-8 Hr depending on experience. Compact or Mini Excavators are tracked or wheeled vehicles that are mostly used for digging and lifting but can also be used with a wide variety of attachments. They normally come with an independent swing boom and a backfill blade. Operators must develop a good understanding of how both the blade and boom operate
This course describes how to safely operate the excavator, and includes a review of regulations, site hazards, safety features, inspection procedures and emergency planning. There is both classroom training as well as limited hands-on training.
Below is the course outline :
- Safety Regulations & Standards
- Excavator Fundamentals & Controls
- Employer and Worker Responsibilities
- Hazard Identification and Mitigation
- Preventative Maintenance & Procedures
- Site & Pre-Operational Inspections
- Machine Orientation & Safe Operation
- Proper Start Up & Shut Down Protocols
- Steering, Maneuvering, Excavating Techniques
- Trenching & Excavating Techniques
- Machine Positioning & Control
- Transporting & Hauling Securement Standards
- Proper Loading Procedures