This course is designed for persons working in construction and earthmoving plant operations, who need to operate articulated dump trucks as part of their job. The training teaches delegates about the safe operation of the ADT, to work effectively and avoid incidents, and perform to legally required safety standards.
This unit standard forms part of the National Certificate: Construction Plant Operations (SAQA ID 65789). Qualifying learners will be able to operate an articulated dump truck by understanding the functions of starting, shutting down and operating procedures for the machine. Learners who master the applied competence described in SAQA unit standard will contribute to the development of a professional community of construction plant operators.
Entry requirements
Grade 9 certificate or ABET level 4 is required to attend this course and a heavy vehicle national driver’s license is mandatory, if operating on South African roads in accordance with The National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
Earthmoving and construction operations
Articulated dump truck operator training
Earthmoving plant operations training
Course content
Introduction to articulated dump trucks
We talk about collisions, tipping and back-up accidents.
Getting to know the articulated dump truck
Basic mechanical appreciation
Articulating dump truck safety precautions
We look at safety equipment and clothing, protective devices, awareness, preparation for safe operation, safety and pre-operations check, precautions when refuelling or mounting the machine, start-up procedures, pre-operation tests, safety of other personnel, working on slopes, operating in dangerous areas, repairs and servicing, towing, safe parking and shutdown procedures, getting off the machine, safe maintenance procedures, batteries and tyre safety.
Daily checks and servicing
We do walk-around checks and daily service, weekly or 50 hour service, start-up checks, shutdown procedures, refuelling the dump truck, daily checklist for dump trucks.
Controls, levers, pedals and instruments on articulating dump trucks
We look at the controls, gauges, warning lights and warning pictorials.
Operating and transporting the dump truck
We show learners the operating techniques and precautions, starting the engine, moving off with the machine, shifting gears, steering the machine, working on inclines, working at edges of dumps or on stockpiles, falling over the edge of a dump, dumping a load, parking, checks after shutdown, cleaning and transporting the vehicle.
Legislation and regulations
We outline the legal responsibilities in a nutshell, Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and Mine Health and Safety Act of 1996.
Assessment methods
We conduct a formative theoretical assessment at the beginning of the course to gauge the learner’s initial understanding (novices only). At the end of the training, a summative theoretical and practical application assessment is conducted, to find if the learner is competent; if not, additional developmental areas are identified and suggested.