The rigid body dump truck (RDT) short skills training course has been developed for the benefit of novices and experienced operators who may be expected to operate an RDT while performing their daily duties in the construction and earthmoving plant operations environment. Operators may, for example, be expected to transport and dump loose materials such as sand, gravel, crushed rock and coal for the employer.
This unit standard forms part of the National Certificate: Construction Plant Operations (SAQA ID 65789). Learners who achieve the course objectives will, upon completion of the course, 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 vehiclenational 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
Rigid body dump truck operator training
Earthmoving plant operations training
Course content
Introduction to rigid dump trucks (types and construction)
Getting to know the rigid dump truck
We discuss the drive train, bowl and operator’s compartment.
Basic mechanical appreciation
Rigid dump truck safety precautions
We take learners through general safety precautions regarding the operation of the rigid dump truck, maintenance, protection of the machine, handling of its various dangerous components, and working in hazardous environments, such as on looser ground or on inclines.
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 and daily checklist for dump trucks.
Controls, levers, pedals and instruments on rigid dump trucks
We show learners the controls, gauges, warning lights and warning pictorials.
Operating and transporting the dump truck
We discuss operating techniques and precautions, starting the engine, moving off with the machine, shifting gears, steering, working on inclines, 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 machine.
Legislation and regulations
We outline the legal responsibilities in a nutshell, Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, 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.