Set Up – Safe Operation
Excavating is recognized as one of the most dangerous construction-related operations. This course covers the set-up and safe operation of excavators, also called diggers, track hoes, or 360 excavators. Whether used for construction or general purpose production, as in recycling and scrap handling, the goal is to provide information that will increase your knowledge, make you a better operator, and keep you and those around you safe.
Course Duration
- Classroom – 4 hours
- Hands On – 30 minutes per person
Hands-On Training and Evaluation
- ½ hour practical evaluation on skid steer loaders
- Pre-shift inspection of skid steer loaders
- Hands-on training & site specific evaluation of skid steer loader
- Safe operating techniques and related maneuvers of skid steer loaders
- Work site specific hazards while utilizing skid steer loaders
- Shut-down and parking of skid steer loaders
- Pre-Shift Inspections
- Safe operation of Excavators
- Applicable OSHA regulations
- Mechanical, operator control description and operation
- Pedestrian Safety
- Load handling & placement of material
- Attachment applications and proper use
- Proper and safe shut-down and parking
- Power Source Safety
- Transport Safety
Hands-On Training and Evaluation
- Pre-shift inspection
- Hands-on training & site specific evaluation
- Safe operating techniques and related maneuvers
- Work site specific hazards
- Shut-down and parking
Excavator Operator Training and Certification classes are conducted on site for up to 20 operators per session. Wall certificates and wallet cards are included for each operator that completes the training.
Register TodayWhy Our Excavator Operator Training Certification Sets the Standard
The Role of OSHA-Compliant Excavator Operator Safety Training
Excavators are powerful machines that require precision and a deep understanding of site safety. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.602(a) and the 1926 Subpart P standards for excavations, it is critical that operators are fully trained in both machine operation and trenching safety. Our Excavator Operator Training Certification program ensures your team is compliant with federal law, significantly reducing the risks of cave-ins, utility strikes, and equipment tip-overs.
Detailed Components of Excavator Operator Training Certification
A major part of our Excavator Operator Training Certification involves mastering the “Working Zone” and understanding the machine’s center of gravity:
- Lifting Capacity & Stability: We cover the load charts, the effects of reach on lifting capacity, and the importance of working on level ground, essential topics in Excavator Operator Training Certification.
- Trenching & Shoring Fundamentals: We detail the requirements for protective systems, including sloping, shielding, and shoring, to ensure every operator understands the environment they are digging in.
- Utility & Power Line Safety: Our Excavator Operator Training Certification emphasizes the “Call Before You Dig” protocols and maintaining safe approach distances from overhead and underground power lines.
Practical Evaluation: Mastering Excavator Operator Training Certification
To earn an Excavator Operator Training Certification, students must demonstrate their competence through a hands-on evaluation. Our evaluators verify that every operator can:
- Perform Pre-Start Inspections: Checking the hydraulic systems, track tension, and the structural integrity of the boom, arm, and bucket.
- Precision Digging & Loading: Demonstrating smooth control while trenching to a specific depth and safely loading material into transport vehicles, a core requirement of the Excavator Operator Training Certification.
- Shut-Down & Securement: Practicing the correct way to ground the bucket, engage safety locks, and secure the machine at the end of a shift to prevent unauthorized or accidental movement.
Related Safety Certifications
Looking to expand your team’s earthmoving credentials or seeking supervisor-level certification?
- Skid Steer Operator Training: The perfect companion course for crews using compact equipment alongside larger excavators.
- Backhoe Loader Safety Training: Gain certification for machines that combine digging and loading capabilities.
- Confined Spaces Safety: Essential for teams working in or around trenches and excavations.
- 30-Hour Construction Safety: A comprehensive safety deep-dive for construction site supervisors.