22102

NCCER Module 22102: Heavy Equipment Operation Safety

Course Syllabus

Course Information

• Module Title: Heavy Equipment Operation Safety
• Module ID: 22102
• Curriculum: NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations, Level 1 (4th Edition)
• Recommended Hours: 15–20 hours (including instruction, review, and assessment)
• Prerequisites: None (introductory module in the Heavy Equipment Operations curriculum)
• Delivery Format: Classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, discussions, and performance tasks

Course Description

This module provides a comprehensive overview of safety requirements on heavy equipment jobsites. It emphasizes compliance with key regulatory agencies including OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration), and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). Trainees learn essential practices for personal protection, hazard communication, safe equipment operation and maintenance, work zone safety, and excavation hazards. The module stresses the critical role of safety in preventing accidents and promoting a culture of awareness in heavy equipment operations.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:

• Explain the importance of safety in heavy equipment operations and identify responsibilities of operators.
• Recognize and comply with major federal safety regulations (OSHA, MSHA, NIOSH).
• Identify and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Interpret safety signs, signals, barriers, and work zone devices.
• Understand and apply Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) standards, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Describe safe practices for equipment operation, maintenance, and inspections.
• Identify hazards and safety procedures related to trenching, excavations, and underground utilities.
• Recognize common environmental hazards and emergency response procedures.

Course Outline and Topics

The module is divided into the following key topics:

1. Introduction to Heavy Equipment Safety
   • Overview of jobsite hazards and accident prevention
   • Operator responsibilities and safety mindset
   • Common causes of heavy equipment accidents
2. Regulatory Agencies and Safety Standards
   • Roles and requirements of OSHA, MSHA, and NIOSH
   • General jobsite safety rules and compliance
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   • Types of PPE (hard hats, eye/face protection, hearing protection, gloves, footwear, etc.)
   • Selection, use, inspection, and maintenance of PPE
4. Safety Signs, Signals, and Barricades
   • Types of safety signs (danger, warning, caution) and tags
   • Hand signals and work zone traffic control
   • Barriers, attenuators, and perimeter protection
5. Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)
   • Chemical hazards and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
   • Labeling, handling, and storage of hazardous materials
   • Exposure risks (e.g., fuels, batteries, asbestos, silica)
6. Safe Equipment Operation and Maintenance
   • Pre- and post-operation inspections
   • Mounting/dismounting equipment safely
   • Lockout/tagout procedures and basic maintenance safety
7. Trenching, Excavations, and Underground Utilities
   • Cave-in prevention and protective systems
   • Locating and avoiding underground utilities
   • Spoil piles, access/egress, and atmospheric hazards
8. Additional Hazards and Emergency Procedures
   • Electrical, fire, and demolition hazards
   • Environmental considerations (weather, noise, vibration)
   • Basic first aid and emergency response on jobsites

Required Materials

• NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level 1 Trainee Guide (4th Edition)
• NCCER Module 22102 PowerPoint® presentations (if available through instructor)
• Personal Protective Equipment for hands-on activities
• Access to heavy equipment for demonstrations (as available)

Assessment and Evaluation

• Module Examination: Multiple-choice written test covering all objectives (minimum passing score: 70%)
• Performance Tasks: Hands-on verification of key skills, such as:
  • Identifying and donning appropriate PPE
  • Interpreting safety signs and hand signals
  • Conducting a basic equipment safety inspection
• Completion Requirements: Successful passage of the written exam and all performance tasks to earn NCCER credential for this module
• Certification: Upon completion, trainees receive documented credit in the NCCER National Registry

Course Policies

• Attendance: Full participation is required for certification credit.
• Safety: All trainees must adhere to demonstrated safety practices during hands-on activities.
• Academic Integrity: Cheating on exams or falsifying performance tasks will result in failure of the module.

This syllabus aligns with NCCER’s standardized curriculum to ensure trainees gain the foundational safety knowledge essential for safe and effective heavy equipment operations. Successful completion prepares trainees for subsequent modules in the Heavy Equipment Operations program.