00109

NCCER Core Curriculum Module Syllabus

Module Information

• Module Title: Introduction to Material Handling
• Module ID: 00109
• Edition: Current NCCER Core Curriculum (references include 00109-15 and 6th Edition alignments)
• Duration: 5 Hours
• Credit Hours: Approximately 0.333 semester credit hours (per some institutional alignments)
• Prerequisites: None (recommended as part of the NCCER Core Curriculum sequence, ideally after Basic Safety)

Course Description

This module provides an introduction to safe material handling practices in construction environments. Trainees learn to recognize hazards associated with lifting, moving, stacking, and unloading materials. The course covers manual techniques, basic knot tying, non-motorized and motorized equipment safety, and specialized handling procedures. Emphasis is placed on preventing injuries through proper body mechanics, equipment use, and site awareness.

Learning Objectives

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

• Identify common hazards in material handling and describe essential safety precautions.
• Demonstrate proper manual lifting, carrying, and lowering techniques.
• Tie basic knots used in rigging and securing loads (square knot, bowline, half hitch, clove hitch).
• Identify and describe safe use of non-motorized material handling equipment (e.g., dollies, carts, roller skids).
• Recognize basic safety practices for motorized equipment (e.g., forklifts, including fall zones and hand signals).
• Apply safe procedures for specific tasks, such as stacking materials, handling compressed gas cylinders, and moving loads on inclines/declines.

Competencies and Performance Tasks

Trainees must demonstrate the following (as required for NCCER credentialing):

• Safely lift and move materials using proper body mechanics (e.g., lift with legs, keep back straight, head up; size up load for hazards like protruding nails).
• Tie the following knots correctly: square knot, bowline, half hitch, and clove hitch.
• Identify and follow safety guidelines for equipment and scenarios (e.g., use cylinder carts for compressed gas, maintain eye contact for hand signals, keep loads low on rough terrain forklifts).

Topics Outline and Schedule

Total Duration: 5 Hours (typically delivered in one session or split across 1-2 days)

1. Introduction and Hazards (1 Hour)
   • Overview of material handling in construction.
   • Common hazards and safety precautions.
   • Pre-lift inspections (e.g., check for sharp edges, protruding nails).
   • Fall zones and overhead loads.
2. Manual Lifting and Carrying Techniques (1 Hour)
   • Proper lifting procedures (lift with legs, straight back, head up).
   • Stacking and storage guidelines (e.g., cross-key bags every 10 high; no storage on scaffolds).
   • Handling on inclines/declines and special cases (e.g., compressed gas cylinders).
3. Knot Tying and Basic Rigging (1 Hour)
   • Common knots: square, bowline, half hitch, clove hitch.
   • Hands-on practice tying knots.
   • Applications in securing loads.
4. Material Handling Equipment (1.5 Hours)
   • Non-motorized equipment (e.g., roller skids, carts; weight capacity checks).
   • Motorized equipment basics (e.g., rough terrain forklifts; training/certification requirements).
   • Hand signals and operator communication (e.g., “dog everything down” for pause).
5. Review, Performance Tasks, and Assessment Prep (0.5 Hour)
   • Practical demonstrations.
   • Review key concepts.
   • Exam preparation.

Required Materials

• NCCER Core Curriculum Trainee Guide (Module 00109).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, as applicable.
• Practice materials: rope for knots, sample loads for lifting demos, cylinder cart (if available).
• Performance Profile Sheets (provided by instructor).

Assessment and Certification

• Knowledge Assessment: Written exam (multiple-choice; minimum passing score typically 70%).
• Performance Assessment: Hands-on evaluation of lifting techniques and knot tying by an NCCER-certified instructor/evaluator.
• Completion Requirements: Pass both knowledge and performance assessments to earn the NCCER credential/badge for this module.
• Grading: Pass/Fail (aligned with NCCER standards).

Policies

• Attendance: Full attendance required for certification eligibility.
• Safety: All trainees must adhere to demonstrated safe practices; unsafe behavior may result in removal from practical activities.
• Accommodations: Available upon request for qualified individuals.

This syllabus aligns with NCCER’s standardized curriculum for Module 00109. For official materials or instructor resources, refer to nccer.org or Pearson publications. Contact the instructor for any updates or specific class details.