22210

NCCER Module 22210: Site Work

Course Information

• Module Title: Site Work
• Module ID: 22210
• Level: Heavy Equipment Operations Level 2 (also applicable in Heavy Highway Construction)
• Total Hours: 25 Hours (including classroom instruction, lab activities, and review)
• Prerequisites: Successful completion of Heavy Equipment Operations Level 1 (or equivalent core training, including basic grade reading and site layout fundamentals)
• Credit: This module contributes toward NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level 2 certification
• Format: Blended (classroom theory, hands-on demonstrations, and performance tasks)

Course Description

This module builds on foundational site layout skills from Level 1, with emphasis on advanced grade stake interpretation, site grading operations, soil management, water control, and pipelaying grades. Trainees learn safe practices for site work, including hazardous materials handling, while understanding how soil conditions affect heavy equipment performance. The course prepares operators for efficient, accurate site preparation in construction and heavy highway projects.

Learning Objectives

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

1. Describe safety practices associated with site grading work, including site safety programs, inspections, accident investigations, and hazardous materials control.
2. Interpret advanced grade stakes and civil drawings used in excavation and site preparation.
3. Identify soil types, explain how soil conditions affect equipment performance, and apply techniques for working with various soils.
4. Perform site grading operations, including controlling surface water and groundwater on a jobsite.
5. Establish and maintain grades for underground utilities and pipelaying operations.
6. Assist in the layout of foundations and pipe installation.
7. Demonstrate safe and efficient operating techniques during site work activities.

Required Materials

• NCCER Trainee Guide: Heavy Equipment Operations Level 2 (Module 22210: Site Work, ISBN 978-0-13-532301-4)
• NCCER Instructor Resources (PowerPoints, performance profile sheets, and tests)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vest
• Tools/Equipment for Labs: Grade stakes, lasers/levels, blueprints, soil samples (as available), and access to heavy equipment simulators or actual machines (e.g., dozers, excavators) for demonstrations

Course Outline

The module is divided into sessions totaling 25 hours. Approximate time allocations are provided.

Session 1: Safety Practices in Site Grading Work (7.5 Hours)

• Overview of site safety responsibilities
• Site safety programs and committees
• Safety inspections and accident/incident reporting
• Hazardous Communication (HAZCOM) Program and hazardous materials control
• Review of OSHA/MSHA requirements relevant to site work

Session 2: Civil Drawings and Grade Stakes (5 Hours)

• Interpreting civil drawings for excavation and grading
• Advanced setting and interpretation of grade stakes (building on Level 1)
• Use of lasers, levels, and other tools for grade checking

Session 3: Soils and Soil Management (5 Hours)

• Types of soils and their properties
• How soil conditions impact heavy equipment selection and performance
• Techniques for excavating, compacting, and stabilizing various soils

Session 4: Site Grading Operations and Water Control (4 Hours)

• Principles of site grading
• Controlling surface water and groundwater (dewatering, drainage)
• Safe operating practices during grading

Session 5: Grades for Pipelaying and Foundation Layout (2.5 Hours)

• Establishing grades for underground utilities
• Pipelaying operations and laser alignment
• Basic foundation layout and pipe installation support

Session 6: Review, Performance Tasks, and Assessment (1 Hour)

• Module review
• Hands-on performance verification
• Final written examination

Performance Tasks

Under instructor supervision, trainees must demonstrate competency in the following (as outlined in NCCER Performance Profiles):

• Interpret complex grade stakes and set up grade control equipment
• Identify soil types and recommend appropriate equipment techniques
• Perform basic grading operations while maintaining safety protocols
• Assist in establishing pipe grades using lasers or levels
• Complete hazard identification and reporting tasks

Performance tasks are evaluated using NCCER Performance Profile Sheets (pass/fail based on mastery).

Assessment Methods

• Written Examination: Multiple-choice test covering all objectives (70% passing score required)
• Performance Verification: Hands-on tasks evaluated by a qualified instructor/evaluator (100% mastery required for key tasks)
• Attendance and Participation: Active engagement in discussions and lab activities
• Certification: Successful completion (passing exam and performance tasks) earns the NCCER Site Work (22210) credential, recorded in the NCCER National Registry

Policies

• Safety: Zero tolerance for unsafe practices; immediate removal from lab activities if PPE is not worn or safety rules violated
• Attendance: 100% attendance recommended; absences may require makeup work
• Academic Integrity: All work must be original; cheating results in failure of the module

This syllabus aligns with the latest NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations curriculum as of 2025. Instructors may adjust session timings based on class needs while maintaining total hours and objectives.