20 Outcome 2: On- and Off- Road Equipment
Section Information
Outcome/Competency: You will be able to describe and select on- and off- road equipment.
Timing: 2h
Rationale:
Why is it important for you to learn this skill?
Powerline technicians will use a wide range of on and off–road equipment and vehicles. It’s important to understand the different kinds of equipment, the situations appropriate for their use, and how to use them safely to ensure you are able to avoid workplace accidents or damage to property.
Objectives:
To be competent in this area, the individual must be able to:
- Recognize and explain the uses of a variety of on and off-road equipment
Learning Goals
- Select and describe various on and off-road equipment
Introduction:
In this section you will learn about the safe use of bucket trucks, radial boom derricks, off-road track machines, backhoes, skid steers, trenchers, and ATVs. You will be presented with content and then given opportunities to test your understanding with short review activities.
Instructions:
- Cover the Bucket Trucks and Radial Boom Derricks content as a group (either reading out loud or independently) then give an opportunity to answer any questions.
- Have students do the Radial Boom Derrick’s review questions independently, then take up answers.
- Cover the remaining content as a group (either reading out loud or independently) then give an opportunity to answer any questions.
- Have students do the section review questions independently, then take up answers.
Topic: Bucket Trucks (10m)
Bucket trucks are used to facilitate working aloft when climbing poles isn’t practical or when work needs to be done mid span where there is no pole to climb. Bucket trucks come in a variety of sizes, configurations, and capacities. Some bucket trucks are designed to work on powerlines in the energized state (“hot work”, live line work) which requires that two men be able to work alongside each other from the same bucket truck. Other bucket trucks are designed to house only one person and are not designed to work on energized powerlines. Trucks used for Live Line work have an insulated boom and are tested before live line work is performed to ensure that all components are working correctly. Training and certification are required to operate this equipment.
Topic: Radial Boom Derricks (20m)
Radial Boom Derricks (Digger Trucks) are used to dig holes and set poles. They come in a variety of sizes and configurations. They are also used to hang many different types of powerline apparatus and hardware. They are a very useful and essential piece of equipment in the powerline industry. The majority of these trucks will require a 1A license to drive as well as Radial Boom Derrick training to operate.
Review Questions: Radial Boom Derricks (20m)
Match the correct digger derrick components with the graphic below:
- Auger stow bracket
- Kelly bar coupler
- Outriggers
- Digger head
- Auger
Topic: Off-Road Track Machines (Nodwell) (10m)
Off-Road Track Machines are used where access by truck and conventional methods can’t be used due to wet or unstable ground conditions. Care must be taken to minimize any environmental impacts associated with powerline construction. By using low ground pressure equipment such as a Nodwell these environmental concerns can be greatly reduced . Training and certification are required to operate this equipment .
Topic: Backhoes (10m)
Backhoes are used frequently in powerline construction and can have many different applications. They can be used to dig holes to facilitate underground cable installation, they can also be used to transport different types of aggregates required to backfill. Training and certification are required to operate this equipment.
Topic: Skid Steers (10m)
Skid steers are used for a variety of purposes. They can be used with many different attachments and for that reason are very useful on the job site. Training and certification are required to operate this equipment.
Topic: Trenchers (10m)
Trenchers are used to install powerlines and various utilities like telephone and fibre-optic lines in the ground. Training and certification are required to operate this equipment.
Topic: ATV (All Terrain Vehicles) (10m)
ATV’s although commonly used for recreational purposes serve as a valuable piece of equipment in the powerline industry. Powerlines sometimes are constructed through remote places that are hard to obtain access to by vehicle. Powerline is commonly patrolled in these areas by means of ATV’s. Training and certification is required to operate this equipment.
Review Exercises: On- and Off- Road Equipment (20m)
Complete the following questions:
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Answer Key
1.F
2.F
3.T
4.F
5.T
6.F