SASO - Compact Wheeled Loader Operator Training Course

1. Introduction to Compact Wheeled Loaders

1.1. Types and Classifications

• Standard compact loaders including (articulated, rigid frame)

• Size classifications including (mini, utility, and standard)

• Drive configurations including (all-wheel drive, hydrostatic)

• Attachment compatibility including (quick coupler systems, hydraulic circuits)

• Introduction to OSHA 1926.602 and ISO 20474-3 standards for loader operations

1.2. Components and Systems

• Power unit including (engine, cooling system, and fuel system)

• Hydraulic systems including (pumps, valves, cylinders, and controls)

• Drive train including (transmission, axles, and brakes)

• Work equipment including (lift arms, bucket, and hydraulic circuits)

• Safety features including (ROPS/FOPS, seat belts, and backup alarms)

2. Regulatory Requirements and Responsibilities

2.1. Legal Framework

• OSHA requirements including (1926.602, operator training)

• ISO standards including (20474-3, safety requirements)

• Manufacturer specifications including (operation manual, limitations)

• Employer responsibilities including (training, inspection, and maintenance)

• Operator accountability including (proper operation, hazard reporting)

2.2. Operator Qualifications

• Training requirements including (formal instruction, practical evaluation)

• Physical capabilities including (mobility, visual acuity, and coordination)

• Knowledge verification including (regulations, equipment specifics)

• Documentation including (certification, renewal, and record-keeping)

• Site-specific authorization including (familiarization, local hazards)

3. Pre-operational Inspection

3.1. Daily Inspection Process

• Documentation review including (previous inspections, maintenance records)

• Walk-around inspection including (structural damage, leaks, and debris)

• Fluid levels including (engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, and fuel)

• Tire condition including (damage, inflation, and wear)

• Safety devices including (ROPS/FOPS, seat belt, steps, and mirrors)

3.2. Function Testing

• Control operation including (steering, lift, tilt, and auxiliary)

• Safety system verification including (interlocks, warning systems)

• Braking system checks including (service brake, parking brake)

• Hydraulic function including (smooth operation, drift, and speed)

• Warning systems including (gauges, indicators, and alarms)

4. Machine Familiarization

4.1. Operator Station

• Entry/exit procedures including (three-point contact, clean steps)

• Seat adjustments including (position, suspension, and restraints)

• Controls identification including (lift, tilt, travel, and auxiliary)

• Instrument panel including (gauges, warning lights, and indicators)

• Visibility considerations including (mirrors, line of sight, and blind spots)

4.2. Control Systems

• Travel controls including (acceleration, braking, and direction)

• Loader controls including (joystick, separate levers, and functions)

• Auxiliary controls including (attachment operation, additional circuits)

• Transmission controls including (gear selection, direction, and differential lock)

• Advanced features including (ride control, return-to-dig, and boom float)

5. Basic Operation Procedures

5.1. Start-up and Shutdown

• Pre-start verification including (position, controls neutral)

• Start-up sequence including (proper order, cold weather)

• Warm-up procedures including (hydraulic warm-up, system checks)

• Shutdown procedure including (cooling period, proper sequence)

• Securing the machine including (bucket lowered, brakes, and key)

5.2. Basic Maneuvering

• Forward/reverse operation including (smooth transitions, speed control)

• Steering techniques including (articulation awareness, turning radius)

• Speed management including (appropriate speed, conditions)

• Braking operation including (service brakes, parking brake)

• Operating on slopes including (approach angle, stability, and limitations)

6. Machine Stability

6.1. Stability Principles

• Center of gravity including (machine balance, load effects)

• Stability triangle including (three-point contact, tipping axis)

• Load center including (bucket position, material distribution)

• Dynamic stability including (moving loads, braking, and turning)

• Stability limitations including (maximum angles, load height)

6.2. Stability Management

• Travel position including (bucket height, load carried low)

• Turning technique including (reduced speed, flat surface)

• Slope operation including (straight approach, no turning)

• Load adjustment including (bucket positioning, load distribution)

• Warning signs including (tipping indicators, response actions)

7. Material Handling Fundamentals

7.1. Bucket Operation

• Approach technique including (square entry, material pile)

• Fill techniques including (penetration, roll-back, and lift)

• Carrying position including (low carry, good visibility)

• Travel with material including (smooth operation, stability)

• Dumping technique including (controlled release, height positioning)

7.2. Material Types

• Loose materials including (sand, gravel, and mulch)

• Cohesive materials including (clay, soil, and wet materials)

• Heavy materials including (rock, concrete, and dense aggregates)

• Light materials including (snow, wood chips, and compost)

• Specialty materials including (fertilizer, salt, and recycled materials)

8. Loading Operations

8.1. Truck Loading

• Truck positioning including (efficient angle, visibility)

• Loading sequence including (even distribution, capacity)

• Approach pattern including (V-pattern, perpendicular)

• Material placement including (controlled dumping, impact prevention)

• Communication including (signals, visibility confirmation)

8.2. Stockpile Management

• Pile creation including (stable slopes, height limitations)

• Material segregation including (layering, mixing prevention)

• Pile face management including (vertical faces, undermining)

• Cleanup techniques including (floor cleaning, spillage collection)

• Stockpile safety including (collapse prevention, approach method)

9. Working with Attachments

9.1. Attachment Management

• Selection criteria including (application, machine compatibility)

• Installation procedures including (coupler system, hydraulic connections)

• Secure attachment including (verification methods, locking pins)

• Hydraulic connection including (pressure release, proper sequence)

• Removal procedures including (safe positioning, disconnection)

9.2. Common Attachments

• Specialty buckets including (multi-purpose, light material, and rock)

• Forks including (pallet forks, installation, and load handling)

• Hydraulic attachments including (sweepers, augers, and grapples)

• Snow removal including (blades, pushers, and blowers)

• Specialty attachments including (trenchers, tillers, and stump grinders)

10. Safe Travel and Transport

10.1. On-site Travel

• Travel position including (bucket height, visibility)

• Speed selection including (appropriate speed, conditions)

• Surface assessment including (ground conditions, obstacles)

• Personnel awareness including (pedestrian traffic, spotters)

• Machine clearance including (overhead, width, and ground)

10.2. Road Travel and Transport

• Legal requirements including (licensing, lights, and flags)

• Speed limitations including (maximum allowed, safe operating)

• Traffic integration including (signaling, lane position)

• Transport preparation including (cleaning, securing)

• Loading/unloading including (ramp angle, securement)

11. Trenching and Excavation Work

11.1. Basic Excavation

• Trench digging including (technique, depth control)

• Wall integrity including (sloping, benching, and support)

• Spoil placement including (distance from edge, accessibility)

• Drainage considerations including (water management, slopes)

• Access/egress including (ramps, ladders, and safety)

11.2. Special Considerations

• Underground utilities including (location, clearance, and exposure)

• Ground conditions including (stability, water table)

• Depth limitations including (machine reach, stability)

• Safety systems including (trench boxes, shoring)

• Regulatory compliance including (depth requirements, inspection)

12. Lifting Operations with Loaders

12.1. Safe Lifting Practices

• Lifting capacity including (load charts, radius effects)

• Lifting points including (approved attachment points, stability)

• Load security including (sling arrangement, attachment)

• Movement restriction including (slow travel, minimal turning)

• Personnel positioning including (clear of load path, communication)

12.2. Regulatory Considerations

• OSHA requirements including (capacity limitations, modifications)

• Manufacturer specifications including (approved lifting, modifications)

• Documentation including (lift plan, capacity verification)

• Training requirements including (specific qualification, authorization)

• Alternative equipment including (when to use cranes instead)

13. Hazard Recognition and Mitigation

13.1. Common Hazards

• Rollover/tipover including (causes, prevention, and response)

• Struck-by including (blind spots, backing, and swing radius)

• Crush points including (articulation joint, attachment points)

• Underground hazards including (utilities, voids, and soft spots)

• Overhead hazards including (power lines, structures, and clearances)

13.2. Hazard Control

• Planning techniques including (job hazard analysis, pre-work assessment)

• Barrier systems including (tape, barricades, and spotters)

• Communication systems including (hand signals, radio contact)

• Work zone control including (exclusion areas, controlled access)

• Personal protective equipment including (head, visibility, and foot protection)

14. Working in Special Environments

14.1. Confined Spaces

• Space assessment including (clearance, ventilation, and access)

• Machine selection including (size appropriateness, emissions)

• Ventilation requirements including (exhaust management, air quality)

• Communication enhancement including (visibility, signaling)

• Emergency procedures including (exit routes, shutdown)

14.2. Extreme Conditions

• Cold weather including (starting procedures, hydraulic stiffness)

• Hot conditions including (cooling system, operator comfort)

• Wet environments including (traction, visibility, and stability)

• Dusty conditions including (air filtration, visibility)

• Indoor operation including (ventilation, noise, and clearance)

15. Emergency Procedures

15.1. Equipment Malfunctions

• Control failure including (response protocols, movement stop)

• Power loss including (safe positioning, securing)

• Hydraulic issues including (fluid leaks, function loss)

• Fire response including (shutdown, extinguisher use, and evacuation)

• Reporting procedures including (documentation, investigation)

15.2. Accident Response

• Rollover response including (restraint use, operator position)

• Struck-by incidents including (immediate response, medical attention)

• Utility strike including (movement cessation, evacuation)

• Damage assessment including (operational safety, continued use)

• Emergency services including (when to call, information provision)

16. Basic Maintenance and Care

16.1. Operator-Level Maintenance

• Daily care including (cleaning, debris removal)

• Fluid checks including (proper levels, contamination check)

• Grease points including (fittings, frequency, and technique)

• Tire care including (pressure checks, damage inspection)

• Bucket maintenance including (cutting edge, tooth condition)

16.2. Troubleshooting Basics

• Starting issues including (battery, fuel, and safety interlocks)

• Hydraulic performance including (slow operation, drift, and noise)

• Drive system including (reduced power, traction issues)

• Warning indicators including (symbols, codes, and responses)

• Reporting procedures including (documentation, service requests)

17. Case Studies & Group Discussions

• Middle East workplace incidents including (regional factors, prevention)

• Common accident scenarios including (causes, avoidance techniques)

• Near-miss analysis including (warning signs, corrective actions)

• Successful operations including (efficiency techniques, best practices)

• The importance of proper training in successful loader operations