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What are three important things I should know about equipment operations?
working conditions, typical schedule, rewards, and challenges including those for people new to the job
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Adam’s Answer
Hey Matthew!
That is a great question, my answer is going to be geared towards a specific niche of equipment operating; Directional Drilling/Underground Construction.
-Safety is ALWAYS first, management and leads will say it a lot for a reason, and it is because ultimately it is up to you to be safe out in the field. I recommend diving deeper into which operating job you would pursue further to know the laws and PPE because running heavy equipment is a vast field of work.
-The next thing that is important is respect, understanding everyone is there to do a job and work together is key for a day to not only civil, but also enjoyable.
-Some challenges I see new people come into is not wanting to get dirty, some days you may have a shovel in your hands down in a mud hole for 10 hours, but some days you might be on a machine all day, things tend to balance themselves out, but working hard is one thing that has to happen each and every day to prove to the company you work for you want to grow with in.
-Hours will vary for what kind of equipment you run, but typically we run from 5:30AM-4:30PM. Some days it is earlier, some days it can be later depending on the weather. I try to have all my guys home by 5pm or 5:30pm everyday.
My final tip is to not be scared of asking questions! The more questions you ask the more it shows leads that you care about your job, just make sure you can retain the information you learn, sometimes taking notes can be a useful tool.
I would suggest to try to get your Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with Tanker and Air Brakes Endorsement. It will help you earn more money when you enter the field.
If going to a school for heavy equipment is not feasible, I suggest starting as a laborer at a local company and show interest in operating. Management will see you interest and watch you closely to possibly send you through an apprenticeship or teach you on the job.
That is a great question, my answer is going to be geared towards a specific niche of equipment operating; Directional Drilling/Underground Construction.
-Safety is ALWAYS first, management and leads will say it a lot for a reason, and it is because ultimately it is up to you to be safe out in the field. I recommend diving deeper into which operating job you would pursue further to know the laws and PPE because running heavy equipment is a vast field of work.
-The next thing that is important is respect, understanding everyone is there to do a job and work together is key for a day to not only civil, but also enjoyable.
-Some challenges I see new people come into is not wanting to get dirty, some days you may have a shovel in your hands down in a mud hole for 10 hours, but some days you might be on a machine all day, things tend to balance themselves out, but working hard is one thing that has to happen each and every day to prove to the company you work for you want to grow with in.
-Hours will vary for what kind of equipment you run, but typically we run from 5:30AM-4:30PM. Some days it is earlier, some days it can be later depending on the weather. I try to have all my guys home by 5pm or 5:30pm everyday.
My final tip is to not be scared of asking questions! The more questions you ask the more it shows leads that you care about your job, just make sure you can retain the information you learn, sometimes taking notes can be a useful tool.
Adam recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
When working with equipment, there are a few key things to remember. Here are three main points to keep in mind, presented in a friendly way:
Safety First: Always make safety your number one concern when using equipment. Get to know the specific safety rules for the equipment you're working with, like wearing the right safety gear (PPE), knowing how to turn off the equipment in an emergency, and using the correct methods. Keep yourself and others around you safe at all times.
Taking Care of Equipment: To keep equipment working well and lasting a long time, regular upkeep is very important. Learn what your equipment needs in terms of maintenance, such as routine check-ups, oiling, and repairs. By sticking to maintenance schedules and fixing any problems right away, you can avoid equipment breakdowns and make sure it works at its best.
The Right Training and Certificates: It's really important to have the right training and any needed certificates to use certain equipment. Using big machines or specialized gear without the proper training and certificates can be unsafe and might even be against the law. Look for training programs, classes, or on-the-job learning that give you a complete understanding and hands-on experience in using equipment.
Also, make sure you know and follow any rules or laws about using equipment in your specific job or area. Keep up with the latest ways of doing things and new technology to improve your skills and stay good at using equipment.
Keep in mind, being great at using equipment comes from experience and always learning. Stay alert, ask for help from people who know more, and focus on getting better all the time to make sure you use equipment safely and efficiently.
Safety First: Always make safety your number one concern when using equipment. Get to know the specific safety rules for the equipment you're working with, like wearing the right safety gear (PPE), knowing how to turn off the equipment in an emergency, and using the correct methods. Keep yourself and others around you safe at all times.
Taking Care of Equipment: To keep equipment working well and lasting a long time, regular upkeep is very important. Learn what your equipment needs in terms of maintenance, such as routine check-ups, oiling, and repairs. By sticking to maintenance schedules and fixing any problems right away, you can avoid equipment breakdowns and make sure it works at its best.
The Right Training and Certificates: It's really important to have the right training and any needed certificates to use certain equipment. Using big machines or specialized gear without the proper training and certificates can be unsafe and might even be against the law. Look for training programs, classes, or on-the-job learning that give you a complete understanding and hands-on experience in using equipment.
Also, make sure you know and follow any rules or laws about using equipment in your specific job or area. Keep up with the latest ways of doing things and new technology to improve your skills and stay good at using equipment.
Keep in mind, being great at using equipment comes from experience and always learning. Stay alert, ask for help from people who know more, and focus on getting better all the time to make sure you use equipment safely and efficiently.