29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) reminds us that the employer has a responsibility to train and certify operators of heavy equipment.
The training must cover;
1) OSHA safety requirements. Since there are standards that apply to the safe handling of equipment, we try to
prepare candidates for as many foreseeable hazards as possible. Keep in mind that there is no way to prepare for
every hazard, so on site and individually prepared safety and hazard analysis are still required to assure a safe
workplace.
2) The manufacturer specific requirements. From a skid steer loader to a Super sized Excavator or bulldozer,
it is required that a manufacturer design a machine to meet certain standards. It must meet a certain level of safety
so the operator, when properly trained in its operation is adequately protected from injury or death.
It is necessary for the operator to have read and to understand the operator's and safety handbooks supplied with
the machine(s) they may be called upon to operate. This class takes for granted that the candidates being certified
have already been trained by a company appointed competent person and the operators are already aware
of pertinent safety information contained in the safety handbooks. However, at the employer's request,
we can add information given to us by the employer on model specific equipment safety handbooks if this has not
been done prior to class, and
3) The employer's own safety procedures. Since OSHA only sets forth the minimum safety standards, it is sometimes
the case that employer specific policies will supersede the OSHA minimums. In a case like this, it is required that the
operator be familiar with and abide by the more stringent policies. Remember that if the customer has an even MORE
stringent policy, it is their policy that must be followed so training in that policy may also be required.