Machine control for machine operators

Standard details

CITB has developed this standard in discussion with industry. 

Duration

Minimum 3 learning hours

Purpose / Scope

The purpose of this standard is to understand the principles and practices of using machine control for any aspect of groundworks and road construction. It is aimed at machine operators who are required to work with machine control equipment. The content is relevant to all sizes of construction project.

The scope covers:

• machine control for effective project implementation
• working to surfaces and linework
• avoidance zones
• measuring and recording information
• capabilities and limitations of machine control
• health and safety risks and benefits
• fault finding checks
• utilising desktop simulators and survey software.

Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational groups:

• operative and craft.

Candidate pre-requisites

There are no candidate pre-requisites as part of this standard. This is for machine operators with any level of experience.

Instruction / Supervision

As a minimum, course instructors must be able to demonstrate that in relation to this standard they have:

• a train the trainer or instructional techniques course certificate
• a verifiable CV demonstrating extensive experience as a site engineer across a broad range of construction projects (civils, building etc.)
• current experience / CPD in the use of modern topographical equipment including survey software and machine control.

Delivery

Delivery may be in an on or off the job environment.

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for candidates to achieve learning outcomes, and must comply with relevant legislation.

The class size and candidate/instructor ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable candidates to achieve the learning outcomes. 

The following delivery methods shall be used in the delivery of this standard:

• Classroom

This standard is considered to contain 51 per cent or more practical training.

Assessment

For the successful completion of training, the trainer will be required to make a declaration of the learner’s contribution during the course and that they are confident the learner has understood the content of the course.

The assessment will comprise a check list for the practical elements and a 15 minute written exam.

Quality assurance

Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard. 

CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the Training Standard. 

Approved training organisations (ATOs) will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team.

Renewal / refresher

There are no mandatory renewal or recommended refreshment requirements for this standard.

Approval date

TBC

Review cycle

Either on request or in 3 year(s) from approval date.

Learning outcomes

The candidate will be able to:

• Use machine control for effective project implementation.
• Work to surfaces and linework provided by others.
• Understand and create offsets from design linework:
  • horizontal
  • vertical
  • perpendicular
• Set avoidance zones.
• Add/edit machine and bucket dimensions into the machine calibration file.
• Check and set units. 
• Turn layers and surfaces on and off. 
• Select the active surface. 
• Select a line and create a “steer to” reference.  
• Set the required intervals for automatic as-built survey points.  
• Select the reference point on the bucket. 
• Select different views on the display unit. 
• Use the visual guidance indicators on the display unit. 
• Measure and record as-built information. 
• Take measurements using the blade or bucket. 
• Effectively communicate the critical information to the Engineer. 
• Explain the difference between:
  • manual
  • indicate
  • automatic
  • intelligent.
• List the capabilities and limitations of machine control. 
• Describe the health and safety risks and benefits machine control. 
• Edit display colour.
• Carry out position checks and set as required by engineer.
• Name the file types compatible with machine control equipment.
• Carry out fault finding checks.