STATE-OF-THE-ART SIMULATOR TRAINING The company has also been operating a complex Oryx Volvo Excavator Simulator for the past two years, training excavator operators before allowing them in the cab of actual machines, and has over the last 8 months purchased a second simulator for training for ADT and wheeled loader development. This is with a view to developing top calibre operators, not only to perform with optimum competency, but to have an understanding of the true purpose and capability of the ADT through increased awareness and specific training. The simulators provide a dual function – a unit has
fold-down armrests that have Volvo wheeled loader controls in place, so it can be used for both loading shovels and articulated dumpers. It uses actual operating site data to deliver an incredibly realistic driving experience with the entire unit tilting up to 23 degrees forwards or backwards, and up to 15 degrees to either side, meaning a seatbelt is necessary to remain in the seat. Training exercises become increasingly difficult and longer in duration, teaching operators how to use engine and transmission braking and training them in vehicle manoeuvres, loading, hauling and production scenarios. The simulator even records how much fuel is being used, to allow drivers to see that their right foot has a direct effect on the running cost of the machine. Chepstow has been testing the ADT simulators at
Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry in Leicestershire. The first trainee to prove the effectiveness of the machine was Jason Rust, an experienced construction site operative but a machine novice. Having undergone training on the simulator, Jason has now passed his MPQC assessment and graduated to operating a Volvo ADT at the quarry. Jason says, “When I first got in, it was all new, but after just a few days I felt that I’d got my head around it, and it was a lot less worrying than getting straight into a truck.” The simulators make life easier for trainee, and for
trainer. There is a buddy seat in an ADT, unlike an excavator where the instructor has to stand clear of the machine while in radio contact with the trainee. National Training Manager, Martin Stephens adds, “The beauty of a simulator is that if anything does go wrong, it’s simply a case of pressing restart, which cannot be done in a live site situation. It only takes around 5–7 days to get to a point where significant risk can be managed.” This is risk free training for both accredited and novice personnel. John Corcoran sums up, “There are clear safety and cost benefits to having this state-of-the-art technology and it’s an investment that Chepstow feels is worth making to ensure risk-free, specialised training. This high level of expertise will not be limited to Chepstow’s own operators either as the company is able to offer a complete operator training service to other contractors and quarry businesses. Our aim is to inspire a change in mindset to the way ADT stability is viewed and managed.” “Since the refreshed focus in 2015 on ADT stability and the support provided by CPI clients’ partners there has been an unimaginable improvement in both stability control along with mindsets and behaviour with all staff involved in our operations.” ■
Dan Gilkes 28 THE VOICE MAGAZINE No30 2017
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