Operate a face shovel
Operating a face shovel without proper training puts lives at risk and exposes your business to serious legal liability. Get your operators CETA-certified and fully compliant — with this CETA-accredited Face Shovel Operator Training course from SACTS.
DESCRIPTION
Unit Standard (SAQA Reg. No 262746)
When it comes to high-face excavation, few machines match the power and versatility of a face shovel. Characterised by a boom and bucket arm that extends and swings upwards from the front, a face shovel is engineered to tackle the toughest excavation challenges on any construction or mining site — from cutting through hard rock loosened by blasting to digging precise trenches, foundations and basement excavations.Furthermore, face shovels are one of the most sought-after machines in the South African mining and civil construction industry — and qualified face shovel operators are consequently in high demand across a wide range of projects and sectors.
Is This Course Right for You?
This CETA-accredited Face Shovel Operator course is designed for experienced plant operators who are ready to take the next step in their career. In addition, learners starting this course are assumed to have already completed company induction, hold an appropriate licence to operate in their work area and have a working knowledge of the statutory requirements applicable to their industry.
As a result, this course builds directly on your existing experience — giving you the formal, nationally recognised qualification you need to operate a face shovel legally, safely and professionally on any construction or mining site in South Africa.
Successful candidates credited with this unit standard are able to:
- Demonstrating knowledge of the functions of a face shovel.
- Planning for work activities and prepare work area.
- Starting and shutting down face shovel.
- Operating face shovel.
- Transporting face shovel to and from site.
COURSE DURATION:
- 5 Days Novice
- 1 Day Re-certification
NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 15
Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority
Description
The qualifying learner will be able to operate a face shovel by understanding the functions of starting, shutting down and operating procedures for the machine. Learners who master the applied competence described in this course will contribute to the development of a professional community of Construction Plant operators. The area of focus of this course will be;
.
Knowledge of the Functions of a Face Shovel
Understanding the Face Shovel
Face shovels are characterised by a boom and bucket arm that extends and swings upwards from the front — making them uniquely suited to high-face excavation work in mining and civil construction environments. They can be used to excavate any kind of soil, including rock that has been loosened by blasting, and are most suited to trench, foundation and basement excavations. This module consequently introduces learners to the key components, parts and functions of a face shovel — giving them the foundational knowledge required to operate the machine safely and professionally.
Parts and Components
Furthermore, learners will develop a thorough understanding of the face shovel’s key components — including the boom, bucket arm, hydraulic system, undercarriage, turntable bearing, upper structure frame, counterweight, engine, hydraulic pump and operator’s cab. As a result, learners will be able to identify and describe the function of every major component before they begin operating the machine.
Controls and Instrument Panel
In addition, learners will be introduced to the full range of controls and instruments in the operator’s cab — including the joystick controls, travel pedals, attachment controls, safety levers, engine speed control, ignition system and instrument panel. Consequently, learners will understand the purpose and function of every control before the machine is started for the first time.
Planning for Work Activities and Preparing the Work Area
Pre-Operation Planning
Before any face shovel operation begins, a qualified operator must plan carefully and prepare the work area thoroughly. This module consequently equips learners with the skills to assess site conditions, identify hazards and develop a safe work plan for the face shovel operation.
Site Assessment and Hazard Identification
Furthermore, learners will learn how to identify and assess site-specific hazards before operations begin — including unstable ground conditions, proximity to excavations, overhead hazards and underground utilities. In addition, learners will apply the requirements of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations to ensure that the work area is safe before the machine is started.
Coordinating with Other Trades
As a result of completing this module, learners will be able to coordinate effectively with other trades and contractors on site — including blasting teams, surveyors and haulage truck drivers — ensuring that face shovel operations proceed safely and without risk to other workers, members of the public or surrounding infrastructure.
Starting and Shutting Down the Face Shovel
Pre-Start and Daily Checks
A thorough pre-start inspection is the first line of defence against mechanical failure and operator injury. This module therefore equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to conduct a comprehensive daily pre-start inspection of the face shovel — checking all fluid levels, safety systems, hydraulic components and control functions before operation begins.
Start-Up Procedures
In addition, learners will develop the practical skills to start the face shovel safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and site safety requirements. Furthermore, learners will complete a start-up checklist — ensuring that the machine is fully operational and ready for work before any excavation begins.
Safe Shutdown Procedures
This module also covers the correct shutdown and close-down procedures for the face shovel — including safe parking, securing the machine on site, completing logbooks and other post-operation checklists, and reporting any defects or maintenance requirements identified during the work shift.
Operating the Face Shovel
Principles of Operation
This is the core practical module of the course — covering the fundamental operating principles that every professional face shovel operator must understand. Learners will therefore develop a thorough understanding of centre of gravity, machine stability and hydraulic system principles — and how these affect the safe operation of the face shovel in all ground and weather conditions.
Excavation Techniques and Best Practices
Furthermore, learners will develop hands-on practical skills across a full range of face shovel operations — including high-face excavation, rock loading after blasting, trench excavation, foundation digging and basement excavation. In addition, learners will learn how to set up the machine correctly for each application, operate the boom and bucket arm safely and load haulage trucks efficiently and without risk to other workers on site.
Dealing with Difficult Ground Conditions
As a result of completing this module, learners will be able to identify and respond to difficult ground conditions — including hard rock, blasted material, waterlogged soil and unstable ground — and adjust their operating technique accordingly to maintain safe and efficient face shovel operations at all times.
Transporting the Face Shovel To and From Site
Safe Transportation Procedures
Transporting a face shovel to and from site carries its own unique set of risks — and consequently requires the same level of care and planning as the excavation operation itself. This module therefore equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to prepare the machine for transportation, load it safely onto a lowbed trailer and secure it correctly for road transport.
Road Transport Requirements and Legal Compliance
Furthermore, learners will learn about the legal requirements governing the transportation of heavy construction plant on public roads in South Africa — including abnormal load permits, escort vehicle requirements, height and width restrictions and road traffic legislation. In addition, learners will understand the licence requirements applicable to operating the face shovel on public roads and their responsibilities under statutory requirements.
Offloading and Site Positioning
Finally, this module covers the safe offloading of the face shovel from the transport vehicle and the correct positioning of the machine on site before operations begin — ensuring that the machine is safely and correctly set up for the work ahead without risk to the operator, other workers or the public.
Entry Requirements
To enrol in the Shovel Operator course, learners must meet the following minimum requirements:
- A certified copy of a valid South African ID document
- A Grade 9 (Std 7) school certificate or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- A medical certificate confirming fitness to operate the machine
- An eye test result issued by a person trained to carry out such tests
Learning Assumed to be in Place and Recognition of Prior Learning
- Communication at NQF Level 1
Who Should Attend?
This CETA-accredited Face Shovel Operator course is designed for anyone who operates or is required to operate a face shovel in a construction, mining or civil engineering environment. It is specifically recommended for:
- New face shovel operators (Novice) — individuals with no prior face shovel experience who need to become fully qualified to operate a face shovel safely and professionally on construction and mining sites
- Existing operators due for re-certification (Refresher) — operators required to renew their certification and demonstrate continued competence in face shovel operation
- Mining and quarrying workers — operating face shovels to excavate any kind of soil, including rock that has been loosened by blasting in open-cast and surface mining environments where face shovels are the primary earthmoving machine
- Civil engineering and infrastructure contractors — using face shovels for trench, foundation and basement excavations on large-scale civil construction and infrastructure development projects
- Construction site plant operators — operating face shovels for site preparation, bulk earthmoving and material loading on commercial and industrial construction projects
- Road construction and maintenance crews — using face shovels for cutting through embankments, road widening and large-scale earthmoving on road construction and rehabilitation projects
- Demolition contractors — operating face shovels for the removal of blasted rock, demolition rubble and bulk material on demolition and site clearance projects
- Heavy earthmoving plant operators — looking to add a face shovel qualification to their existing plant operator credentials and expand their range of certifiable machine types
- Supervisors and health and safety officers — responsible for overseeing face shovel operations and ensuring compliance with the OHS Act, Construction Regulations and relevant mining safety legislation
