Sutherland points to the variables that can affect safe
operations. “When it’s good clay or clay till and the drilling
is good, not too much can go wrong. Unfortunately, we’re
in conditions where it could be very sandy, we could get
into water, boulders…you name it under there. There are
lots of underground variables that make it very difficult
for the operator to adapt and figure out how to install in
those conditions.”
Midwest Caissons’ construction manager Andy Sneddon
points to the dangers associated with the sheer size, and
often awkward positioning, of the drill rig. “It’s a threedimensional
thing; you’ve got risk and potential hazards above
you, hazards around you and below you. That’s what makes a
drill rig unique and that’s where the need for training comes in.”
The entire company, including geotechnical engineer
David Watmough and health and safety co-ordinator, estimating
and HR specialist Cody Gravel, often discussed the need for
better training.
When Gravel got the opportunity to collaborate with the
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and the
Western Canadian chapter of the Association of Drilled Shaft
Contractors (ADSC) to help create a drill rig operator certification
program, he jumped at it.
“We started out by forming a small task force that went
around the industry to get support to develop a program for
drill rig operators,” said Gravel.
The task force met with NAIT over two years, offering
advice on the most critical components of being a drill rig
operator, including practical and leadership skills. “We
came up with a goal to have a certificate that’s governmentapproved
and industry recognized,” said Gravel.
NAIT began offering the two-year certification program
online as a continuing education course in January 2018. It’s
a first of its kind in North America. The nine online courses
that make up the program include:
• Foundation Drill Rig Operator Levels I & II
• Principles of Drill Rig Operations
• Safety in Drill Rig Operations
• Introduction to Drilling Equipment
• Mechanics and Maintenance Levels I & II
• Calculations and Rigging
• Installation of Drilled Shafts
• Project Documentation/Communication/Leadership
• Blueprint Reading
“The fact that it’s online is helpful because it means people
can take it remotely. A lot of times guys are working up in
camps or out of town. They can do the written component
from anywhere,” said Gravel.
The requirements also include a total of 1,500 hours of onthe
job experience. These hours must be monitored, recorded
and signed off by a mentor and sponsor company.
Potential students must have a minimum of 250 hours of
experience in the construction industry in drill rig operations
or a related position, a letter of support from their employer
and an assigned mentor, usually a supervisor approved by
the company that can vouch for their competency as a drill
rig operator.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Practical exam setup for the
drill rig operator program
52 Q4 2019 www.pilingcanada.ca
/www.pilingcanada.ca
/index.html
