Roller earthmoving equipment is one of the essential vehicles to have on the construction site. Not only construction sites, but Roller can also be used in many industries that include transportation, agriculture, and even mining. The scope of usability of a roller makes it versatile earthmoving equipment for an operator to handle.
Here experts or experienced Roller operators can use this earthmoving equipment to its full potential while ensuring safety. Roller operators have many opportunities in the loading and construction industry in Australia, but you do not need a license to operate one. All you need is an acknowledgment of competency.
Indeed, the workplace managers will also look for the experienced and competent Roller operator to get the work done to its best with safety. If you want to become such an experienced Roller operator, then you must undergo training.
You might be thinking, where to start from? Do not worry; many training centers are offering professional certification in Roller operations. Here is a short guide about the processor for becoming of the best Roller operation in your area:
- Understanding the eligibility criteria before enrollment. There are three eligibility criteria that you must fulfill before enrolling in Roller operator training. First, your age must be at least 16 years old. Once you are 18, you can apply for roller operator jobs according to your industry of interest. The second criteria are that you must have sufficient English language command and know how to communicate in basic English. Last is numeracy knowledge. You must pass a numeracy test or have any recognition for it.
- Finding a Registered Training Organization (RTO) in your area. Registered Training organization, also known as RTO, is the training center or school that offers theoretical, technical, and practical training regarding much earthmoving equipment. Search for the nearest RTO that has a suitable schedule for you to attend. Also, be sure that RTO is recognized under the Australian Qualification framework.
- Attend the lectures in the classroom. Understanding conceptual learning is the most crucial part of becoming a Roller operator. You must understand the theory before jump onto the roller. It is essential to understand the practical and also the safety of you and your surroundings.
- Complete the practical and on-site exercises. Now the main reason for you to attend the course was practice just like in a work field. The RTO tries to bring out the real-life scenarios that you will be facing on the actual construction or work sites. RTO polishes your skills and makes you understand the prior theory and safe practices. The instructor will guide you as a project manager and set up tasks to complete to check the accuracy and safety measures you have learned. The credit hours must be logged in for the practical.
- Get yourself a Statement of Attainment from RTO. The RTO will conduct an assessment on the based course outlines. It is essential to attend and pass the evaluation to recognize competent candidates for Roller earthmoving equipment. Good performance and successful completion of the training will lead you to have a statement of Attainment that will be your license to become a successful Roller operator.
Duties and Responsibilities of roller operator
Since the roller can be used for heavy-duty tasks in construction, mining, and agriculture industries, there are different types and sizes of the roller. The duties and responsibilities also vary from type of roller to type to the task. Here is a list of roller earthmoving vehicles that are used in the industry:
- Cylinder Roller: It is a typical and traditional roller. The roller is made from stone, iron, or concrete. It is used in construction and agriculture for leveling the ground and creating smooth inclines.
- Vibratory Roller: The vibratory roller has two smooth drums. It is used to achieve different levels of compaction since it uses vibration frequencies. It is used in construction, agriculture, and mining.
- Non-Vibratory Roller: It is also called a static roller. It also has smooth drum rollers, but they are used to compact material by putting the weight of the drum rollers.
- Pneumatic Tyres Roller or Multiple Tyres Roller: It is used to flatten and compact the sand, soil, and rocks. It is ideal for construction, mining, and agriculture.
- Grid Roller: The roller is made from steel and has a grid pattern over it. Usually, these rollers are towed behind a tractor. It is used in construction and mining.
- Speed foot Rollers: It has heavy steel drums with a feet-like spiral pattern. It is ideal for compact grained soil thus, used in construction and agriculture.
Units of Competency You Need to Become a Roller Operator
The training for Roller operators is recognized as RIIMPO317F – Conduct roller operations in Australia. The unit of Competency is fulfilled according to the rules of RII30815 Certificate III in Civil Construction (Plant Operations) under the Australian Qualification framework.
Training Course Outlines
Once you have located the training centers in your area, the next step is to choose between them. To make the decision easy, your course must have a few crucial and essential topics. Some parts of the course will be all about theory, and the other part will be practical. Here is are important topics that the training course must include:
Basic English and Numerary skills
During the enrollment, the training center asks for proof that you have enough spoken and written command of the English language. They will also ask for results for the numeracy skill test. If you have that from your school or an academy, then it's okay. Otherwise, the training center often conducts classes for it as well. Look for a suitable option or ask the center for help and for conducting an assessment for you. It essential because a Roller Operator must understand the tasks from their supervisor and must have been able to read out the work plan.
Theoretical Knowledge
- Understanding the crucial parts of Roller and attachments.
- Interpreting the drawings, blueprints, and plans of the project, construction site, and other documentation.
- Planning the working methods.
- Maintaining the workflow efficiently
- Identifying the risks on the construction sites.
- Knowledge about Personal Projective Equipment (PPE)
- Methods of compacting, sealing, and finishing
- Identification of material for specific use
In-the-field Practices
- Practicing personal safety and safety for everyone around
- Calculating hazards and risks on the construction sites
- Plan to avoid risks
- Selecting the right Personal protective equipment
- Inspection of Roller equipment
- Maintenance of Roller equipment
- Compacting the material to the required density
- Sealing the material and adjusting the final finish
- Selection and use of attachments
- Bearing all the environmental and stressful conditions
How long does the Roller operator training take?
The duration of the Roller operator training is different in each training center. You may find RTO offering 1-day training to 3 days or more. It also depends on the level of skills. For beginners to experienced candidates, the training and terms of assessment may also vary. But the review is vital for all candidates to attend for their statement of Attainment.
RPL for Experienced Candidate
People who already have experience working as Roller operators without a train can enroll themselves in the course. But the advantage is that you do not have to go through the training process like beginners. If you have certification or verification of competency (VOC), then the RTO may recognize prior learning (RPL) or statement of Attainment.
The VOC is usually attained by the company the experienced candidate is working for. In the VOC, it is mentioned how competent the candidate was in his work and how well he communicated with the project manager and staff. It also ensures that the operator follows the safety measures while using the roller. After submitting the VOC, the candidate must go through the assessment conducted by the RTO for RPL.
Eligibility Criteria to Get a Job as an Operator
Once you are done with the training and successfully have your certification of Competency and statement of Attainment in hand, your step is to apply as Roller Operator. According to Australian Federal Government laws and regulations, there are few criteria that you must fulfill to job a company as a Roller Operator.
- Age must be 18 or above.
- Must be physically fit and strong
- Must have no optical health issues
- Must have construction induction training (CIC) registered under Australian Federal Government
- In case of already employed, you must have a Risk Work Licence and VOC.
- Must have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Conclusion
Each earthmoving equipment can be used in many ways, and Roller is one of the highly used equipment. Therefore, there are many opportunities for you as a Roller operator. All you need is you fulfill the criteria of becoming a Roller operator and have certification of training from a competent RTO.
Indeed, working with a roller is all about responsibility, experience, and courage. And once you are trained under the professional, the chance of becoming a sincere and an expert operator increases as well. Choose your options wisely and enroll yourself in the best RTO now.