Training On Site

Operating Costs

Once the optimized sequence plans, the site budget, and the site operations plan have been generated, it's up to the operators to make everything happen. If the operators don't understand the plans or don't know the significance of certain areas of the operation, how are they going to implement the optimum development of the site?

The answer is to develop an operational training program. There is an old saying: "if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." In terms of landfill operations, a training program lets the operators know where they're going. This type of training program concentrates on assisting the operators in understanding the sequence plans. It also helps them to recognize the significance of the site specific budgets and operations plans.

A comprehensive training program that explains the optimum push distance, the optimum cell size, and other important features of the operation goes a long way toward increasing the efficiency and keeping the site on budget.

Our training programs range from generic 1-4 hour sessions, to custom 1-2 day sessions that deal with operational issues specific to your site. As an example, one of our training programs focused directly on maximizing scraper productivity at a 6,000 ton/day landfill where they used three 637 scrapers. Other sessions have had a broader scope, addressing the needs of municipalities that operated a variety of landfills. At landfills which were nearing closure, or where airspace was very expensive, other training programs have concentrated on cell construction and efficient cover placement techniques.

Our training programs are presented in an informal manner. Participation by the trainees will be encouraged throughout the program. Our approach is to channel employee experience into a standard method of operation and a feeling that teamwork works -- heavy-handed management and training does not work.

Training Programs

In addition to providing training programs for landfill equipment operators, Blue Ridge also provides training programs for:

• Regulators
• Laborers
  
• Managers

Sample Training Program Agendas
Below are some brief examples of the training program agendas we've used for our training programs. Obviously, each training program is unique and geared toward the needs of a specific landfill.

Demonstrations
One of the most effective methods we have found to enhance comprehension of topics presented in training programs is performing demonstrations. Some of our demonstration topics are listed below:

• Sand Permeability Vs. Clay Permeability
• Time Value Of Money
• Push Distance Optimization
• Pushing Straight Vs. Pushing Along Curved Path
• Smashing Hard Hat Vs. Smashing Baseball Cap
• Filling At Constant Rate Vs. Filling In Surges
• Effectiveness Of Compactor At Different Lift Thicknesses

Overheads, slides, videos
Another effective method of increasing understanding is display of verheads and slides that show proper techniques of various procedures. We have developed a set that corresponds to typical training topics. Videos are another excellent method we have found of increasing comprehension. We have developed a series that covers safety, proper operating techniques, and other important topics covered in our training programs.

Types of Training

Because training is such an important aspect of landfill operation, we have developed a phased training
approach. The first phase is the initial comprehensive training for all site employees. Next, the annual
updates, which are intended to train new employees and refresh employees who have already been
through the initial training program. Finally, we provide applicable monthly safety meeting agendas,
handouts, and sign-off sheets.