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How to train your paving crew
Training key to preparing operators of asphalt pavers and compactors.
Compactors offer another set of techniques operators need to learn. Ingersoll Rand's Peter Fleming says to start training by introducing the concepts behind the machines, then move to put those concepts into practice. Workers should understand the purpose of compaction and the importance of achieving density at the right material temperature. He says it's important to teach students the difference between frequency and amplitude of the vibration and how the incorrect rolling speed can ruin the mat laid be the paver. "After they have that down, show them how to steer in a straight line and how to stop the roller at an angle and in such a position as to be ready to reverse without turning the drums when stationary on the asphalt, and then move on to practice the variety of rolling patterns that may be applied." Fleming says, "The best way to teach all that is to let the workers get in the seat and operate the rollers."
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By Allan Heydorn
Editor
Training is the key to preparing operators of asphalt pavers and compactors for careers that will meet the industry's demands.
As the workforce ages (the Center to Protect Workers' Rights estimates the average age of the national workforce increased from 37.3 to 39.4 years between 1980 and 2000) younger and inexperienced workers will replace those now in the field. These young or inexperienced workers will feel nothing but frustration if they haven't been adequately trained for the job they are expected to do.
"A lot of training is done on the job," says Peter Fleming, training specialist with the Ingersoll Rand Road Institute, an education center for asphalt paver and compactor operators and mechanics. "There will be areas on any construction job that can't be laid by a paver so you have to have a crew that's good with hand tools to lay and shape the mat using lutes and shovels. In general, asphalt is a pretty forgiving material so training on the job doesn't have to be a disaster."
Teach the tools
Fleming says young or inexperienced workers should start their training on the tools.
Young people should begin on the rakes, lutes and shovels so they can see the broader aspects of how asphalt surfaces are constructed," he says. "Starting crews out on hand tools gives them an appreciation and better understanding of everything going on at the site and gives them the opportunity to watch all the different aspects of the job."
Fleming says contractors should start by explaining the purpose of each tool - shovel, rake, lute, hand tamper - making sure to cover the differences between the tools. "Lutes or rakes, for example, are used to move or spread and shape material in bulk over a short distance," he says. "The shovel is used to pick up and carry material in greater bulk over at least a slightly larger distance."
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