HEO105 — Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operation
HEO 105 - Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operation HEO 105 - Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operation 7 credits (Hrs: 1 Lec., 6 Lab) This course provides students with foundational training in heavy equipment safety and operational skills. Emphasis is placed on work‑site safety practices, hazard recognition, soil and site assessment, and interpretation of construction grade stakes. Students learn to safely operate a range of heavy equipment-including skid steers, dozers, loaders, excavators, and backhoes-following National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards. Instruction includes proper equipment inspection, communication protocols, and adherence to industry safety procedures to prepare students for entry‑level equipment operation in construction and broadband‑related environments. his course provides instruction in the principles and practices of underground utility locating. Students will learn to identify, mark, and document buried utilities using electromagnetic locating equipment, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and industry-standard color codes. Emphasis is placed on safety procedures, damage prevention, regulatory compliance, and accurate field documentation. Topics include utility mapping, signal theory, site assessment, and communication with stakeholders to support safe excavation and construction activities.