**Department of Veterans Affairs MSN IV Circular 774-03-03**

**National Cemetery Administration July 10, 2003**

**Memorial Service Network IV Page 1**

**Indianapolis, Indiana**

**SUBJECT:** Equipment Operators Training Program

**1. PURPOSE:** The purpose of this program is to provide guidance,
establish policies, procedures and methods by which an Equipment
Operators Training Program will be implemented at all Memorial Service
Network IV (MSN IV) Cemeteries to provide a safe working environment for
all employees, visitors and volunteers.

**2. POLICY:** Every level of management in MSN IV is responsible for
the prevention of accidents and injuries to employees, volunteers and
visitors. This includes providing an Equipment Operator Training Program
to persons under control of the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

**3. RESPONSIBILITY:** This responsibility applies to all persons on NCA
premises, in NCA vehicles, whether employees or not, and all property by
or under the jurisdiction of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
whether or not government owned. Moreover, the Department of Veterans
Affairs may be held pecuniary liable for damage to and loss of private
property and for personal injury or death due to negligence of a NCA
employee.

A.  The **MSN IV Director** is responsible for the overall safety of all
    visitors, volunteers, employees and for the protection of property
    at all MSN IV Facilities.

B.  The **MSN IV Safety Officer** is responsible to management for the
    direction of the Equipment Operators Training Program. The MSN IV
    Safety Officer will render technical advice and assistance as
    required in connection with the Equipment Operators Training
    Program.

C.  **Cemetery Directors** are responsible for the development and
    implementation of their Equipment Operators Training Program.
    Cemetery Directors should provide Equipment Operators Training to
    all employees and volunteers operating motorized vehicles and
    equipment at their facilities. Cemetery Directors shall ensure that
    each equipment operator is competent to operate equipment safely, as
    demonstrated by the completion of his or her training and evaluation
    portion of the program. Cemetery Directors shall certify that each
    equipment operator has been trained and evaluated on the equipment
    they operate.

D.  **Cemetery Safety Officers (CSO)** will support the Cemetery
    Director in implementing the Equipment Operators Training Program at
    their facilities. The CSO will render technical advice and
    assistance as required in connection with the Equipment Operators
    Training Program.

**Department of Veterans Affairs MSN IV Circular 774-03-03**

**National Cemetery Administration July 10, 2003**

**Memorial Service Network IV Page 2**

**Indianapolis, Indiana**

E.  **Supervisors and/or Wage Grade Leaders** will support the Equipment
    Operators Training Program. It is there responsibility to assist in
    the training of subordinates in safe operation of equipment,
    correcting or reporting for correction any repair or condition that
    appears to be a potential safety hazard with the equipment.
    Supervisor(s) will notify the Local Police Authority in the event an
    employee continues to operate motorized vehicles or equipment
    (on/off) NCA property while the employee's State Drivers License is
    revoked or suspended.

F.  **Individual Employees** will participate in the Equipment Operators
    Training Program. Employees must have a valid State Drivers License
    to operate any motorized vehicles or equipment on NCA property.
    Employees will notify their supervisor(s) in the event their State
    Drivers License has been revoked or suspended. Employees will not be
    permitted to operate any motorized vehicles or equipment until their
    State Drivers License has been reinstated or renewed. Employees
    failing to report to their supervisor(s) the current status of their
    State Drivers License (revoked or suspended), may be subject to
    disciplinary action or removal. Employees will report all unsafe
    conditions of the equipment to their supervisors for corrective
    action.

**4. GENERAL:**

A.  **Cemetery Equipment Operators Training Program:** Cemetery
    Directors will develop written policies and procedures for their
    Equipment Operators Training Program. The following are the required
    basic elements for the program:

    1.  Operator Training.

    2.  Safe Operation.

    3.  Training Program Content.

    4.  Refresher Training.

    5.  Training Evaluation.

    6.  Training Certification.

    7.  Training Recordkeeping.

> **Operator Training:** The program will be under the direct
> supervision of person(s) who have the knowledge, training, and
> experience to train operators and evaluate their competence. Training
> shall consist of a combination of formal instruction, written exam,
> practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and
> practical exercise performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the
> operator's performance at the workplace. Employees must have at least
> a valid State Drivers License to operate any motorized vehicle or
> equipment on NCA property.

**Department of Veterans Affairs MSN IV Circular 774-03-03**

**National Cemetery Administration July 10, 2003**

**Memorial Service Network IV Page 3**

**Indianapolis, Indiana**

> **Safe Operation:** All employees are required to ensure the safe
> operation of motorized vehicles and equipment at their facilities and
> shall report all unsafe conditions to the Cemetery Director, Cemetery
> Safety Officer, Supervisor (s) or Work Leaders for corrective action.
> Employees shall be made aware of the following safe operating
> practices:

1.  Unauthorized personnel shall not operate or ride on equipment.

2.  When equipment is left unattended, load engaging means shall be
    fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized, power shall be shut
    off, brakes set and wheels shall be blocked.

3.  All traffic regulations shall be observed, including speed limits, a
    safe distance shall be maintained from other vehicles.

4.  Equipment shall be kept under control at all times.

5.  The right of way shall be yielded to ambulances, fire trucks, police
    vehicles, other emergency situations, and arriving funeral vehicles.

6.  Horseplay shall not be permitted on or around the equipment.

7.  Personal protective equipment must be worn during operation.

8.  Equipment shall be inspected before use and shall not be used if any
    condition adversely affects the safety of the operator or other
    employees.

9.  All defects shall be immediately reported and corrected.

> **Training Program Content:** Training must be conducted using the
> equipment manufacturer's operator training instructions as a minimum.
> Equipment Operators shall receive initial training in the following
> topics:

1.  Operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the
    operation and maintenance manuals.

2.  Equipment controls and instrumentation, where they are located, what
    they do and how they work.

3.  Engine or motor operation.

4.  Steering and maneuvering.

5.  Visibility (restrictions due to loads, equipment components or it's
    surroundings).

6.  Attachment adaptations, operation, and use limitations.

7.  Equipment capacity, stability and operating limitations.

8.  Equipment inspection and maintenance required to be performed prior
    to operation.

**Department of Veterans Affairs MSN IV Circular 774-03-03**

**National Cemetery Administration July 10, 2003**

**Memorial Service Network IV Page 4**

**Indianapolis, Indiana**

> Training Program Content shall include a section with a description of
> the equipment and the training requirements of each piece of
> equipment. The following is a sample format to follow:
>
> **Loader Training -- 264 hours total:**
>
> Operator and Maintenance Manuals -- 8 hours.
>
> Formal Instructions -- 16 hours.
>
> Auger Operation -- 16 hours.
>
> Backhoe Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> Broom Operation -- 16 hours.
>
> Bucket Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> Hydraulic Hammer Operation -- 24 hours.
>
> Tamper Operation -- 24 hours.
>
> Field Operation -- 80 hours.
>
> **Loader/Skid Steer Training -- 256 hours total:**
>
> Operator and Maintenance Manuals -- 8 hours.
>
> Formal Instructions -- 16 hours.
>
> Auger Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Backhoe Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> Breaker Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Broom Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Bucket Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> Forklift Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> Landscape Rake Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Scarifier Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Soil Conditioner Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Snow Removal Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Tiller Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Trencher Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Field Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> **Dump Truck Training -- 120 hours total:**
>
> Operator and Maintenance Manuals -- 8 hours.
>
> Formal Instructions -- 16 hours.
>
> Hauling and Dumping Operation -- 96 hours.

**Department of Veterans Affairs MSN IV Circular 774-03-03**

**National Cemetery Administration July 10, 2003**

**Memorial Service Network IV Page 5**

**Indianapolis, Indiana**

> **Dumper Training (Thwaite/Mustang) -- 72 hours total:**
>
> Operator and Maintenance Manuals -- 8 hours.
>
> Formal Instructions -- 16 hours.
>
> Hauling and Dumping Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> Lifting Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> **Folklift Training -- 80 hours total:**
>
> Operator and Maintenance Manuals -- 8 hours.
>
> Formal Instructions -- 16 hours.
>
> Lifting Operation -- 56 hours.
>
> **Utility/Landscape Tractor -- 96 hours:**
>
> Operator and Maintenance Manuals -- 8 hours total.
>
> Formal Instructions -- 16 hours.
>
> Auger Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Broom Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Bucket Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> Tiller Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> Snow Removal Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> **Utility Vehicles (Golf Cart Type) -- 72 hours total:**
>
> Operator and Maintenance Manuals -- 8 hours.
>
> Formal Instructions -- 16 hours.
>
> Hauling and Dumping Operation -- 40 hours.
>
> Lifting Operation -- 8 hours.
>
> **Riding Mowers -- 64 hours total:**
>
> Operator and Maintenance Manuals -- 8 hours.
>
> Formal Instructions -- 16 hours.
>
> Field Operation -- 40 hours.

**Department of Veterans Affairs MSN IV Circular 774-03-03**

**National Cemetery Administration July 10, 2003**

**Memorial Service Network IV Page 6**

**Indianapolis, Indiana**

> **Refresher Training:** Refresher training, including an evaluation of
> the effectiveness of that training, shall be conducted to ensure that
> the operator has the knowledge and skills needed to continue to
> operate the equipment safely. Refresher training shall be provided
> when:

1.  The equipment operator has been observed to operate the equipment in
    an unsafe manner.

2.  The equipment operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss
    incident.

3.  The equipment operator has received an evaluation that reveals that
    the operator is not operating the equipment safely.

> **Training Evaluation:** An evaluation of each equipment operator's
> performance shall be conducted at least once every three years or as
> often as required by the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.
>
> **Training Certification:** Cemetery Directors shall certify that each
> equipment operator has been trained and evaluated on the equipment
> they operate. Certification shall include the name of the equipment
> operator, the type of equipment, the date of training, the date of the
> evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training
> or evaluation.
>
> **Training Recordkeeping:** Records of training will be maintained in
> the **Atlas 2000 Equipment Management System**. Records of training
> will be accessible to the Cemetery Director and the equipment
> operator's supervisor(s). Ensure all employees training is entered
> into the employee's permanent training record.
>
> **B. Promotional Projects and Materials.** The Cemetery Director and
> the CSO will obtain, on a recurring basis, both educational and
> promotional material to maintain interest and consciousness of their
> Equipment Operators Training Program. They will assist supervisors to
> obtain up to date training material, which is available and suitable
> for use in the training of employees.

**5. REFERENCES:**

> OSHA Standard 1910; Safety Requirements for VA National Cemeteries
> Handbook (7710); guidelines from the Office of Occupational Safety and
> Health (00S1); MSN IV, Federal, State and Local Regulatory Agencies.

**Department of Veterans Affairs MSN IV Circular 774-03-03**

**National Cemetery Administration July 10, 2003**

**Memorial Service Network IV Page 7**

**Indianapolis, Indiana**

**6. EFFECTIVE AND RESCISSION DATE:** This circular is effective upon
receipt and

remains in effect until further notice.

**7. REVIEW AND UPDATE:** Cemetery Equipment Operators Training Program
will be reviewed, evaluated and updated annually.

GEORGE M. WEBB

MSN IV Director

Distribution:

Cemetery Directors

Cemetery Safety Officers

Supervisors/Foremen/Work Leaders