May 12, 2008

Training manager Shawn Robertson tests out a state-of-the-art concrete pump simulator installed at the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) campus.

Concrete-pump simulator offers state-of-the-art training for operating engineers

OAKVILLE

A state-of-the-art concrete-pump simulator has been installed at the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) campus in Oakville.

In fact, the OETIO campus, located at the Local 793 head office on Speers Road, is the only training facility in Canada with a concrete-pump simulator.

Developed by CM Labs Inc. of Montreal, with input from instructors at the OETIO, the machine is a three-metre-tall, dome-shaped structure.

The operator can stand in the middle of the machine and use controls to conduct simulated pouring and other exercises in a virtual environment.

Mike Gallagher, business manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, said the simulator is a valuable training tool for concrete-pump instructors at the OETIO.

“The simulator will enable apprentices to get a feel for operating these machines in a safe and controlled environment,” he said. “Concrete pumps are getting bigger and more dangerous to operate. We want to make sure that the operators are properly trained to operate these machines.”

The simulator is modelled after a Schwing 32-metre-boom concrete pump.

A pilot concrete-pump operator course was held recently at the Oakville campus. The three-week course, consisting of classroom and hands-on instruction, will put the union and OETIO at the forefront if Ontario decides to make concrete pumping a compulsory trade.

Gallagher said the union has asked the province to implement mandatory training of concrete-pump operators because it would make worksites safer. The number of accidents and fatalities involving crane operators has decreased dramatically since apprenticeships for hoisting trades were introduced.

OETIO training manager Shawn Robertson said instructors are excited about having the concrete-pump simulator on site.

“The simulator will enable our apprentices to get a feel for what it’s really like to operate a concrete pump. In the simulator, they’ll be given scenarios that duplicate what it’s like on the jobsite.”

The OETIO is also purchasing a smaller simulator that can be taken to career fairs. The combined cost of the two simulators is $390,000.

DCN News Services

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