The number of persons on any piece of operating construc- tion equipment will not exceed the number of seats.

4. Personnel assigned to operate automotive, construction, or material handling equipment must be qualified and licensed.

5. Equipment is made available for preventive maintenance service as scheduled by the maintenance branch.

6. Personnel operating automotive, construction, or material handling equipment perform operator maintenance as scheduled.

7. Personnel are familiar with current published battalion policies for the use of CESE (civil engineering support equipment) for recreational purposes. 8. Equipment is not to be used to store tools, materials, or personal gear.

FIRST ECHELON MAINTENANCE

Proper maintenance is the responsibility of the operator. Each operator must perform daily maintenance and keep the assigned vehicle and/or equipment clean, safe, and in serviceable condition. An operator must inspect equipment daily and note any defects. Defects noted must be corrected before a serious breakdown or mishap occurs. Many units of equipment have hourly and daily lubrication points. This lubrication is the responsibility of the operator. Supervisors must ensure that equipment is maintained as outlined in the operator's manual.

Operators are responsible for the prestart inspection. This inspection consists of performing the services listed on the operator's Inspection Guide and Trouble Report, NAVFAC 9-11240/13 (hard card), or the operator's Daily PM Report, NAVFAC 11260/4, as appropriate. This inspection basically covers inspection of fuel, oil, water, hydraulic fluid, and battery levels. And it includes inspections of tires, lug nuts, lights, safety devices, drive belts, and cargo and mounting equipment. The prestart inspection also covers leaks, exterior or interior damage, and any required lubrication. Do not operate or allow crew members to operate defective or unsafe equipment. Note the discrepancies on the hard card/daily PM report and forward them immediately to the dispatcher.

The operator must use his/her senses to detect items needing attention. Each sense (smell = burning rubber, grease, or clutches; hearing = unusual noises; sight = instruments; and feeling = drag, pull, or vibration) signals information. Tires should be inspected periodically for flats and rocks. If you suspect a defect, stop the equipment and investigate. Before returning equipment to use be sure that defects that could damage the equipment or impair safe operation are repaired.

After completing operation, each operator must perform the established shutdown procedures (as prescribed in the appropriate operator's manual) and other directed services. These services usually consist of checking equipment cleanliness (wash and steam clean as appropriate); draining air tanks and covering exhaust stacks; closing doors, windows, and hoods; setting brakes and chocking wheels; blocking dumpbeds for draining; and topping-off fuel tanks. Supervisors need to be sure that the equipment is protected against the weather and that the hard card/daily PM report is completed and returned to the dispatcher.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Preventive maintenance is scheduled maintenance that has as its prime objectives maximizing equipment availability and minimizing unnecessary repair cost. Preven- tive maintenance consists of safety and serviceability inspections, lubrication and minor services, and adjustments beyond those of operator maintenance.

The "standard" interval between PM service inspec- tions for NCF equipment is 40 working days. It is the mainte- nance supervisor who determines if the PM interval for an item of equipment should be reduced. You must

never extend the interval between PM service inspections beyond the prescribed 40 working days for active CESE.

SCHEDULING AN EXCAVATION

Coordinating equipment requirements between several companies and many projects takes good communications. ALFA company tracks their workload based on original schedules and weekly goals. If the crew leader can see an activity requiring ALFA company support is going to slip, the crew leader must contact the chain of command immediately. The chain of command needs to know if a crew is not going to be ready and when to reschedule an excavation. Getting clearances for an excavation (digging permits) are the responsibility of the crew leader. These permits will become part of the project package. Figure 3-21 is a form for requesting clearance from public works.

JOBSITE MANAGEMENT

The rest of this chapter will cover ways to help you organize your construction site. Jobsite management includes material, tools, jobsite appearance, visitors, field offices, initial setups, and inspections.