JRYM 426B: DITCH WITCH OPERATION & SAFETY
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Spring 2026 |
| Units: | 0 |
| Hours: | 3 lecture per quarter (3 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | This course is limited to students employed with Cupertino Electric. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Non-Degree-Applicable Non-Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | None |
| Grade Type: | Non-Credit Course (Receives no Grade) |
| Repeatability: | Unlimited Repeatability |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Identify safety guidelines and operational procedures for both ride-on and walk-behind line trenchers
- Demonstrate the ability to inspect equipment, recognize potential hazards, and operate trenchers in accordance with manufacturer and jobsite safety requirements
Description
This course covers topics related to the guidelines for safe operation of ride-on and walk-behind line trenchers.
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
- Identify safety guidelines and operational procedures for both ride-on and walk-behind line trenchers.
- Demonstrate the ability to inspect equipment, recognize potential hazards, and operate trenchers in accordance with manufacturer and jobsite safety requirements.
- Become an authorized operator (pending successful evaluation).
Course Content
- Safe use and evaluation requirements for ride-on and walk-behind line trenchers (primarily Ditch Witch and Vermeer)
- Identifying key equipment features, pre-operational inspection, routine maintenance, color markings for underground utilities, safe trailering and transportation of the machines, unique hazards associated with special operational conditions
Lab Content
Not applicable.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
1. When taught in person, this training must be conducted in a clean classroom with internet access, necessary hardware and software, and course materials, if applicable.
2. When taught online, this course requires access to CEI's Learning Management System (Amplify), continuous access to a computer with the necessary software and hardware to view video content, and a reliable intranet connection.
2. When taught online, this course requires access to CEI's Learning Management System (Amplify), continuous access to a computer with the necessary software and hardware to view video content, and a reliable intranet connection.
Method(s) of Evaluation
Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:
Quiz
Results of skills demonstration
Method(s) of Instruction
Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:
Lecture
Classroom demonstration
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
CEI EH&S program, applicable Fed/OSHA and/or Cal/OSHA standards, and the Equipment Operator's and Safety Manual, provided by Cupertino Electric.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
No assignments.
Discipline(s)
Electricity