February 2016, Vol. 71 No. 2
Features
Ditch Witch Introduces Online HDD Training Program
Ditch Witch has introduced a new online horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operation and safety training program for personnel at all skill levels and experience with directional drilling.
The online Ditch Witch Certified Training Program is an industry first, said Greg Wolfe, Ditch Witch director of training. The program is designed to provide basic knowledge of directional drilling operations to HDD operators and other personnel involved in making HDD installations.
“We’ve developed the online courses specifically to be flexible to meet customers’ needs,” Wolfe continued. “Those who complete the online courses should have improved knowledge of HDD operating procedures and should not be intimidated by the equipment when they get to the job site. The online courses are a good first step to build on and will help accelerate productivity.”
Components
Wolfe said online training consists of six courses, allowing those taking the course the convenience of learning at their own pace. Online learning courses are available at no charge and cover the following topics:
HDD Overview – Role of crew members, equipment overview, basic job-site preparation, loading, transporting and unloading equipment, set-up of equipment, tracking, safety, damage prevention and emergency procedures;
Best Practices – Planning, preparation and proper procedures to help reduce risks and increase the likelihood of a successful HDD installation. Content complements Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Best Practices for making horizontal directional drilling
installations;
Drill Pipe – In-depth information about different types of drill pipe, their construction, pipe considerations during bore planning and care and maintenance of pipe to reduce risks of pipe failure;
Tracking – “Steerability” and control are essential for any HDD installation, and this module explains HDD guidance, beacons and receivers, tracking terminology, use of interfaces, steps for tracking pilot bores and data logging and reporting;
Tooling – This module walks the user through the entire drill string, from drill unit to drilling bit. It educates the operator about saver subs, transitions and quick-connect systems, beacon housings and selection of downhole tools based on soil and rock formations. For pullback, it provides examples of different types of backreamers for different types of soil conditions; and
Drilling Fluids – This module explains the function of drilling fluids and emphasizes the critical importance of selecting the right additives, mixtures and flow rates for varying conditions to achieve intended results
and maximize ease of installation and
equipment life.
“The goal of the program,” said Wolfe, “is that those completing the course are prepared to make an immediate impact on the job site.”
Continued training opportunities
To access training online, go to ditchwitch.com/training, sign up, and follow instructions. Users can access the entire program or courses individually. A Spanish language version also will be available online soon.
“Depending on aptitude, each module takes from 1½ to 3 hours to complete, or 12 to 15 hours for all six courses,” Wolfe said. “A seventh module is the test which contains a series of questions based on the content in the learning courses. Those completing the course and passing the test receive a certificate of completion.”
During the first quarter of 2016, Wolfe said in-the-field training based on the six learning courses will be available at Ditch Witch dealerships, on job sites and at the Ditch Witch Training Center in Perry. In addition to the learning courses of the online program, HDD simulators will be introduced for training at Ditch Witch dealerships. Dealers also will offer HDD classroom training, mud schools and hands-on, job-site training, he added.
Wolfe said there currently is a shortage of trained HDD operators and if plans for broadband expansion and demands in other markets occur as has been forecast, the shortage will become more critical. The new training programs will address that issue, he believes.
“The Ditch Witch Certified Training Program,” Wolfe concluded, “is a perfect example of how the Ditch Witch organization and its customers can work together in the business of underground
construction.”
In addition to horizontal directional drilling equipment, the Ditch Witch product line includes HDD pipe, downhole tools and performance parts, fluid recyclers, trenchers, vibratory plows, vacuum excavators, mini skid-steer loaders and other utility equipment, support accessories and equipment. Ditch Witch products are sold and serviced by the worldwide Ditch Witch dealer organization. Ditch Witch is a Charles Machine Works company.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ditch Witch
(800) 654-6481, www.ditchwitch.com
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