Improve Workforce Efficiency

Course #: 186001
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn: Preview
A thorough knowledge of safe practices is an important part of working in any industrial setting. Every industrial worker should be familiar with accident prevention techniques, fire safety mehods, and the use of personal protective equipment.
Injuries in the workplace cost many millions of dollars in medical costs, lost wages, and production losses each year. Many injuries can be prevented by understanding how accidents and injuries can occur. This study unit is designed to help trainees understand why safety is so important, and to present students with information about safety that goes beyond common sense.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Name the agencies that make and enforce safety regulations and explain an employees responsibilities under those regulations.
• List the physical hazards associated with chemicals and describe how to avoid those hazards.
• Name several electrical shock hazards and the techniques used to prevent shocks.
• List the steps in a lock-out / tag-out procedure.
• Explain the importance of machine guarding and name several types of machine guards.
• Name the four classes of fire and how to extinguish each of them.
• Describe the proper technique used to lift a heavy load.
• Explain how to avoid hand injuries when using hand and power tools.
• List some of the hazards involved in welding and hot cutting operations and how to prevent them.
• Explain how job analysis and the science of ergonomics are used to improve the workplace.
• Explain the importance of personal protective equipment and name several types of PPE.

Contents
Introduction; Safety Regulations; Key safety Issues; Protecting Yourself and Your Co-workers.

Course #: 186002
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn: Preview
This study unit deals with the safe use of chemicals in the workplace. The two primary causes of chemical accidents are the misuse of chemicals and the improper disposal of chemical wastes. Understanding the hazards that chemicals can create is the first step in protecting people from harm.
The main goal of this study unit is to provide students with sound, practical knowledge about chemical use and disposal, both in the workplace and at home. You will learn how to recognize common chemical hazards and how to deal with them. Trainees will learn how to perform a job analysis to look for potential chemical dangers in your daily taks. Finally, people will learn how to take precautions to avoid chemical accidents and make all jobs as safe as possible.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Recognize the six different ways in which a chemical can cause physical injury.
• Name the routes or paths of entry by which chemicals can enter the body.
• Describe the types of injuries caused by chemicals.
• Identify potential chemical dangers in your workplace.
• Describe how to identify, store and label hazardous chemicals.
• List several methods used to prevent chemical accidents.
• Explain why proper training is important to chemical handling.
• Describe the types of personal protective equipment used and worn when handling chemicals.
• Explain the role of governmental agencies in enforcing chemical regulations.

Contents
Introduction: Living with Chemicals; Chemical Injuries; Accident Prevention; Handling Hazardous Wastes.

Course #: 186003
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn: Preview
Fires are the most destructive and expensive of all accidents. However, fires can be effectvely prevented through the combined use of technology and common sense. By understanding how fires get started and how to extinguish them, students will have much of the knowledge needed to protect people from fire. This study unit will introduce trainees to the information you need to practice fire safety and prevention in the workplace.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Describe the types of property losses and injuries associated with fires.
• Explain how fires are ignited.
• Identify the four classes of fire.
• Describe the primary fire hazards found in the workplace.
• Explain the various ways in which fires can be prevented.
• Describe the operation of several different fixed fire protection systems.
• Identify the proper type of portable fire extinguisher to use on a fire.
• Describe the operation of several different types of fire extinguishers.
• Explain how to defend yourself and others in a fire situation.
• Describe how to safely evacuate a burning building.

Contents
Introduction to Fire; Fire Hazards in the Workplace; Preventing Fires; Fixed Fire Protection Equipment; Portable Fire Extinguishers; Fire Protection Techniques.

Course #: 186006
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn: Preview
This study unit introduces the safe techniques and work practices commonly used when handling manufacturing and industrial materials. Trainees will learn the procedures necessary to avoid physical injury to yourself and those working with you, for both manual handling methods and mechanical handling methods. You will also learn procedures that minimize damage to the materials being moved and to facility property. Knowing the proper procedures will also give you the insight to decide when mechanical handling is necessary, or preferred, over traditional physical handling.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Recognize the hazards associated with handling materials.
• Know the types of injuries that can be caused by these hazards.
• Understand how to effectively use safe material handling practices.
• Know how to avoid physical injury when handling loads.
• Know and follow the rules for safe operation of powered industrial material handling equipment.
• Understand and respect the limits and restrictions placed on powered material handling mechanisms.

Contents
Introduction to Material Handling; Housekeeping and Storage; Material Handling Equipment; Hoists and Cranes.

Course #: Block X21
Duration: 30 hours
What Students Learn: This module of six study units offers the trainee arithmetic and basic mathematics, metric measurement, and calculator fundamentals. The Metric System is an introductory unit which includes metric conversions. Problem exercises and examples in this module are presented in on-the-job scenarios with applications drawn from the industrial context.
Components: Addition and Subtraction (186008); Multiplication and Division (186009); Fractions, Percents, Proportions, and Angles (186010); Metric System (186011); Formulas (186012); Introduction to Algebra (186013);
Special Notes: This updated course replaces lessons contained within Practical Math and Measurements, Block X01. Each study unit contains a progress examination.

Course #: 186008
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn:

• Define the terms: whole number, numeral, digit, decimal, place value, addend, sum, minuend, subtrahend, and difference.
• Explain the significance of the digit zero in a number.
• Differentiate between concrete and abstract numbers.
• Properly prepare numbers for addition and subtraction.
• Perform addition and subtraction on numbers.
• How to check your answers to both addition and subtraction problems.
• How to use a calculator to add and subtract numbers.

Course #: 186009
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn:

• Define the terms: factor, multiplicand, multiplier, partial product, dividend, divisor, quotient, and remainder.
• Recognize the various signs used for multiplication and division.
• Properly prepare numbers for multiplication and division.
• Perform multiplication and division on whole numbers and decimals.
• How to check your answers to both multiplication and division problems.
• How to find the average of a group of numbers.
• How to use a calculator to multiply and divide numbers.
  

Course #: 186010
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn:

• Define the terms: fraction, proper fraction, improper fraction, lowest common denominator, percent, ratio, and proportion.
• How to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and decimals.
• How to change fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions.
• Solve problems involving percent.
• How to use a protractor to measure angles.
• Lay out templates for checking angles.
• How to use a calculator to solve percent problems and to convert fractions to decimals.
  

Course #: 186011
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn:

• Name the base units most commonly used in the metric system.
• Identify metric prefixes and their values.
• Apply conversion factors to increase or decrease metric base units.
• Estimate lengths in metric units.
• Express temperature in degrees Celsius.
• Define the terms: mass, density, force, torque, and pressure. Identify the metric units used to measure each one.
• How to use a calculator to convert one metric unit to another.
  

Course #: 186012
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn:

• Explain the use of letters in formulas.
• Prepare and use formulas to solve problems.
• The use of formulas to calculate the perimeter of a triangle and rectangle, distance, area of a triangle, rectangle, and circle, volume of a pyramid, current in a circuit, and volume of a sphere.
• How to use a calculator to find square root and solve formulas.
• Transform and solve an equation.
• Perform basic arithmetic operations with signed terms.
• Substitute given numerical values for letters in a formula and find the unknown quantity.
  
  Special Notes: This updated course replaces 2468.

Course #: 186013
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn:

• Define the terms: term, constant, coefficient, exponent, monomial, trinomial, and polynomial.
• Identify and combine like terms in an expression.
• Multiply and divide terms containing exponents.
• Remove parentheses from an expression and simplify the expression.
• Perform basic arithmetic operations with signed terms.
  

Course #: Block X24
Duration: 70 hours
Course Prerequisites: Electrical Wiring Practices (086E02); Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: In all industrial trades, a trainee will often have to several and various tools to get the task done properly. This block introduces commonly used hand and power tools. Safety is stressed while the maintenance worker is learning what tools to use, what tasks the tool can effectively accomplish, and how to use the tools correctly.
Components: Electricians' Tools (006026); Common Hand Tools, Part 1 (186052); Electric Drilling and Grinding Tools (186054); Tool Grinding and Sharpening (186057); Precision Measuring Instruments, Part 1 (186068); Common Hand Tools, Part 2 (186053); Woodworking Hand Tools (186058); Routers, Power Planers, and Sanders (186059); Power Cutting Tools (186055); Pneumatic Hand Tools (186056); Jacks, Hoists, and Pullers (186060); Plumbing and Pipefitting Tools (286042);
Special Notes: This course replaces Hand and Power Tools, Block X04. Each study unit contains a progress exam.

Course #: 186052
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
In the first part of a students introduction to hand tools, you'll learn about various types of tools as well as how to use them safely. You'll also learn how workpieces are held in place, the manner in which workpieces are marked prior to actually starting a given job, and how to make the most of a workbench's many useful features.
Next, students will be introduced to a group of hand tools which most technicians use on a daily basis -- wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and hammers. Again, you'll learn the correct ways to safely use and take care of these tools. Equally important, students will learn how not to use these tools and the results of their improper use.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Identify common hand tools and their function.
• Explain how to safely use common hand tools.
• Maintain most types of hand tools.
• Describe the benefits of several special features available for some hand tools.

Contents
Working with Hand Tools; Wrenches; Pliers; Screwdrivers; Striking Tools; Tool Storage and Benchwork.

Course #: 186053
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
In this study unit, we'll continue the discussion of hand tools commonly used by technicians. While a broad range of technicians use many of the tools discussed here, such as chisels and punches, many others are more specialized and are commonly used by maintenance and machine trades technicians.
Students will learn how to choose the correct chisel or punch for the job, how to care for it, and use it safely.
Next, you'll learn about the variety of different cutting tools such as snips, knives, and hacksaws. Another important group of tools is shaping tools, such as files. Students will learn the different types of files, and again, how to care for them, and use them safely.
Also discussed in this unit are various specialized maintenance tools. These are tools used for specific types of maintenance jobs such as pulling or prying objects from machines, safely inspecting machines, and retrieving objects in areas that aren't easily accessible to the technician.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Identify and use various chisels and punches safely.
• Use and care for cutting tools.
• Understand the need for specialized maintenance tools.
• Correctly use threading and other precision tools.

Contents
Struck Tools; Cutting Tools; Sheet Metal Tools; Shaping Hand Tools; Hand Tools for Threading and other Precision Work; Specialized Maintenance Hand Tools.

Course #: 186068
Duration: 10 hours
What Students Learn: Purpose and Language of Measurement; Scale Instruments and Accessories; Vernier Caliper; Micrometers, Gages, and Protractors.

Special Notes:

• This updated course replaces course 3500A.
• The entire course consists of study units 186068, 186069, and 3500C.

Course #: 186054
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
The electric drill is one of the most widely used power tools. It has many uses and is simple to operate. Electric drills can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a light household duty to the heavy-duty industrial grade hand drill and drill press. One variation of the electric drill is the hammer drill or rotary hammer. The hammer drill is a tool used for making holes in concrete and masonry.
Grinders are commonly used for shaping and finishing metal and other materials. Hand grinders are available in sizes ranging from those designed to do the intricate work of the die grinder to that of the 7-inch heavy-duty disc grinder. Bench grinders are standard equipment in most shops, ranging from a 6-inch bench model to the heavy-duty 12-inch pedestal grinder.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Safely set up and operate a portable electric drill, electric drill press, and electric hammer.
• Choose the proper drill bit for many drilling applications.
• Set up and use a variety of hand and bench grinders.
• Safely use the proper grinder for various jobs.
• Follow the necessary steps for proper tool maintenance.
• Purchase the proper drilling tool for your application.

Contents
Electric Drills; Drill Presses; Drill Bits; Hammer Drills and Rotary Hammers; Electric Grinders; Abrasives.

Course #: 186055
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
Power cutting tools fall into two categories: portable and stationary. Portable and stationary cutting tools perform many similar operations, but portable tools, carried easily by hand, are used most often at the job site. Stationary tools are used in workshops and on plant tools. Stationary saws range in size from small shop jigsaws to huge band saws used in paper mills to saw large trees into lumber. This unit introduces students to the most common portable power saws used in construction and repair work, namely circular, saber, jig-, and reciprocating saws, and the stationary cutting tools found in most maintenance and fabrication shops.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Identify the most common portable and stationary power saws.
• Identify the various parts of a saw and explain how they work.
• Discuss the types of cuts made by each type of saw.
• Choose the most appropriate saw and blade for the type of work being done.
• Recognize a portable circular saw, name its parts, and (with practice) operate it safely.
• Select and (with practice) use the proper saw; saber saw, portable band saw, reciprocating saw, cut-out saw, cut-off saw, for a given application.
• Operate (with practice) the stationary circular, radial, band and scroll saws safely.
• Observe the various safety precautions when using power saws and stationary power tools.

Contents
Power Saw Safety; Portable Power Saws; Stationary Circular Power Saws; Other Stationary Power Saws.

Course #: 186056
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
Pneumatic tools are used in many areas of maintenance, construction, and production work. These tools harness the power of compressed air and convert this power to useful work. Compressed air can be a very powerful energy source. However, due to this power, you must be extremely careful when using these tools.
Pneumatic tools are normally made much heavier than standard-duty hand and power tools. You will notice this fact as soon as you lift an impact wrench or framing nailer. The cases of the tools are made intentionally heavy to contain the stresses of the impact hammers or piston and to absorb the normal day-to-day abuse that the tool takes. You have probably seen someone remove a tire's lug nuts with a pneumatic impact wrench. The operator picks up the wrench and blasts off four or five bolts. Next, the wrench is dropped the six inches or so to the floor while the operator's hands move to quickly grab the wheel and rim. Come back to this same shop a year later, and you will probably see the same wrench being used after thousands of tires have come and gone. The tool's case may be nicked and grooved, but if properly cleaned and lubricated, the tool could last for many thousand more tires.
This text discusses the selection, use and safe practices of using different types of pneumatic tools.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Describe the various pneumatic tools used for plant maintenance.
• Identify and describe the safe use of impact, cutting, and grinding tools.
• Explain how pneumatic hammers, nailers, and staplers are selected and used in a safe manner.
• Describe the use of pneumatic assembly tools such as grinders, sanders, screwdrivers, and drills and how other types of production tools are selected and used.
• Identify the proper procedures for pneumatic tool and system care.
• Identify safe tool use procedures and how vibration and excess noise can cause bodily injury.

Contents
Pneumatic Tools for Maintenance; Pneumatic Tools for Construction; Pneumatic Tools for Production and Assemble; Pneumatic Tool Care; Using Pneumatic Tools Safely.

Course #: 286042
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn:

• Identify the various tools available for various tasks by appearance.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of job safety and tool safety.
• Identify the tools required to join and assemble pipes of different material composition.
• Determine when and how to use pipe-joint assembly tools.
• Identify the tools required to perform layout, cutting, and boring tasks.
• Identify the tools needed for testing and maintaining piping systems.
• Determine when and how to use finishing, testing, and maintenance tools for piping systems.
  

Course #: 006026
Duration: 10 hours
Course Prerequisites: Electrical Wiring Practices (086E02);
What Students Learn: Electricians' Equipment: Basic Hand Tools; Wire-Working Tools; Conduit-Working Tools; Power Tools; Knowledge as a Tool with Basic Introduction to the Metric System; Units of Electricity; Static Electricity; Electric Current, Measuring Instruments, and the Symbols and Terminology Used by Electricians.

Special Notes:

• This updated course replaces, Electricians' Tools, course 4401.
• This study unit is primarily appropriate for residential and commercial electricians and electrical contractors.

Course #: 186057
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
Trades people must keep their hand tools in good working condition. They must follow a regular maintenance schedule for servicing them. Tools with cutting edges must have the edges sharpened. Other tools must be trued and shaped for their special uses. Screwdrivers, chisels, punches, snips, and twist drills are shaped or sharpened on a grinding machine.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Use a grinding machine, following all safety procedures.
• Hone or whet tools with an oilstone.
• Explain the procedures for grinding metal stock.
• Compare the methods used in grinding screwdrivers, snips, chisels, plane irons, and twist drills.

Contents
Tool Sharpening Equipment; Grinding and Sharpening Procedures.

Course #: 186058
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
A person who does not really know the workings of industry might think that hand tools are not used that much any more. That is not so; in a maintenance job, trades people will use hand tools to do many different tasks. Hand tools are necessary for superior craftsmanship, and ideal for many maintenance operations. With hand tools, you supply the power and guide the tool.
This study unit focuses on the basic hand tools used when working with wood. Which woodworking hand tool you use will depend on the work you are doing. Often the same job can be done equally well with different tools.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Distinguish between the types of hand saws and use them correctly.
• Bore and drill holes in wood.
• Explain the differences between planes and use planes effectively.
• Use abrasive tools correctly.

Contents
Layout Tools, Saws, and Hammers; Wood Boring and Removal Tools.

Course #: 186059
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
The correct use of routers, power planers, and sanders will be important to trades people in your maintenance job. You will cut contours and irregular shapes on both edges and surfaces with the portable router; or you will plane doors, lumber, and assembled work accurately with the portable power planer. Trades people will also finish wood, metal, and plastic, and prepare surfaces for painting with power sanders.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Operate (with practice) the portable router.
• Outline the procedures for using a portable power planer.
• Recognize by sight the common stationary power sanders and compare their operation.
• Choose the right portable sander for a given job, and operate (with practice) the portable belt sander.

Contents
Routers; The Portable Power Planner; Power Sanders and Sanding Operations.

Course #: 186060
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Trades Safety: Getting Started (186001); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21); Practical Measurements (Block X22);
What Students Learn: Preview
Maintenance work involves hoisting or lifting and moving machines, and other heavy loads. A new machine may have to be moved in, and installed on its foundation; a broken machine may have to be hoisted and taken to the maintenance area for repair. For such work, trades people will need hoisting equipment, plus certain accessories, such as rope and chain slings. Therefore, it is important for trainees to be familiar with the common types of hoisting equipment and slings.
In maintenance work, you will often have to remove parts, such as gears and bearings, from an assembly. Pullers are very useful tools for such purposes. The commonly used pullers are of the jaw and push types.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Identify the many forms of jacks and hoists.
• Safely operate jacks and hoists.
• Understand the construction details of fiber ropes, wire ropes, and chains.
• Properly use and maintain fiber-rope, wire-rope, and chain slings.
• Properly use jaw and push pullers.

Contents
Jacks; Hoists; Fiber Ropes; Wire Ropes; Hoisting Chains; Pullers.