Heavy Equipment Operator Training & Qualification Program

Program Area: Engineering and Safety

Purpose: Safe operating procedures and sound risk management practices are core to the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) New Mexico (NM) mission. The BLM NM organizations utilize various
pieces of heavy equipment to accomplish different aspects of our mission. Heavy equipment can be
invaluable in the hands of a skilled operator, but is not without risk and limitations. Each piece of
equipment, leased or owned, has unique characteristics, which operators must be familiar with. This
Instruction Memorandum (IM) sets policy for heavy equipment operator training and qualification
standards for BLM NM.

Policy/Action: The BLM NM will comply with heavy equipment requirements of 29 CFR 1926 OSHA
Standards for the Construction Industry, applicable provisions of 29 CFR 1910 OSHA Standards for
General Industry, and U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Any BLM NM Employees who operate heavy equipment must pass a written exam demonstrating basic
safety knowledge for each piece of heavy equipment to be operated, and demonstrate the specific
knowledge and performance skills for each type of equipment as identified therein. No employee will
be allowed to operate any type of heavy equipment unless trained in accordance with the procedures in
the attachments to this IM and authorized in writing.

Timeframe: This policy is effective immediately.

Budget Impact: To be determined by the State Office, District, and Field Offices on an individual
basis, based on the number of operators and utilization of heavy equipment.

Background: This policy is developed to meet federal regulatory requirements, Department guidance,
and BLM procedures.

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: BLM Manual Handbook H-1112-2, Safety and Health for
Field Operations, Chapter 5, Heavy Equipment.

Coordination: This IM was coordinated with BLM NM managers, Safety Specialists, and subject
matter experts.

Contact: Questions concerning this policy should be directed to Elaine Lopez, State Engineer, at 505-
954-2175, or Michael Larson, State Safety Manager, at 505-954-2076.

Signed by:
Jesse Juen
State Director