With technology- and internet-based learning on the rise, Hydra-Slide Ltd. is taking training to the customer and is providing hands-on instruction on every piece of equipment its manufactures.
Janine Smith, vice president at Hydra-Slide, said it was a big year for on-site training. “We performed training at facilities in Canada, the USA, Singapore, and Qatar,” she said. “The scope of our training does not cover how to execute the job or comment on the client’s rigging plan; however, we find that when the client fully understands how the equipment functions and how it is intended to be set up and operated, they are much more confident and better prepared to safely and successfully complete their tasks.”
Robert Young, director of operations and lead trainer at Hydra-Slide, explained that the Hydra-Pac Synchronous power units are often a focal point of training sessions because of their unique operation. The Hydra-Pac Synchronous 10,000-psi hydraulic power units provide synchronized control of multiple lifting points, so multiple cylinders can be safely extended or retracted in unison even under different loading conditions.
“The important point to make to training participants is that they should not try to achieve equal pressures,” he said. “Each circuit will not necessarily have the same pressure with our systems. An offset center of gravity will result in one side being heavier, thus, will show higher pressures.
Sin Chew Woodpaq Pte Ltd., of Singapore, was a recent recipient of training. The company took delivery of a HT500 heavy track skid system, heavy load turntable, and synchronous power unit. Sin Chew Woodpaq’s Hao Teng said: “We have received training on the operation of the power unit, the skidding system, and the turntable. Training was informative and very hands-on. We have learned about a few best
Hydra-Slide provides hands-on training to the Lower Colorado River Authority.
practices and also pitfalls to look out for.”
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is a Texas-based electric utility specializing in electric substations and power transmission lines. Andy Cooper, safety and training manager at LCRA, received training with his crew on its new XLP150 extreme low profile skidding system and Hydra-Pac Synchronous power unit. This included jacking and sliding a real transformer to test the entire system.
“If you don’t operate equipment as designed and intended, you can have negative results and potentially get someone hurt,” Cooper said. “The training ensures all the right steps are taken and understood. I would rate the technical training very highly. The Q&A and step-by-step instruction was perfect. Having a rep onsite during a move (albeit a practice move) was invaluable.”
Online training video option
For Young, hands-on training with the equipment is an ideal scenario, though it isn’t always possible. He explained: “We are developing an online video training program now so that our clients can have remote access to practical, step by step instruction. It’s going to be very valuable for training new personnel or refreshing the crew’s knowledge before a project. Both on-site and video training focus on operation and troubleshooting. We know in the real world things don’t always go perfectly. For example, hydraulic hoses get connected backwards, or skid tracks aren’t set up completely parallel. We want our clients to feel prepared to safely handle these situations.”
