Power Generation Training

Coal Handling - Transport

Coal Handling - Transport Courses

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Coal barges are generally loaded with coal dumped from trains. The loaded barges are taken to plants by tugboats, which also take the empty barges away to be reloaded. This course focuses on the operations involved in handling barges from the time they arrive at a plant until the empty barges are taken away. It examines in detail the components and operation of two types of barge unloaders: a bucket elevator unloader and a clamshell, or traveling tower, unloader.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Name common types of deck fittings found on tugs, barges, and docks.
Describe a typical tugboat makeup to a coal barge.
Explain how to tie a barge to a dock.
Explain one way to connect a barge to a barge haul system.
List several safety rules for working on or around barges. Bucket Elevator Unloaders
Describe a bucket elevator unloader and explain the functions of its major components.
List the cab controls for a bucket elevator unloader and explain what they do. Operating a Bucket Elevator Unloader
Describe general startup procedures for a bucket elevator unloader system.
Explain how to unload a barge with a bucket elevator unloader.
Describe general shutdown procedures for a bucket elevator unloader system. Clamshell Unloaders
Describe a clamshell, or traveling tower, unloader and explain the functions of its major components.
Explain how winches and cables operate a clamshell bucket.
List the major controls for a clamshell unloader and explain their functions.
Explain how to operate the bucket of a clamshell unloader to pick up and release coal. Clamshell Unloader Operation
List the checks that an operator and a dockhand should make before operating a clamshell unloader.
Explain how to use a clamshell unloader to remove coal from a barge.
Describe a dockhand’s duties during unloading.
Shifting and Taking Away Empty Barges
Explain how to shift a barge with a barge haul system, a capstan, and tugboats.
Explain how a tugboat can make up to an empty barge and take it away.

Rail Yard Operations

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Receiving and unloading coal are rail yard operations that are commonly performed by coal handlers. To help coal handlers develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely with rail yard equipment, this course covers basic rail yard equipment, including tracks, switches, coal cars, and locomotives. It also describes how the braking system on a coal car generally operates, emphasizes the safe working practices associated with mounting and dismounting coal cars, and covers effective communication among members of a rail yard crew.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Describe the general function of the following equipment in a rail yard: tracks, switches, frogs, turnouts, coal cars, and locomotives.
List some of the jobs that coal handlers generally perform in a rail yard. Tracks and Switches
Describe the parts of a track and describe how to inspect track components.
Describe the procedure for operating a switch.
Explain the functions of a spring switch and a derail. Coal Cars
Describe the basic parts of a coal car.
Name the two types of brakes used on coal cars, and explain how they generally work. Air Brakes
List the parts of a typical air brake system and describe their functions.
Describe how to safely couple and uncouple air brake hoses. Trains and Locomotives
Describe what a coupler is and explain how coal cars are generally coupled and uncoupled.
Describe the basic parts of a locomotive. Safety and Communication
Explain how to safely mount and dismount a coal car.
Describe ways that coal handlers communicate with each other in a rail yard.
Describe a procedure for isolating a damaged coal car.

Power Generation Training

Coal Handling - Transport