A systematic co-ordination of equipment, operator and service is a MUST to get the best out of the equipment in developing countries as well as in industrial countries. This calls for properly arranged and conducted operator and service training. The problems one faces in developing countries are virtually identical with those found in industrial countries, but they are often more pronounced. Through the proper selection of suitable instructor, an adequate organization and correctly applied methodology, operator and service training in developing countries should be no more problematic than in industrial countries.
The main requirement in industrial countries as well as an the Third World, for carrying out work operations correctly and effectively, particularly with regard to mining and construction applications is, The systematic co-ordination of equipment, operator and service/maintenance into a proper and effective functional organization, adaptable to the environment in question. In other words, what is needed is system-orientation. If any part of this system fails to function, then the entire system is affected.
Satisfactory function of the system and successful completion of work applications naturally entails that mechanical equipment is adapted to the working conditions, otherwise even the best training of operators in the world, will fail to give a satisfactory result. Hence the reason why the process should in fact, start with training of decision-makers, however, this subject lies outside the realms of this "paper".
Both in developing countries as well as in industrial countries, organisation is an important prerequisite for successful results. An organisation may, for example, comprise the following components: operation (in itself a complex), service, purchase, stores, transport, catering, etc. Countries lacking industrial experience may experience organisation as a primary problem.
With regard to construction equipment, such as drilling rigs, loaders, etc. where an operator is in constant contact with machinery, operator training is decisive for ensuring smooth and effective performance and utilisation of such a system. The harsh environments in which construction equipment often operate, contribute to the importance of the fact that a serviceman's skill is a critical aspect. Properly arranged and conducted operator and service training can eliminate a major portion of the causes of problems emanating at a construction project. Increased mechanisation, combined with increasingly stringent stipulations and demands governing the use of local labour forces, makes training a key factor.
Training can be defined as "a special, planned form of action intended to alter and improve a person's knowledge, values, attitudes, interests and profiency". In praxis, this may create a number of problems. It is therefore initially necessary to start with determining what is necessary behaviour, viz - what should the operator or serviceman be able to do? In other words, their demand profile must be analysed. The problem can also be expressed thus: Training requirement = requisite activity to alter faulty behaviour (e.g. handling drilling equipment).
