AIRPORT TERMINAL SERVICES, Inc BELT LOADER MODULE
INTRODUCTION This training module is designed to familiarize you with the operational aspects of a belt loader. You are responsible for reading and understanding the content contained within this module. If there is any information that you do not understand, please consult your trainer, supervisor, or manager for assistance. Upon completion of this module, if you successfully: 1. Complete module test with a score of 85% or better and 2. Demonstrate to your trainer, supervisor, or manager the safe operation of the belt loader by performing 1 check ride and 3. Have your training file signed off by your trainer, supervisor, or manager AND yourself and 4. Have an airport ID and applicable airport driving test/designation/authorization You will then be qualified and permitted to operate a belt loader. PRE-OPERATIONAL CHECKS Each day the vital fluids inspection should be performed on the belt loader. Each station has a copy of a pre operational checklist that covers both mechanical and vital fluids inspection. The following areas should be given attention BEFORE operating the belt loader by completing a walk around inspection. A supervisor should be notified immediately if any of the discrepancies are noted: Rubber bumper(s) on front of boom Two wheel chocks Keep Hands Clear placards Directional placards required for belt controls Tire condition-worn/flat Hand rails PAGE 1
SAFETY RAILS SHIFTER: FWD/N/REV (YELLOW HANDLE) KEEPHANDS CLEAR Placard- pinch points RUBBER BUMPER (S) WHEEL CHOCKS 2 REQ Belt direction Control: FWD, Neutral, REV PAGE 2
PRE-POSITIONING Prior to operating unit complete a walk around inspection. Ensure belt loader has two wheel chocks Rubber bumper(s) are in position TAIL MOUNTED ENGINES Aircraft with tail-mounted engines must have a cone positioned on the trailing edge of the wing, on the loading side and on the wing tips. The cones must be in place prior to approaching the aircraft with the belt loader. WING MOUNTED ENGINES Aircraft with wing-mounted engines must have a cone positioned on the trailing edge of the wing and wing tip. A third cone is required in front of the engine inlet, on the loading side of the aircraft. The cones must be in place prior to approaching aircraft with the belt loader. PAGE 3
POSITIONING TO AIRCRAFT STEP 1: Belt loader should be operated at no more than a walking pace while approaching the aircraft. The unit should be brought to a complete stop at 50ft away from the aircraft to test the units brakes. 50ft from aircraft STEP 2: A second complete vehicle stop is required at 10ft from aircraft, while approaching. 10FT from aircraft Page 4
Step 3: While approaching aircraft a guide man must be utilized to direct belt loader to aircraft. The guide man must be on the ground and in a position to the side of the belt loader. This should be in a position to see the aircraft, the boom of the belt loader, and maintain eye contact with the belt loader operator. Guide Man NOTE: If at anytime the guide man deems the positioning unsafe (s)he must immediately give the emergency stop signal to the operator. Step 4:. The guide man will direct belt loader towards the aircraft. At 3ft from the aircraft the belt loader is to come to a complete stop and the boom raised to the approximate height of the pit lip. The guide man will then direct the belt loader to the aircraft until it is no closer than 2 inches from the pit lip. Upon reaching that point the guide man will signal the operator to stop by crossing arms. Next the guide man will assist in final boom height positioning via hand signals NOTE: DO NOT REV ENGINE WHILE RAISING OR LOWERING BOOM Page 5
NOTE: At least a 2inch gap should be maintained between the rubber bumper of the belt loader and the aircraft at all times. NEVER PLACE THE BOOM INSIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT PIT OR BELOW ANY PORTION OF THE AIRCRAFT FUSELAGE! NOTE: The boom height may be adjusted for loading or unloading the aircraft with out repositioning the belt loader if positioned correctly. The rubber portion of the boom should never be positioned higher or lower than the lip of the aircraft pit. Lip of aircraft pit Page 6
NEVER PLACE ANY PORTION OF THE BELT LOADER INSIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT PIT A shift in the aircraft weight can cause the aircraft to rise resulting in the boom making contact and damaging the aircraft pit NEVER PLACE ANY PORTION OF THE BELT LOADER UNDER THE AIRCRAFT As fuel and passengers are added to the aircraft, it is possible for the aircraft to settle, thus making contact and damage to the aircraft fuselage. Page 7
STEP 5: When all positioning movements of the belt loader have been completed, the belt loader operator shall place the unit in neutral and set parking brake, while still depressing the unit s foot brake. The guide man will then place the two wheel chocks in place on the tire to prevent any unexpected movement. STEP 6: After chocks have been placed on tire of belt loader, the guide man will signal to the operator that it is safe to release units foot brake, and then exit unit. **NOTE: THE OPERATOR MUST STAY IN POSITION UNTIL GUIDE MAN HAS CHOCKED TIRE AND SIGNALS SAFE TO EXIT Page 8
POSITIONING AWAY FROM AIRCRAFT STEP 1: Operator completes walk around to ensure belt loader is clear to be backed away from aircraft. The operator after checking clearance backs belt loader approximately 3 ft away from aircraft. APPROX 3 FT **NOTE: FOR AIRCRAFT REQUIREING SAFETY RAIL, ENSURE RAIL IS LOWERED PRIOR TO BELT LOADER MOVEMENT STEP 2: When the boom is approx. 3ft away from aircraft the belt loader operator comes to a complete stop and lowers the boom completely down. Step 3: With the boom completely down, the belt loader must be backed STRAIGHT, away from the aircraft until out of the safety envelope. Page 9
BELT LOADER SAFETY 1. Never rev the engine while raising or lowering the boom. 2. No one may ride up or down on the belt loader 3. The belt loader is designed to transport only the operator, no passengers 4. Always use the hand rails when positioned at Wide body aircraft, Airbus Family aircraft, and B-757 series aircraft 5. Emergency vehicles, Aircraft have the right of way 6. Bags, Mail, and Freight are the only items that may be conveyed during up-loading/ down-loading of aircraft 7. Belt loader operators must obey all airport driving regulations Page 10