Equipment Identification Chart helps define inventory

A large majority of ITD employees work in, or have worked in, the maintenance/operation field. These men and women spend many days at various job sites, or traveling throughout the state maintaining Idaho's roads. For most of these individuals, working around heavy equipment is second nature - they know how to identify it, they know how it works, and they know to use it. But there is also a portion of employees who may not have had a great deal of exposure to the field but are seeking to expand their skillset by learning the responsibilities of other areas within the department.

It may be difficult to explain all the various duties and tasks associated with fieldwork, but a tool is now available to assist with that - the Equipment Identification Chart.

"When an inspector goes to a work zone, they may need to record the number and type of equipment being used on site," said District 4 TTE James Bennett. "If an inspector happens to be new to their role and perhaps doesn't have a great deal of field experience, equipment identification can be challenging and may even result in inaccurate Daily Work Reports."

Working with a group of innovators from both D4 and HQ, Bennett spearheaded creation efforts of the identification chart which depicts pieces of machinery commonly found on a job site.

The chart shows 18 silhouettes outlining everything from a forklift to an asphalt paver. While the concept is simple, the potential benefit from applicable use is real.

"This type of chart has been successfully utilized in aviation for quite some time," Bennett stated. "If it helps train spotters on various aircraft types, it could help in our field as well."

The group responsible for creation of the Equipment Identification Chart is actively seeking suggestions on how it may be improved. You can also contact Bennett with comments or improvement ideas.

Published 08-17-18