7109.19_60
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
ALASKA REGION (REGION 10)
JUNEAU, ALASKA
FSH 7109.19 – FLEET EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 – QUALIFICATION, TRAINING, AND TESTING
OF MOTORIZED FLEET EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Supplement No.: R-10 7109.19-2005-1
Effective Date: August 19, 2005
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: /s/ Dennis E. Bschor
DENNIS E. BSCHOR
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 07/29/2005
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. This is the first R-10
supplement to this handbook
New Document
7109.19_60
4 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
None
0 Pages
Digest:
61.2 – Gives specific qualification direction to equipment operators in Alaska.
62.1 – Establishes specific licensing and training requirements.
62.2 – Establishes specific supplemental licensing and training requirements and who is
authorized to provide examination and training.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7109.19-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/19/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
7109.19_60
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FSH 7109.19 - FLEET EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - QUALIFICATION, TRAINING, AND TESTING
OF MOTORIZED FLEET EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
61.2 – Identification Card or Document
All operators of Fleet Equipment, Government Vehicles, or private vehicles used while on
official duty, will hold a valid Forest Service Operator Identification (ID) issued by the R-10
Licensing Manager, Chugach National Forest Fleet Manager, or Tongass National Forest Fleet
Manager. These are the only individuals who have been authorized as Operator ID issuers for
the Alaska Region.
The State of Alaska issues drivers licenses for common highway vehicles as well as commercial
driver licenses (CDL’s) and motorcycle endorsement to drivers licenses (M). The Forest Service
requires that employees who drive these types of vehicles, owned, leased, rented, or otherwise
authorized/provided by the government hold licenses recognized as valid by the State of Alaska.
“If you will be driving in Alaska for more than 90 days, you are required to obtain an Alaska
drivers license within that 90-day time period.” For those operating equipment requiring a CDL,
the grace period is 30 days. Issues such as “Out of State Time Limits,” “Suspensions or
Revocations,” and so forth, are within the State purview and prevail. If you do not have a valid
and current state license recognized by the State of Alaska for heavy highway equipment, you do
not have authorization to operate these types of Forest Service equipment.
Use of ATVs, snowmobiles, and heavy equipment requires a Forest Service Operator ID with
specific endorsements for each vehicle type. A separate additional endorsement is needed for
4-wheel drive vehicle operations where roads are not maintained for passenger car use (off of
public roads or off of maintenance level 3-5 Forest Service roads).
62.1 – Training for Qualification
The Forest Service Health and Safety Code Handbook (FSH 6709.11, Chapter 10, Section 12.11
- Training) requires that employees who drive Government or private vehicles on official duty
must attend an approved Defensive Driving Course to operate Forest Service equipment. The
training must be completed at least every 3 years with the same or equivalent type training.
It is the obligation of each individual’s supervisor to ensure defensive driving and other training
needed to meet/maintain qualifications is received and documented. Each operator’s supervisor
must make the determination that it is necessary that their employee operate equipment.
Supervisors have a responsibility to evaluate the employee’s operation practices and skills on an
ongoing basis. Supervisors must document training and qualifications information in their
employee’s files.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7109.19-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/19/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
7109.19_60
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FSH 7109.19 - FLEET EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - QUALIFICATION, TRAINING, AND TESTING
OF MOTORIZED FLEET EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
62.2 – Supplemental Training
All operators of Specialized Fleet Equipment must hold a valid Forest Service Operator
ID/License issued by the R-10 Licensing Manager, Chugach NF Fleet Manager, or Tongass NF
Fleet Managers.
Specialized Equipment is defined as transportation or construction machinery operated by an
individual and includes but is not limited to:
1. Boats and trailers of all types (power boats, kayaks, canoes and rowed skiffs, and so
forth). Ranger Boats are operated by U.S. Coast Guard and/or Forest Service licensed captains
only.
2. Recreational equipment (snowmobiles and ATV’s, and so forth.)
3. Construction equipment (brushers, bobcats, front-end loaders, mowers, forklifts, and
so forth.)
4. All operators of Specialized Fleet Equipment will receive safety training and must
successfully pass an operational test administered by a Forest Service Licensing Examiner for
the type of equipment they will be operating. These employees must be nominated by their
supervisors and successfully complete the safety training course before operating the equipment
and update the training every 3 years to maintain that qualification.
Training may be completed via the following methods:
1. With a certified Forest Service Trainer;
2. Attending an approved Safety Training as provided by various equipment
manufacturers);
3. Approved Safety Training, as provided by recognized groups or organizations.
Examples: USCG Auxiliary Boating Safety course, the National Safety Council and OSHA
approved forklift operators training courses.
4. A list of the approved Trainers, courses, and curriculums will be maintained by the
Regional and Forest License Issuers. District Rangers and Station Managers will identify the
trainers. Training programs shall be submitted to the Lead Forest Examiner for approval.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7109.19-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/19/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
7109.19_60
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FSH 7109.19 - FLEET EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - QUALIFICATION, TRAINING, AND TESTING
OF MOTORIZED FLEET EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
63.1 – Operating Skills Test
Only qualified License Examiners are responsible for administering the test program. A cadre of
Licensing Examiners will be identified by the District Rangers and Station Managers and
submitted to the appropriate Forest Lead Licensing Examiner for approval. Distinction must be
made between the Training and Licensing functions.
Licensing Examiners must:
1. Have a strong commitment to safety;
2. Be Forest Service licensed individuals with extensive knowledge and experience with
the type of equipment to be operated;
3. Be trained and certified to examine employees on the operation of equipment by the
Forest or Regional License Issuers; and
4. Examine the operation of employees on equipment as requested by the employee’s
supervisor and provide a recommendation to the Forest or Regional License Issuers based upon
the demonstrated skill and ability of the individual tested.