The Uwajima NPO Center conducted heavy machinery training aimed at developing personnel who can respond immediately within the community during disasters. This training was not merely for acquiring certifications, but a practical course to acquire operational skills and safety principles that are actually useful at disaster sites.

This training emphasizes acquiring the ability to actually operate at disaster sites rather than just obtaining qualifications. We conducted training assuming environments close to actual sites, such as narrow spaces, uneven terrain, and situations with collapsed structures.

"My operation has the potential to injure people."

Heavy machinery is a convenient tool, but misjudgment can lead to serious accidents. Therefore, the training emphasized thorough basic operations such as safety checks and deciding when to stop operations.

In addition to the basic operations of the boom, arm, and bucket, managing the center of gravity was explained as a particularly important point. Since the risk of tipping increases when rotating with the arm extended, it is necessary to bring the center of gravity closer before rotating.

Assuming situations such as having a wall behind, we practiced turning using the differential operation of the tracks. The ability to work safely in narrow spaces is important at disaster sites.

We also practiced operating a grapple attachment for demolition work. Since work efficiency varies greatly depending on the gripping angle and arm posture, we learned practical operating methods.

For safety, when getting off heavy machinery, it was recommended to get off facing the machine, stepping down backward, rather than jumping off forward.

The Uwajima NPO Center aims to form the "Uwajima Work-Type Disaster Support Team," which will handle heavy machinery operations. The concept is to increase the number of people with practical skills in the region and strengthen the initial response system in the event of a disaster.