Operator safety training for wood pellet manufacturers has officially risen to the next level. Safety training is now available anytime, anywhere—and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3—thanks to a new online platform that delivers a free, comprehensive, digital e-learning, safety training program for plant operators and supervisors across companies.
Developed by a team of safety specialists, WPAC and the BC Forest Safety Council, the online training system includes videos, industry resources and built-in knowledge assessments. Funding was provided by WorkSafe BC. Before launching the platform, the system was tested by pellet plant operators from British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
“An informative introduction for new operators in training and a valuable refresher for experienced operators as well,” says Cody Braun, Plant Operator at the Premium Pellet plant in Vanderhoof, B.C.
“The pellet industry can really benefit from this new Operator Training – with its interactive media and video, it gives new operators a thorough overview of pellet processing and plant controls. Combined with an in-house training program, it will not only make more knowledgeable plant operators, but ultimately reduce the time required to train new operators and ensure all the key topics are covered,” says Julie Griffiths, Quality, Sustainability, and Environmental Program Coordinator at Shaw Renewables’ NB and NS plants.
As pellet manufacturers know, plant operators are at the controls of the facility and play a key role in ensuring their own safety and the safety of their co-workers. User feedback is very important to success as we continue to refine this innovative learning platform. We strongly encourage anyone using the training to submit their input at the end of each module or email me directly at fahimeh@pellet.org.
“The Operator Competency program is another example of the pellet industry working together collaboratively to share knowledge and best practices between companies, enabling the industry to develop the best programs possible to support their people to build a strong safety culture,” says Michael Fantillo, Production Supervisor at Premium Pellet.
IT’S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3
Step 1 Go to the website www.wpaclearning.com.
Step 2 Create an account
Step 3 You will automatically be directed to your Dashboard where you can select from a variety of courses, complete testing and get your certificate.
Modules Covered:
For more information, read the Fact Sheet.
Fahimeh Yazdan Panah is the Director of Research and Technical Development at WPAC.
This article was originally published by Canadian Biomass, a national media brand providing coverage of the emerging biomass, bioenergy and bio-products markets. See CanadianBiomassMagazine.ca for more information.