Earthmoving Equipment

Earthmoving Equipment • Definition: a mobile, power-propelled vehicle designed to carry, dig, spread, or move earth or material. – – – – –

Backhoes Dozers Excavators Skidsteers Loaders

Common Causes of Fatalities • • • • •

Roll-overs Worker struck by equipment Struck by material Electrocution Burn

Causes of Injuries • • • • • •

Climbing on/off Worker struck by equipment Roll-over Struck by material Burn Electrocution

Equipment Requirements • Equipment left at night by a highway must have lights. • Split rims – must use tire cage for repair • If equipment is lifted, it must be supported by blocks/cribbing. • Parking brakes must be on all machines • Cab glass must be safety and clear

Motor Vehicle Requirements • Equipment must have brakes-parking, service, and emergency • Equipment must have lights if needed • Equipment must have brake lights • Equipment must have audible warning (horn) • If traveling in reverse, a back-up alarm is needed.

Motor Vehicle Requirements • • • • •

Cab glass must be safety and clear Tools must be secured in cab Seats for operators on, no riders Seatbelts on all machines Vehicle inspections shall be done daily

Material Handling Equipment • Earthmoving equipment: – Seatbelts required – Only accessible roadways and grades shall be utilized – Bi-directions equipment must have horn – Scissor points on equipment must be guarded

Material Handling Equipment • Excavating and other equipment: – Seatbelt required – Must meet Automotive Engineering requirements – Must meet Power Crane and Shovel requirements

Site Clearing • Operators must have protection from irritant and toxic plants • Roll-over Protection Structure: – Overhead protection required. Do not operate equipment if ROPS is missing, damaged or modified without manufacturer’s approval – Rear opening in cab required

Manuals • All equipment should be equipped with operator’s and safety manuals. • Trainees must familiarize with the manuals before operating. • Manuals are usually located in cab. • Contact dealer or distributor for lost or damaged manuals.

ID Plates • Located on the equipment, the manufacturer’s ID plate usually contains: – Weight of machine – Serial number – Engine information

Safety Symbols • Danger-most serious, could cause fatality • Warning-less serious, but could cause injury • Caution-be careful

• Read all safety decals.

Personal Protective Equipment Employees shall always wear proper PPE: • Hard Hats, depending upon conditions • Safety Glasses • Foot Protection • Hearing Protection • Proper Clothing • Dust Mask, depending upon conditions

Personal Protective Equipment • • • •

Employees should always know where to find: Emergency assistance First-aid kits Fire extinguishers

Utility Location • Always locate utilities before digging. Local programs can provide assistance. • Tragedies can happen in seconds when utility lines are severed. • Never assume utility lines are dead.

Road Travel • Use of public roads for equipment should be avoided if at all possible. • An escort vehicle is recommended. • Check local laws for rules and regulations for equipment on the road.

Worksite Inspections • Before operating equipment on a worksite, always inspect for: – – – – – – –

Surface conditions, included slope hazards Worker activity Drop-offs, unleveled surfaces Material obstructions Wind, rain Powerline hazards Material hazards

Equipment Inspections • Before using equipment, always inspect: – – – – – – –

Bucket/boom Tires, tracks Brakes, steering Controls Safety devices Stabilizers/outriggers ROPS

Malfunctions • Do not ever change a tire on equipment unless you are authorized. • Damaged or malfunctioning equipment should be tagged and taken out of use.

Backhoe Traveling • • • • • •

Watch for pedestrians Keep bucket low and tilted Drive slowly Keep clear of edges and banks Watch for overhead obstructions Sound horn at corners, intersections, blind spots • No riders

Backhoe Traveling • Avoid slopes if at all possible • Travel straight up and down slopes • Loaded bucket – Travel forward uphill, reverse downhill

• Unloaded bucket – Travel reverse uphill, forward downhill

Backhoe Loading • Know bucket capacity • Never lift a worker in a bucket • Keep on level work surfaces, avoid loading on slopes • Make sure load is stable • Never allow anyone under or near a load, especially the swing pivot area • Never swing bucket over a cab • Be aware of slipping near trenches, edges

Backhoe Digging • Locate utilities FIRST • Then get machine ready to dig – – – –

Engage parking brake Set front bucket on ground Lower outriggers on a firm base Level machine

• Operate controls from seat only • No workers allowed in digging area

Backhoe Digging • • • • •

Operate controls smoothly Dig directly behind backhoe Do not slam bucket into the ground Do not attempt to dig more than bucket holds Do not dig under an outrigger

Backhoe Lifting • • • • • •

Know the lifting capacity Only lift with outriggers/stabilizers down Avoid side/lifting Avoid swinging loads Do not lift a load any higher than necessary Be aware of traffic hazards if operating near the roadway

Skidsteer • Familiarize yourself with operator’s manual • Mount with 3 points of contact, never if lift arms are up • Put seatbelt on, lower bar if applicable • Look for hazards, other workers • Start machine, check gauges • Familiarize with controls

Skidsteer Traveling • • • • • • •

Know surface capacities Watch for overhead obstructions Keep bucket tilted and low Keep clear of edges and banks Avoid slopes if possible If you must, travel straight up and down Loaded bucket, travel forward uphill and reverse downhill.

Skidsteer Traveling • Unloaded bucket-travel reverse uphill, forward downhill • Avoid sudden starts and stops • Sound horn at corners, intersections, blind spots • Use a spotter if vision obstructed • Do not pull other equipment • Slow down when terrain is rough • No riders

Skidsteer • Loading/Digging/Grading: – – – – –

Know capacity of skidsteer Never allow anyone near a lifted load Make sure loads are stable Never undercut a high bank Keep on level work surfaces, avoid loading on slopes – Be aware of slipping when near trenches, edges

Skidsteer – – – – – – – –

Know location of utilities before digging Never ram the bucket into anything Be aware of confined spaces in loading areas Never overload Avoid lifting a load too high Never leave the skidsteer with a raised load Watch for workers and pedestrians Slow down in tight spaces

Excavator • • • • • •

Get familiar with operator’s manual Understand basic hand signals Make sure surface will support machine’s weight Mount with 3 points of contact, facing machine Keep cab free of loose debris Adjust and connect seatbelt

Excavator • • • • •

Look for potential hazards Make sure machine is in a well-ventilated area Start machine, check gauges Familiarize with controls Allow hydraulic oil to warm up

Excavator Traveling • • • • • • •

Watch for workers and pedestrians Always signal your intention to move (horn) Keep boom/bucket low while moving Be aware of overhead obstructions Use a signal person when clearances are limited Be aware of tail swing hazards When cornering, allow for boom overhang

Excavator Traveling • • • • • • •

Drive slowly Keep clear of edges and banks Sound horn at corners, intersections, blind spots No riders Be aware of bridge load limits Always cross obstacles at an angle Avoid slopes – travel straight up and down when unavoidable • Watch for power lines

Excavator Loading • • • • • •

Avoid working near power lines Never allow anyone near a load Use outriggers if available Make sure loads are stable Never swing bucket over a truck cab Avoid loading on slopes (keep tracks vertical on slopes) • Be aware of slipping near trenches, edges

Excavator Lifting • • • • • • • •

Know lift capacity and weight of load Use a signal person when needed Use appropriate rigging Never allow anyone near a load Make sure loads are stable, use tag lines Keep load close to ground Keep on level work surfaces Never lift a person in a bucket

Excavator Digging • • • • • • •

Locate utilities Lower outriggers/stabilizers Avoid side digging Operate controls from seat only Never allow workers around digging area Avoid undercutting the machine Be aware of blind spots

Excavator Digging • Level off work area when needed • Avoid swinging or extending the bucket in a downhill direction • Dig at a slow, steady pace • Be aware of trench edges and drop-offs while digging • Always wear safety vests when working near roadways.

Dozer/Loader • Get familiar with operator’s manual • Mount with 3 points of contact, facing machine, using handles • Cab glass must be clear, use seatbelt • Inspect tracks for rocks and/or other debris • Look for hazards, other workers • Start machine, check gauges • Familiarize with controls • Assure proper ventilation

Loader/Dozer Traveling • • • •

Always remain in seat while operating Never use machine as a ram Keep blade/bucket low Sound horn for intersections, corners, blind spots • Use signal person when needed • Be aware of hazardous weather conditions • Never us bucket or blade for a work platform

Loader/Dozer Traveling • • • • • • •

Be aware of obstructed vision hazards Fully inspect all equipment before operation Tight turning areas can be dangerous Always travel at a safe, slow speed Cross obstacles and ditches at an angle Avoid banks, edges and slopes If on a steep slope, travel up and down (not sideways). If you slide, turn in direction of the downslope.

Loader/Dozer Loading • • • • •

Know the machine’s capacity Never overload a bucket Make sure loads are stable Never allow anyone near a load Avoid loading on slopes (keep tracks/tires vertical on slopes) • Be aware of slipping when near trenches, edges • Be aware of overhead obstructions

Loader/Dozer Loading • Avoid sudden starts/stops and sharp turns when loaded • Try to keep loading area level • Never lift a person in the bucket • Never travel with a load lifted (keep as low as possible) • Load from side or back

Roller Compactor • Use 3 points of contact while climbing onto machine • Adjust seat and mirrors (if applicable) • Engage seatbelt (if ROPS is functional) • Start compactor, familiarize with controls • Avoid all pinch-points on machine • Take all workplace hazards into consideration

Roller Compactor Operation • Avoid slopes, drop-offs, unleveled surfaces (if unavoidable, drive straight up and down) • Use low gear on slopes • Obey all traffic regulations when traveling on public road • Never turn corners at high speeds • Be aware of overhead obstacles

Proper Shutdown – All Equipment • • • • • • • •

Find a flat, level parking spot Come to complete stop Set brake Set in neutral (if applicable) Lower bucket, blade, boom to the ground Shut engine off Cycle hydraulic controls Remove key and apply locks

Maintenance • Be familiar with manuals • Do proper inspections, checking for damaged components and safety devices • Know lubrication procedures • Fluids should be kpet full • Tire/tracks should be changed regularly • Never attempt to repair unless properly trained

Batteries & Fueling • Batteries – Know proper changing and charging techniques – Wear proper PPE – Store with proper ventilation

• Fueling – Always shut equipment off – Wear proper PPE – No smoking or open flames

Attachments • Various attachments are available for equipment, but only use those approved by the manufacturer: – – – – – –

Buckets Forks Carpet poles Booms Augers Sweepers

• This training was adapted from Safetyhead, Inc., Earthmoving Equipment Safety Training Kit. • You may now finish this safety training tutorial by completing the OSHA Assessment Quiz.