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 bycompleting the OSHA Assessment Quiz.