Heavy Equipment - General operating precautions should always be observed ...

Heavy Equipment 

 

Heavy equipment can be dangerous and cause injury when not properly operated or maintained. truck roll over

Suggestions for areas to include in a Tool box Talk for staff and family members about the use of heavy equipment.

General Operating Precautions should always be observed, as well as the following:

  • Maintain machines in good working order. All vital parts such a should be thoroughly inspected each day;
  • Before using the starting motor, check to make sure that all operating controls are in the neutral position;
  • Operate at safe speeds and in a manner consistent with conditions;
  • Equipment should never be left unattended with the motor is running;
  • If possible, equipment should be driven entirely off the road at night;
  • When any portion of a machine projects into the road, it should be adequately marked with red lights or flares. Red flags should be used in daytime;
  • Stop motors and refrain from smoking and using cellphones during refueling operations;
  • Keep deck plates or steps on equipment free from grease, oil, ice and mud. Corded soles shoes are recommended;
  • Other than the operator, no one should ride on equipment; and
  • Restrain from wearing loose clothing, which can get caught in moving parts of equipment.

Injuries often happen when, so use precautions when:

  • Repairing and servicing equipment in dangerous positions;
  • Working around individuals or other vehicles and equipment;
  • Avoid unexpected violent tipping of the equipment by surveying ground;
  • Try and avoid unexpected violent shocks or jars to the machine by being aware of surroundings;
  • Watch out for limbs of trees or overhead obstructions, such as electrical wires; and
  • Don’t leave equipment in dangerous position while unattended.