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Heavy Equipment

Module 12

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ObjectivesObjectives• After this module you should be able to– identify the most common heavy equipment

hazards– take the steps necessary to avoid those

hazards

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Heavy Equipment HazardsHeavy Equipment Hazards• Being struck by or run over by equipment• Equipment rollovers• Making contact with power lines• Defective equipment• Not using the equipment according to the

manufacturer’s instructions• Getting caught in moving parts• Being crushed by elevated components which fall• Equipment fires• Falls• Hearing loss• Loading and unloading equipment

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inspections of heavy equipment are essential for safe operation

this operator is completing his daily inspection

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Pulling Equipment from ServicePulling Equipment from Service• Reasons to pull a piece of equipment from

service and tag– inoperative backup alarm or horn– defective or missing fire extinguisher– defective or missing seat belt– brake problems– broken or missing mirrors– cracked, broken, or missing glass– defective doors or latches that prevent operator exit– fluid leaks that could affect safe operation– any other safety or health hazard likely to cause

serious harm

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this disabled backup alarm was discovered during a preshift inspection

Corrective Action: this machine should be pulled from service, tagged, and repaired

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operators may not always see a worker approaching them

approach equipment only after making eye contact and signaling the operator; wait for their approval

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while the equipment is running, this worker is in an unsafe position talking with the operator

Corrective Action: never enter into the direct path of moving equipment (or equipment that may move unintentionally)

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this is a much safer place to be

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this worker is in the direct path of travel and can’t be seen

Corrective Actions: never forget that equipment has blind spots; work defensively

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improper parking can result in out-of-control and runaway equipment which is a hazard to both the operator and ground workers

when getting off the equipment, make sure to set the brake, place the transmission in park, and ground all attachments

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equipment rollovers often result in the operator being ejected and crushed

simply making seatbelt use a habit may save your life

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valuable safety-related information can be found in the operator’s manual

this operator is taking a moment to review the safe operation of his piece of equipment

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untied laces can get caught in moving parts, on pedals, or cause a fall

Corrective Actions: double tie your laces; check them occasionally

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unsupported machine components can drop unexpectedly

Corrective Actions: use the support provided by the manufacturer; if a support is not provided, crib, chock, or block; never place any part of your body, even for a moment, under any suspended load or elevated piece of equipment

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you, your equipment, and materials must stay at least 10’ from powerlines

you should be told by your supervisor when a greater approach distance is required due to higher voltages

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this photograph was taken after a truck loaded with heavy equipment caught these lines and tore them down

ensure that the load being hauled is low enough to clear power lines

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guy wires from the rig must be visibly marked

although this was a good start, these guy wires need several more flags per wire for visibility

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a fire extinguisher should be mounted on every piece of heavy equipment

ensure that every piece of equipment has an extinguisher and that it is inspected periodically

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this attachment lacks a safety pin; the attachment could come off and strike a ground worker

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unsecured items in the cab can end up under pedals, interfere with safe operation, or can hit a worker in the event of a rollover

Corrective Actions: keep unnecessary items out of cab; secure those that must be there

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take the time to read and follow all warning labels, many workers would be alive if they had

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rags and other items can create serious fall hazards in and around equipment access points

Corrective Action: keep steps and other equipment access areas clear and clean

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most equipment makes enough noise to eventually damage your hearing

this worker is protecting his hearing in a loud environment

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Motor VehiclesMotor Vehicles• If driving is part of your job, take the

following steps– use safety belts– always drive within the speed limit– do not drive if you are fatigued– be familiar with the maintenance procedures

for all vehicle systems– avoid using cell phones while driving, and – avoid other potentially distracting activities

such as eating, drinking, or adjusting non-critical vehicle controls while driving

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this driver realizes the importance of maintaining his truck in safe operating condition

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this driver realizes that motor vehicle crashes lead to more work-related fatalities than all other causes

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unsecured tools and other items can become dangerous projectiles in the event of a motor vehicle crash

Corrective Action: avoid having unsecured objects in the cab of your truck

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gates can pose a serious hazard if left partially open or won’t remain fully open

Corrective Actions: ensure that a gate is either fully open or closed; approach gated areas with caution; report gates that will not remain open

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well tenders spend a lot of time loading, unloading, and operating their ATV’s

what are some of the hazards associated with work-related ATV use?

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All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s)All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s)• If operating one is part of your job, take

the following steps– become familiar with local hazards– do a preoperational check (T-CLOC)– do not carry passengers– always turn off engine when ATV is parked.

Remove key and set brake– when carrying equipment, equalize the load

to maintain balance, stability, and center of gravity

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All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s)All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s)• If operating one is part of your job, take

the following steps, continued– do not drive recklessly or engage in horseplay– do not cross deep or swift moving water– modify an ATV only with manufacturer’s

written approval– always wear proper PPE; most importantly

your helmet!– operate according to the manufacturer obey

the warning labels

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this operator realizes the hazards associated with loading and unloading an ATV

it is important to use loading ramps that are wide enough and secure firmly to the truck bed

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take advantage of operator training courses whenever possible

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Applicable StandardsApplicable Standards• 1926 Subpart O Motor Vehicles,

Mechanized Equipment, and Marine Operations

• 1926 Subpart W Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection

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Your Employer Is Responsible ForYour Employer Is Responsible For• Providing the right equipment for the job• Maintaining the equipment• Training you on the hazards and safe work

practices associated with each machine• Responding to and correcting hazards

pointed out by you, the worker

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You Are Responsible ForYou Are Responsible For• Only operating the equipment you are

authorized to operate• Operate according to the manufacturer• Reading and following all warning labels• Operate equipment so no hazards are

created for yourself and other workers • Correcting the hazards you are able to

correct• Reporting to your supervisor the hazards

you are unable to correct

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Case StudyCase Study• An operator decided wearing his seat belt

was unimportant. When his dozer slid down a steep bank ending up on its side, his head was crushed by the dozer’s rollover protective structure.

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Always RememberAlways Remember• Do a pre-shift inspection every day• Do not run a piece of equipment with defects

that may affect safe operation• Ensure there is a fully charged extinguisher on

the piece of equipment• Make sure the manufacturer’s operating manual

is on the machine• Operate equipment according to the

manufacturer’s instructions and obey all warning labels

• Seat belts are to be used all of the time

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Always RememberAlways Remember• Hearing protection is required while operating

equipment• Cabs are to be free of all unsecured tools or

other loose items• Operate equipment so no hazards are created

for yourself and other workers• Be aware of blind spots, the swing radius of

equipment, and overhead powerlines• Never place any part of your body, even for a

moment, under any suspended load or elevated piece of equipment

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Always RememberAlways Remember• When getting off the machine, you must set the

parking brake, set the transmission in park, and ground all moving parts

• Approach equipment only after making eye contact and signaling the operator; wait for their approval

• Never place yourself within the swing radius or path of moving components (especially under)

• Never stand directly between wheels or on tracks when talking to the operator

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Memory CheckMemory Check1. What is the best way to protect yourself

from injury in the event of a rollover? a. wear heavy clothing and a hard hatb. wear your seat beltc. hold on tightd. take your hands and feet off the controls

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Memory CheckMemory Check2. As an operator, how often should you

inspect your piece of heavy equipment? a. the first day of the work weekb. once a monthc. each day prior to operationd. never, the mechanics will do that

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Memory CheckMemory Check3. What should you do with a piece of

heavy equipment when the backup alarm is not functioning properly?

a. operate it with cautionb. operate it as usualc. pull it from serviced. pull it from service, tag, and repair it

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Memory CheckMemory Check4. What should a ground worker do before

approaching a piece of equipment and its operator?

a. make eye contactb. signal the operatorc. wait for their approvald. all of the above