A spotter is someone trained to look.
A spotter is necessary when the driver/operator does not have a full view of the working area and need someone to direct him/her.
Not only if is there the possibility of injuring someone, but of causing property damage
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, Office of Regulatory Analysis
3%
10%
22%
21%
12%
5%
27%
Under 20
20 - 24
25 - 34
35 - 44
45 - 54
56 - 64
65 & over
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Reports, complied by OSHA Office of Electrical/Electronic and
Mechanical Engineering Safety Standards.
BEING STRUCK BY, OR CAUGHT IN- BETWEEN, ARE TWO OF THE LEADING CAUSE OF INJURIES AND FATALITIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES!
STRUCK BY (22%)
CAUGHT IN-BETWEEN (18%)
Heavy Equipment is an essential part of most industry around the world. However, statistics indicate that they also present a very significant hazard to people occupying the same workspace, since injuries can be severe or fatal as equipment is heavy and powerful.
Blind spots Rotating machinery Swing radius Travel Path Approaching the machinery before acknowledging
the operator Non-essential workers on the area Struck by overhead loads falling
IF YOU CAN TOUCH THE MACHINERYYOU ARE TOO CLOSE!!!
Danger-ZONE
Learn to know the…
THE SHADED AREA SURROUNDING EACH VEHICLE REPRESENTS THE DANGER ZONE IN WHICH THE VEHICLE OPERATOR’S VIEW OF PEDESTRAN TRAFFIC IS GREATLY REDUCED OR OBSCURRED ALTOGETHER.
Eye level 10 ft - 0 in aboveground level
34’ 0”
95’ 0”
Manlift
36’ 4”
68’ 0”
Eye level 7 ft - 0 in aboveground level
27’ 2”
17’ 8”
16’ 4”
Hydraulic Crane
10’ 0”
15’ 9”
3’ 0”
25’ 5”
Area of fullyobstructed view
Eye level 7 ft - 7 in aboveground level
Backhoe
9’ 1”
7’ 7”18’ 5”
29’ 1”8’ 4”
Eye level 6 ft - 3 in aboveground level
Bulldozer
12’ 1”
18’ 7”
8’ 2”
12’ 5”
8’ 2”
16’ 0”
3’ 10”
Eye level 10 ft - 0 in aboveground level
Front End Loader
14’ 10”21’ 11”
14’ 3”16’ 2”
14’ 8”
28’11”
Eye level 5 ft - 5 in aboveground level
6’ 1”
11’ 7”
6’ 3”
Bobcat/Skid Steer
3’ 1”
4’ 10”
11’ 5”
21’ 8”
Eye level 7 ft - 3 in aboveground level
39’ 0”
21’ 2”
High ReachRT Fork Lift
10’ 9”7’ 9”
3’ 0”
85’ 0”
14’ 10”
18’ 2”
Eye level 6 ft aboveground level
5’ 7”
3’ 1”
8’ 6”
3’ 8”
3 Ton Forklift
Eye level 8 ft - 8 in aboveground level
9’ 2”
13’ 7”
13’ 0”
12’ 2”
10 Ton Forklift
10’ 7”
7’ 0”
6’ 4”
Eye level 8 ft - 9 in aboveground level
13’ 6”
26’ 8”
14’ 1”
17 Ton Forklift
8’ 8”
4’ 5”
4’ 8”
15’ 5”
Eye level 6 ft - 10 in aboveground level
40’ 6”
36’ 8”
Semi-Truck & Trailer
27’ 1”
42’ 8” 6’ 5”
Area of fullyobstructed view
Eye level 8 ft - 0 in aboveground level
8’ 10”
13’ 2”
Refuse Truck
13’ 3”
3’ 4”
8’ 0”
Area of fullyobstructed view
HiVac Truck
Eye level 8 ft - 0 in aboveground level
8’ 7”
31’ 0”
29’ 0”
24’ 6”
37’ 4”
41’ 0”
24’ 0”
Area of fullyobstructed view
from Eductor Hose(more than 100 ft)
Area of fullyobstructed view
(more than 300 ft)
Make sure no one enters the danger zone while the machinery is in operation, the danger zone is the area around the equipment/vehicle where the operator don’t have a full visibility during normal operation. Stay at least ten feet away from all sides of the Machinery
Front Both Sides (left, right) Yes, the right rear side is one of the most dangerous
Back Yes, behind the machinery is also one of the most dangerous
Up and Bottom
If you’re working near moving vehicles or equipment, what are the most important safety points to remember?
1. Stay alert at all times.2. Don’t distract yourself.3. Keep a safe distance.4. Keep off the equipment unless authorized.5. Watch out for shifting or unstable loads.6. Wear a bright orange vest if you are working near
moving vehicles or heavy equipment. 7. Wear reflectorize clothing at night.
There is the important rule for drivers and operators:
"Don't back up or move a heavy equipment unless you have a spotter directing your movement."
It's an easy rule to remember.
The important thing is to obey it.
When: backing a vehicle or machinery entering or moving a vehicle or machinery in a congested area poor visibility close proximity Pedestrians/coworkers or other contractors on the
surroundings lateral, overhead, or other obstructions
This person has to watch out for others as well as for himself (keeping enough distance in between spotter and equipment moving), and make sure the vehicle doesn't damage property.
It may appear as an easy task. But there are a lot of dangers involved.
SPOTTERS AND DRIVERS/OPERATOR MUST WORK TOGETHER
The operator will discuss the positioning, backing, movement and plan with the spotter before proceeding.
The operator shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to losing sight or losing sight of the spotter.
In order to give you an unobstructed view of the entire movement, when directing the driver/operator, stand at the driver's side.
It's important that the driver understands your signals, so get together with the driver before any movement and explain the signals you will use.
allow for sufficient stopping distance and clearance
Always be sure to use the same signals for the same moves (avoid misunderstandings)
Hand signals are much better than vocal signals. Because of noise, a shouted signal may not be heard or may be misunderstood.
If the driver is unclear at any point about the spotter’s signals, the vehicle should be stopped immediately. Never assume what the spotter is signaling, if there is any doubt
STRAIGHT BACKWARD OR FORWARD – To move the vehicle in a straight l ine either forward or backward.
TURN – To move the vehicle either to the r ight or left while the vehicle is moving
DISTANCE TO STOPPING POINT – To provide the driver a visual reference for the distance to the stop point.
CLEARED TO LEAVE THE AREA – To show the driver the vehicle is clear of obstructions and is cleared to leave in the direction indicated.
STOP – Stop all movement of the vehicle, await further instructions.
When spotting, concentrate on spotting –The task at hand.
Maintain eye contact with the driver/operator, even if you have to change position frequently.
If the spotter needs to stop spotting momentarily for any reason, first make sure that the driver/operator stops the equipment.
If you or someone else have to pass behind a vehicle or equipment: 1. stop the vehicle or equipment first. 2. As you're passing behind it, extend your hand at arm's
length and place it against the back of the vehicle/equipment. Then if the vehicle/equipment starts to move, you'll be able to feel the movement and get out of the way.
In addition to standing well to the driver's side of the vehicle/equipment, wear a fluorescent vest.
In the dark, don't blind the driver by shining your flashlight in the rearview mirror.
Day or night, avoid walking backward. If you have to, when walking backwards, be careful not to trip (check the path).