Struck-By Hazard Protective Measures
Heavy Equipment
Properly securing any load with appropriate rigging is crucial to any lifting being done by machinery on the job-site.
If the rigging fails, the results can cause serious injury and even death. Before any load is lifted all components of the rigging hardware should be evaluated to ensure they can withstand the forces of the load. There are also many other circumstances that you will need to be aware of when working around heavy equipment. Following the safe work practices listed below will greatly enhance your ability to remain safe while working around heavy equipment.
- Guard all exposed gears, rotating shafts, pulleys, sprockets or other moving parts to prevent contact with employees.
- Stay away from heavy equipment when it's operating - In fact, be alert to the location of all heavy equipment whether in use or not.
- Be aware of the swing radius of cranes and backhoes and do not enter that zone.
- Inspect all rigging equipment prior to each lift, this should include all slings, chains, ropes, and like materials used to support and lift materials.
- Remove from service any defective equipment immediately.
- Inspect all hooks, clamps, and other lifting accessories for their rated load.
- Stay clear of lifted loads and never work under a suspended load.
- The person responsible for signaling the crane operator needs to stay in visual contact with the operator and is trained to use the correct signals.
- Beware of unbalanced loads.
- Workers should confirm and receive acknowledgment from the heavy equipment operator that they are visible.
- Drive equipment [or vehicles] on grades or roadways that are safely constructed and maintained.
- Make sure all workers and other personnel are in the clear before using dumping or lifting devices.
- Lower or block bulldozer and scraper blades, end loader buckets, dump bodies, etc., when not in use, and leave all controls in neutral position.
- Haulage vehicles that are loaded by cranes, power shovels, loaders etc., must have a cab shield or canopy that protects the driver from falling materials.
- Do not exceed a vehicle's rated load or lift capacity.
- Do not carry personnel unless there is a safe place to ride.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-1. What should be done with heavy equipment blades, buckets, and dump bodies when not in use?
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