Heavy machinery is essential for nearly all construction projects, yet it poses significant risks if mishandled. Incidents such as rollovers, being struck by equipment, and getting caught in or between machinery are frequent causes of injuries among workers operating or working near heavy equipment.
Adhere to these safety guidelines when dealing with heavy machinery at the construction site to uphold productivity and prevent accidents, including those involving electrical cable.
Safety Precautions When Operating Heavy Equipment:
When using heavy machinery, it’s crucial to be vigilant about your surroundings and potential obstacles. Overhead electric cables should be deactivated, or if this isn’t feasible, barriers should be created to prevent contact with them. During excavation, ensure that all underground services like water, gas, and electricity are clearly marked to prevent damage and subsequent disruptions.
Whenever feasible, restrict workers’ access to areas where heavy equipment is in operation. Operators must be mindful of their equipment’s swing radius, particularly in confined spaces. In order to prevent collisions with other workers, bystanders, or nearby vehicles and machinery.
Ensuring Visibility Behind Heavy Equipment:
Making sure you can see behind big machines isn’t just about convenience—it’s super important for staying safe. People who drive these machines have a big job to do: they need to make sure there’s nobody or nothing behind them before they start moving backward. While mirrors can help a bit, they don’t always show everything, especially if there are spots you can’t see, called blind spots.
Sometimes, just relying on mirrors can be risky because you might not see someone or something in your way. To avoid accidents, drivers need to take action themselves. This means getting out of their machines and looking carefully behind them before they start backing up. It’s like an extra step of safety to make sure there’s nothing in the way that could cause trouble.
So, it’s not just about following rules—it’s about taking care of yourself and others by being really careful when you’re driving big machines.
Safe Mounting and Dismounting Procedures for Heavy Equipment:
It should be common knowledge, considering the frequency of worker injuries each year, but there are specific right and wrong methods for mounting and dismounting heavy equipment. When climbing onto equipment, always maintain three points of contact, similar to climbing a ladder. Avoid carrying anything with you as you enter or exit the cab, and refrain from jumping out of the cab or off the equipment.
Under no circumstances should you enter or exit equipment that is in motion or operational. Ensure the equipment is completely turned off, the parking brake is engaged, and there is no pressure on hydraulic controls. Remember to take the keys with you to prevent unauthorised usage.
Comprehensive Training Guidelines for Heavy Equipment Operation:
Workers must undergo thorough training on the correct procedures for safely operating all equipment they will be using. Training should comprise a blend of classroom instruction and practical hands-on training. Key topics to cover include safety protocols, hazard recognition, equipment safety features, and safe handling of heavy machinery.
Additionally, workers should receive training on proper mounting and dismounting techniques, as well as the appropriate start-up procedures for each piece of equipment. It’s crucial for workers to understand load-lifting procedures and the equipment’s load capacity. Retraining and refresher courses should be provided as necessary, particularly if unsafe or improper equipment operation is observed. Only trained personnel should be permitted to operate equipment under any circumstances.
Conclusion:
Coming to work alert, calm, productive, and optimistic is crucial. When workers are stressed, distracted, depressed, or angry, they often make bad decisions, which can result in fatal accidents or injuries—especially around electric cables. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor for support. Being in a positive and productive work environment is essential for preventing workplace incidents, especially when dealing with electric cables.
Book onto our NPORS construction training courses today!
Are you ready to book? Contact us today to reserve your space, as they are limited! Our instructors will accommodate both novices and experienced operators. We will also try to book you onto a course date that suits you, or set up new dates should we fill up. Give us a call on: 01634 295355 or email us today to discuss any of our NPORS construction courses in Kent.
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All information correct as of: 26/03/2024.
