Guide On Safe Use Of Excavators

Excavators are some of the most used equipment for a variety of applications on construction job sites. However, they need to be properly and safely used, because otherwise, they can represent a huge threat for the operators and other workers. Every year, there are many accidents in Australia that include excavators, with terrible results, including serious workers and equipment damages and even deaths. The operators of excavators have huge responsibilities and they need to undertake all kinds of safety precautions to remain safe on job site. Here is a short guide on safe use of excavators.

Operations that involve using excavators require a system of work that will increase the safety of the operators and other workers. The safe system of work should include a proper and safe work method and procedures for the workers to follow. If workers are not familiar with something of the safe system of work, they should ask about it and know it before starting to operate. Also, the safe system of work needs to include what types of excavators are used, limitation of the excavators, work location condition, possible hazards, work requirements and work team competence.

Since excavators are often used on rough terrains, soft grounds and slopes, the operators need to be extremely careful and undertake as much safety measures as possible, including leveling, compaction of ground and outriggers. Before starting to operate, the operators must understand the whole manual. Daily inspections are also required, so that any damaged or missing parts will be timely noticed and removed from service.

Before operation, the operators of excavators need to inspect the operation area. If there are any persons, obstacles, slopes or openings, the operators must be aware of it. Once the operators start to operate, they need to implement all their knowledge. The excavator operators need to follow the working plan created before the start of the operation and make sure to never overload the safe working load limit. If using excavator attachments, the operators must consider their weight as a part of the total load on the excavators.

Before shutting the engine off, all excavator attachments (if any) should be lowered onto the ground. Before leaving the cabin, the operators must ensure that the excavators are parked on a flat and firm ground, the engine is off, the engine key is removed, the parking brakes on and the windows and the door of the cabin are closed and locked.