Total security for working with earthmoving machinery

On the overturning of the machine there is this risk when making movements on very steep slopes or excess or imbalance of the cargo.

The trampling of people is a very common risk when the machinery is usually on the move and there is a permanent presence of other workers in the construction works. This can be accentuated by poor visibility, the driver visibility diminished by dirt or objects, lack of signage or inappropriate speed.

Shocks and beatings are continuing risks in construction and to a greater extent when using this equipment.

Atrapamientos: the existence of parties or mobile accessories in the machinery or the concurrence of several vehicles and diverse work in the same place machinery can do that this risk will materialize. Also may be atrapamientos by rollover because the cabins of command does not have structure against rollovers.

Falling objects is almost always present if not taken preventive measures on the high probability of fall of Earth and transported or high loads.

Falls at different levels are presented for drivers to climb or descend from the same. Although the height is not excessive, falls can cause severe injuries.

Noise can be present for the process or operation carried out by the machinery out of other work in the vicinity (conjunction of several machines, without soundproof booths).

On vibrations, that machinery, usually ancient, which is not equipped with anti-vibration systems in the driving position presents the risk of vibrations.

Check that no person is in the vicinity of the machine is an absolute requirement.

Photo: Patrick Moore

Another possible risk is exposure to environmental dust. This risk is common when not using wet processes of earth-moving and when, moreover, driving jobs are not closed.

Other remarkable incidents are the violent projection of objects (fragments of rocks or earth), thermal contacts in work of maintenance, fire by handling or loss of fuel, fumar durante refuelling, storing fuel on the machine and heat stress (those derived from work in extreme weather conditions such as heat stress)(for cold or heat, cabins without cooling or heating).

Before starting any work they have to take into account several aspects. First of all, know and respect the rules and recommendations set out in the Plan of safety and health of the work, then use of personal protective equipment provided by the company. They are also needed to know the rules of the road in the area of work, signaling, and the used signposting (banners, billboards, manual, light and sound signals).

When you work in public, must be conveniently signposted according to the traffic code.

Prior to maneuver it is advisable to know the possibilities and the limits of the machine, and the necessary space to maneuver. Where the room for manoeuvre is very reduced or limited by obstacles must be security developments in the same area.

Another important aspect is the plan of movement of the work and, every day, find out about the work that may cause risks: trenches open, laying of cables, etc.

Make a good maintenance of the zones of circulation, make a series of controls according to the manual from the manufacturer's instructions, look around the machine to observe the possible leakage of oil, parts or pipes in a bad state, etc., are measures to be taken into account. Other preventive measures before putting into operation the machine are checked lamps, position lamps, intermittent workers and stop lights, notices luminous and acoustic reverse, make sure that all security arrangements are in place and check the oil and water levels.

Other aspects that seem less important but that must not be forgotten for a full precaution are various actions such as clean up the limpia-parabrisas, mirrors and rear-view mirrors, remove what might hinder the visibility, not be rags in the engine compartmentclean driving as well, dry hands and remove mud from shoes, use handles and abutments to upload and verify the regulation of the seat.

Check that no person is in the vicinity of the machine. In safe place, verify the proper functioning of the main brakes and stop, turn the steering wheel and try the levers. The driver will possess driving regulatory permit and shall comply with the code of circulation, as well as being attentive to the work being done by, as well as the surrounding area.

When someone should guide the driver, this not lose you never view. The same driver will not allow any partner that replace you if you are not authorized to handle this type of machinery.

Photo: Jorge Vicente.

To fill the fuel when the tank is full we recommend you not to smoke and have the engine off, put downwind to not be dotted with fuel and well close the lid of the deposit.

Parking machine, floor is parking where it should be firm and solid, in winter will prevent mud and puddles of water as that can freeze. The machine must stop at flat land, fitting the wheels and support team on the ground, placing all controls stalled, place stop brake and disconnect the battery, remove the contact key, close the door of the cabin and lose it always looking at the machine and using the handles and steps designed to do so.

You have to choose a flat and well clear site, disassembled parts will be withdrawn from the workplace and will continue to be the manufacturer's instructions. Before disconnecting the hydraulic circuits it will lower the pressure of the same, gloves will be used for the handling of parts, and if the driver needs an Assistant, will explain in detail what should be done, observing it at all times.

Download the task force to the ground (as the case may be), stop the engine and place the brake, wherever this is possible. It is also important to mark the damaged machine, in the case that suddenly stop the engine, stop the machine immediately. For any breakdown, see the manufacturer's manual, not be towing never to start the engine, not serve another vehicle to lift the machine and to change a tire place a firm basis for the machine.

Always park the trailer on flat area, verify that the length of the tow is suitable to the machine and look rather than the access ramps hold weight.

Download the spoon as is has uploaded the machine to the trailer, if the spoon does not fit into the length of the tow is disassemble, remove the key contact and strongly hold the wheels to the platform from the ground.

Photo: Stig-Espen Soleng.

Examine the machine

• The machine, before starting any work, will be examined in all its parts.

• Tests must be renewed every time that they are necessary and basically when there were a failure.

• These tests will be those responsible or competent personnel designated by the same. The name and the position of this person shall be entered in a book security log that saved the charge.

The driver must always use labour protective clothing that are approved provided that required it by regulations in force.

The most important piece is the protective helmet for the head. The head of the driver is usually protected with the cockpit, but the use of the protective helmet is essential when you abandon it to circulate around the work.

Non-slip safety boots should be used to avoid falls. Security footwear is important because of the conditions in which usually work in the play (with mud, water, oil, grease, etc.).

When the noise level exceeds the margin of safety established and in any case, if it is greater than 80 dB, shall be obligatory the use of headphones or blocks approved.

Photo: Marcelo terrace.

It is not recommended in relation to work clothes that it becomes loose, because it can be trapped by elements in motion. Eventually, when atmospheric conditions warrant and command post without cab, the driver should be clothes to protect you from the rain.

It should also be noted that the driver must have gloves suitable for potential emergencies of conservation at work and when there is no cab, the driver must make use of safety goggles in order to protect themselves from the projection of particles in excavation operations.

To avoid effects of vibration, it will be essential to use an antivibratorio abdominal belt. And use of the mask work with land pulvígenas must be made to avoid respiratory problems.