With its blend of power and precision, excavator operation is an enriching construction career. In civil, infrastructure, and mining, an excavator machine is the workhorse. From effortlessly digging to lifting and moving heaps of materials, it does it all.
However, excavator operation is laced with heavy responsibilities; otherwise, you risk it all. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the safety standards one must follow while operating the fine piece of machinery.
Make pre-operation inspection a priority; you can never be too sure. This way, you verify that the excavator is in a safe condition for work. You also ensure it won’t break down mid-task. This can prevent accidents and save lives.
For this, check for hydraulic, coolant, and engine oil fluid leaks. Notice if the cables, hoses, or other attachments are wearing out. Ensure that the undercarriage (rollers, tracks, and idlers) condition and track tension are correct.
Ensure these safety features are functional: lights, mirrors, windows, and alarms. The fuel and lubrication must be adequate. Notice the bucket, boom, and stick for damage or fault. Note down any faults or damage and report them to the manager.
Make sure you have an excavator ticket from a registered training organisation to be aware of all operation rules and be well-prepared to handle a crisis.
Operating an excavator in a confined or cluttered space poses a severe risk. So, pay attention to your surroundings on the work site.
Ensure overhead power lines are not too low, underground cables, gas, and pipeline are buried deep within the ground, the ground isn’t unstable, and the vicinity is cleared of vehicles, workers, trenches, and unnecessary objects.
Ask your team members to install signposts and barricades to prevent anyone from entering the zone and maintain a clear line of communication with others.
Ignoring personal protective equipment (PPE) is a grave mistake. 15% of Australian workers get injured due to inadequate PPE. Stay protected with a hard hat, safety glasses, face shield, earplugs, high-visibility vest/shirt, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
Accidents while climbing up or descending from the excavator cab are common. Always follow the three-point contact rule during mounting or dismounting. This implies that one should hold the surface with two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet at all times.
You must also never jump off the machinery. Clean any grease, mud, or ice from steps and holding spaces to avoid slipping. Park on stable and level ground and put the bucket down before mounting or dismounting.
After entering the cab, put on your seatbelt to stay secured even if the machine tips over or shakes violently.
Excavator operation is not a solo duty. You have to be constantly in touch with labourers, other truck drivers, and signalers. Use radio protocols or hand signals for clear communication.
Make sure everyone notices and understands your signals and communicates back. Never assume they heard/saw you.
In case of limited visibility, work with a certified spotter around vehicles, machinery, and trenches.
Never overload the excavator, else there’s a risk of tip-over or structural failure. Follow the manufacturer’s load chart strictly. If you have doubt, don’t lift loads you perceive as heavier than the chart or unstable.
While moving the load, keep it near the ground to prevent mishaps. A swinging or raised heavy load is hazardous for all site workers.
While operating, avoid sudden and jerking movements as much as you can. Such movements can make the load fall off, hurt workers, or damage the excavator.
Keep the control smooth while moving the arm up and down, navigating through uneven terrain, and swinging the boom. Maintain a safe speed throughout operations to maintain safety and flaunt your skills.
Balance is crucial while operating excavators., So, before lifting or digging, you must ensure the machine is stable.
For this, face the heavy side of the machinery uphill on slopes and avoid steep gradients. When using small excavators, use the blade for additional balance.
Remember, always turn it off. Never leave a machine running unattended. Spot a sturdy, flat ground secured from unauthorised access or theft for parking. Use the parking brake so all control levers are locked.
Lower the arm, boom, and bucket to prevent potential accidents. Activate the safety lock lever. Switch off the engine, take out the key, and lock the cab doors.
Excavator operation becomes easy-peasy if you follow these safety standards to the T. There will be no incident, and you will ensure its long lifespan. To learn more, enrol in a registered training institute and build a culture of safety.
