7 Safety Tips on Operating an Excavator

Excavators are relied upon by a varies of industries. Whenever and wherever ground needs to be broken and earth needs to be moved, these powerful machines will be deployed for your projects. Since they can not operate themselves, trained operators are a fundamental part of excavator work. Excavators today come with more built-in safety features than ever before, but that does not mean that just anyone can climb in the cab and operate one safely.

However, with great machinery always comes with great risk; let us take a look at the 7 Essential Safety Tips that all excavator operators should strictly adhere: 

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1. Inspection of Equipment Basic Components

Understanding it is vital when it comes to construction equipment. As an operator, you should have comprehensive knowledge of the following components. Take the time to inspect each one before excavator is getting started at site.

• All safety devices, including horns, lights, guards and shields, fire extinguishers, glass, and wipers
• Engine and hydraulic fluid levels
• Boom, stick (or dipper), and bucket
• All controls needed for proper function

Check for hydraulic leaks, loose bolts, and cracked welds. Examine belts for proper tension and wear, radiator hoses for cracks, and the drive sprocket for worn or cracked teeth. More thorough inspections should be done on a more periodic basis, such as once a month.

2. Operator’s Great Responsibilities

Safety goes beyond physical inspections; only by taking the proper care in our actions can excavators reduce their risk of injuring themselves or others.

• Keep the cab clean of dirt, grease, and objects which could interfere with its safe operation.
• Clean the glass of the cab regularly to increase visibility and avoid glare.
• Test each control before beginning work to ensure they are all functioning correctly.
• Grease the bucket hinge pins as needed; this is dependent on weather conditions and the type of material being excavated. For example, sandy or powdery materials may require two to three greasing per shift.
• When climbing into or out of the cab, use the standard three-point method: keep two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot in contact with the machine as you move the remaining hand or foot. Always enter and exit while facing the machine.
• Keep footwear clean of excessive mud or grease to prevent slipping.
• Buckle your seatbelt when inside and operating the excavator.

3. Check the Ground Area 

Things like rocks, construction materials, and stumps can compromise safety when an excavator is in use. Make sure these are removed from the area before you start operating the machine. Additionally, check the area for holes, ditches, and inclines that may pose a problem once you get to work.

If you are operating in a new area, check with the local utility district and request markers for any underground pipe or electrical lines. Excavators that come into direct contact with live power lines become electrified, risking the safety of the operator and others in the work area.

4. Fill up the Fuel Tank 

If you run out of fuel in the middle of using your excavator, it could suddenly stop working. This could cause its bucket or arm to suddenly fall and could cause the bucket to drop its load. All of this can be unsafe if there are other workers nearby. Play it safe and start operation with a full tank of fuel.

While you are at it, make sure to check engine and hydraulic fluid levels before operation. Running low or running out of these fluids can cause serious damage to the machine.

5. Use the Right Attachments

Only use manufacturer approved attachments, and make sure you have selected the correct style and shape of attachment for the job you are about to perform. For example, heavy-duty buckets are well suited for many different soil conditions including clay, gravel, sand, shale, and silt. Severe-duty buckets are best used in situations like severe digging, or handling abrasive materials.

Do not try to lift more than the machine can handle. Double-check maximum load capacity before starting a job. While you’re using the excavator, make sure you do not try to lift a load heavier than the machine is built to handle. Load capacities can be found in the machine’s operator manual. Overloading the bucket can cause the excavator to tip over  and remember that lifting capacity decreases as the bucket is raised, so the capacity recommendations are there for a reason.

6. Watch the Inclines and Declines 

If you are not operating the excavator on level ground, you need to take special precautions. It’s critical to make sure the excavator’s tracks are never parallel with a slope. This can be very unsafe and cause the machine to topple over.

Travel directly up a slope, instead of diagonally, to reduce the risk of tipping over. Extend the boom and arm while traveling upward, and carry the bucket of the excavator low. This will let operators drop the bucket to prevent the machine from sliding. Always travel at low, steady speeds, avoid sharp turns, and minimize sudden stops. When you’re driving the excavator, keep the bucket close to the machine and watch for obstacles ahead.

Reduce the excavator’s speed when operating in rough or congested areas. Always park the excavator on level ground when not in use.

7. Use the Best Safety Practice

Excavator Operators who are fatigued or under heat or cold-related stress should not operate heavy equipment. Never allow unauthorized personnel on or near heavy equipment. It is also ensure that all employees working around the excavator are facing the machine and carefully watching its movements. Stress the fact that the operator of the excavator may not be able to see all others in the area at all times.

Operator safety best practices include but not limited to appropriate attire (closed-toe footwear and properly-fitting clothing), wearing protective equipment, and facing the machine while climbing on or off.

These are the 7 safety tips for as above-mentioned that are significance to be considered and implemented when operating excavator which can help prevent injuries, accidents, damage and liability concerns.

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