Excavators are a godsend to constructions sites across Australia. However, these are specialised machines that deserve care and guidance when being used. While excavators are used in many different industries, construction is one of the most common, resulting in faster work being done.
If you’ve recently taken advantage of a Kubota mini excavator for sale in your area, no doubt you can expect to enjoy a much faster clearing of your construction site. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using yours.
Your 4-Point Safety Checklist for an Excavator
Before any excavator is turned on, it should undergo a 4-point check of operations. This includes the following:
- Lights: The lights of the vehicle should be working at optimum condition whether the excavator is being used during the day or night. This also includes safety lights, indicators, and brake lights.
- Brakes: The brakes can be tested visually by looking at the hydraulics of the excavator. You can also check the hydraulic fluid, and the brake pedals themselves to make sure they press down correctly.
- Excavator controls: All buttons and controls should be checked, including making sure the interior lights and warning signals are turned on.
- Hydraulic system: Check your hydraulic fluid and look out for any signs of deterioration or malfunction by visually making sure everything looks in order.
What to Wear When Operating an Excavator
The person operating your excavators must always wear protective gear before climbing inside the vehicle. This includes a hardhat, visibility clothing that is brightly coloured, and safety boots. Ear gear is also recommended to protect the ears, however this should never hinder the hearing senses of the operator.
The Safety of Others in the Vicinity of an Excavator
People (whether employees or visitors) should always be made aware of the fact that there is an excavator operating within the vicinity. Workers should be trained in how to avoid getting to close to the machine, and they should always make sure they are visible to the excavator operator when nearby. Excavators can reverse and move forward in short bursts, so your workers would do well to keep their distance and always remain visible.
Loading Safety Measures
Loading crates from the excavator is another risk your excavator’s operator needs to be aware of. When doing so, the operator must be aware of certain safety precautions related to the other machine and operator in question. Overloading the machine can be detrimental to the loading process, and loading items while slanted is dangerous if not done properly.
Surface Inspection
Speaking of slanted surfaces, Australia is known for its uneven terrain. This shouldn’t stop you from construction work across these areas, so safety measures should be taught to anyone operating your excavator within these uneven sections of your construction site. Alert the operator of risky areas where the ground is uneven, slanted, or steep. Gravel can also cause your excavator to slip while moving, so bear this in mind and make your operator aware of it.
Other terrain dangers can include wet areas, which may cause the excavator to slip if the terrain is muddy. While not too common in Australia, cold areas like sleet, snow, or ice can also pose a danger. Although not common, your operator should know how to navigate these types of terrain at all times.
Checking the Credentials & Experience of the Operator
It takes special skills to operate an excavator, which is why licenses are issued to individuals who use them. Before letting anyone operate yours, make sure they have the experience and skills to do so. If your operator causes an accident and it’s discovered that you never ensured their qualifications, you may be held liable for any damage caused.
It’s preferable that your operator has a high school diploma, and that they’ve also received training in the operation of heavy machinery. Your operator should also be in possession of a White Card, showing their ability to work safely on a construction site. There’s also a certification of competency, which, if they don’t have, you can easily obtain after putting them through an official test.
The Importance of Awareness
The individual operating your excavator must be someone who remains aware of their surroundings. While it’s partly the responsibility of others to make sure they’re visible at all times, the operator him- or herself must also regularly check mirrors ensure the safety of people.
This is also important for items within the vicinity of the work being done. Tools, machines, structures, rocks, and trees can all be obstacles that are hard to notice from the high seat of the excavator. Using mirrors should be second nature to the operator, and the best rule to follow is: when in doubt, don’t.
Final Thoughts
Using your excavator will revolutionise the construction process and speed it up significantly. Make sure you’re using yours in a safe way, and don’t hesitate to take a quick course on how to safely operate one. These courses will also equip you to deal with any emergencies that may arise during operations, helping you to manage risks more effectively.
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