Use of High Reach Excavators
ONLY TRAINED PERSONNEL TO PERFORM TASK
A Risk Assessment shall be undertaken prior to commencement of the task
Training Needs
• Task Specific
• Manual Handling
• Safe Operation of an Excavator
Licence Required YES
Permit to Work Required YES
Potential Hazards
• Overhead & Underground Services • Noise • Vibration
• Flying debris • Ground conditions • Hydraulic oil
• Traffic • Machinery
Pre-Operational Safety Checks
• Check all traffic and pedestrian signs and barricades are in place.
• Locate and mark all services
• Conduct machine pre-start
• Verify reach of the machine
• Verify wind factor
• Verify Safe Working Limit
• Operation shall only commence once the operator and site supervisor are satisfied that all safety measures are in place
Operation
• Only a competent operator shall be in control
• A spotter is recommended
• No worker shall be working below any part of the jib of the machine or its swing arc
• Provide exclusion zones and allow for falling and bouncing debris
Prepare
• Be aware of ground conditions.
• Float the machine or have an escort when moving machine between sites.
• Check that all Traffic and pedestrian signs and barricades are in place and that any flashing lights are working before leaving machine overnight.
• Ensure machine stability.
DO
• Wear seat belt at all times.
• Maintain three points of contact when climbing in and out of machine. Do not jump.
• Operate machine on as level surface as possible
• Do not operate across the side of a hill.
• Check for overhead services and structures before swinging the machine.
• Never swing a bucket (empty or full) or lift a load over people, machinery or cars.
• Never straddle or walk the machine across a trench.
• Check all around you when moving machine.
• Do not overreach, especially to the side.
• When loading trucks take care not to let material fall off the sides or back.
• Do not overload trucks.
• Do not exceed the lifting capacity of the machine when using it to raise or lower items.
• Remove any spilt debris and loose rock at completion of your days work.
Housekeeping
• Keep machine free of dirt, grease and oil build up.
• Keep windows clean and cab free of dust and loose items.
Monitor & Review Process
Always check the task is being done as nominated in this SOP and the Risk Assessment.
If task cannot be done as documented, stop the task, review the Risk Assessment, write the changes on the back of the Risk Assessment Form and get the Team Leader or Supervisor to sign and approve the change before restarting the task.
View the video below:
Form – F27. Verification of Competency VOC
Form – F40. Machinery Pre-Start Checklist
Write a SWMS:
Form – F33. SWMS for a High-Risk Construction Task
To view a typical Hazard analysis click the link below: