Safety Tips for Mobile Equipment & Cranes
Safely working in the area of any heavy equipment requires the shared responsibility of both the equipment operator and their coworkers. As with all O&G ventures, each project must have a prepared and well-articulated safety plan. This preparation is both a written document and a shared dialogue with all O&G employees and subcontractors at the beginning of each project as well as each shift.
Consideration should be given to issues related to working around heavy equipment:
- Inspection of the equipment prior to operation to ensure that all lights and audible alarms are working properly.
- A defined route and clear visual path for the operator when moving equipment from the point of origin to the work site.
- Set up of the equipment at the work area should be stable and have enough space to allow the equipment and workers to perform the planed tasks.
- Use 3 point mounting and dismounting technique off of heavy equipment – NEVER JUMP OFF HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
- Establish a danger zone, that is; the working area where contact could result in personal injury or damage during operations.
- Predefined hand signals or use of two way radios between the operator and person in charge of the work crew to accomplish any and all movement.
- Maintain a clear line of site between the operator and workers. Blind spots are common. If you can’t see the operator, they can’t see you.
- Use a spotter when heavy equipment is in motion. This requires communication between the operator and workers to maintain safe movement.
- Always try to walk on the driver side of equipment as the passenger side has a larger blind spot.
- Workers should keep a safe distance from all sides of the heavy equipment while it is in use.
- Be aware of the swing radius on certain equipment and, if possible, cordon off the area with barriers or caution tape.
- Wear high visibility clothing and Personal Protective Equipment
- Never work under a suspended or overhead load
- Always stay alert