Seeing heavy equipment in a work site can be quite impressive and intimidating. They look like huge beasts made of metal and wire, these machines help humans to complete jobs that would otherwise be impossible to finish. But, as with any powered machine, caution is needed in handling such equipment. It’s imperative to keep safety in mind when handling any heavy equipment such as excavators, lifts, etc. This is particularly true if you are new to handling machinery and equipment.
Below are 5 safety tips to remember when handling heavy equipment:
- Undergo the right training before handling any heavy equipment.
Knowing how to operate specific heavy equipment is important for your own safety. You can learn how to handle such equipment by reading the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual or by enrolling in training courses. An operator who doesn’t have the right knowledge and skill poses danger to the equipment, himself and others on the work site. Make sure also to tell what you will be doing with heavy machinery to the professionals you’re renting from. They can also give you a lot of advice.
- Be careful when getting on a heavy equipment.
Do you know the most common injury that happens at a worksite? It’s not falling bricks or cranes tipping over. The most common worksite related injury comes from getting on and off heavy machinery. So when you board a heavy equipment, wear gloves and boots and have a secure grip on the handles of the equipment. During rainy or wet conditions, make sure to be extra cautious with the steps and handles may be slippery. Cotton gloves in Singapore is also a good way to prevent slippery hands.
- Make sure there are no people around the equipment.
People would love to see heavy equipment in action. An experienced heavy equipment operator knows that people crowding around a machine is very dangerous. Groundworkers must stand clear when a machine operation is starting so chances of injury are minimized. As a heavy equipment operator, you should use your horn or other communication channels to inform those on the ground to stand back.
- Always wear personal protective gears.
PPEs or personal protective gears must always be worn at all times in a worksite. This includes gears like a hard hat, gloves, boots, fall gear and more. By wearing protective gears, a worker greatly lessens the chances of acquiring injuries on work sites. Although they may be weighty to wear, the purpose is for the overall safety of the wearer. So it’s better to be proactive instead of being reactive.
- Don’t exceed the prescribed payload of the machine.
Every heavy equipment has a corresponding manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual. It is here that you will ding the maximum payload of that certain equipment. Don’t ever exceed on the equipment’s payload as this will increase the chances of machine malfunctions.
Contact Rockwell Engineering if you need an excavator rental in Singapore.
