Safety Measures When Working Around Heavy Equipment
All workers must follow safe work practices to help prevent accidents and injuries when working near or operating heavy equipment.
- Visible Clothing: Wear high-visibility clothing at all times so that operators and other workers can see you clearly.
- Visibility: Do not assume that heavy equipment operators can see you. Always make your presence known.
Workers should not assume heavy equipment operators can see them.
- Keep all back-up alarms working properly: These alarms are essential for warning nearby workers when equipment is moving in reverse.
- Rollover protection systems: Heavy equipment must be equipped with rollover protective systems, such as outriggers, to prevent injury if the equipment tips over.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear a seat belt and the required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, gloves, steel toe shoes, and reflective clothing.
- Hearing Protection: Use appropriate hearing protection when working around loud equipment to protect against hearing loss.
- Clothing: Do not wear loose-fitting clothing that could get caught in moving parts of the equipment.
- Access and Egress: Never jump onto or off heavy equipment. Use the proper steps or ladders to enter and exit safely.
- Operator Operation: Operate the equipment only from the designated operator's seat. Never use the controls from any other position.
- Riding on Equipment: Never allow anyone to ride on the equipment unless the equipment is designed to carry passengers.
- Refueling Equipment: Do not refuel heavy equipment while the engine is running. Turn off the engine before refueling to prevent fires or explosions.
- No Smoking: Do not smoke when refueling. Fuel vapors are flammable and can ignite easily.
- No Vaping: Do not vape while refueling. The heat or spark from the device’s battery or heating element can ignite flammable fuel vapors.
Following these safety practices helps protect everyone on the job site and supports a safe work environment when working around heavy equipment.
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4-5. What is a safe work practice when working around heavy equipment?
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