Grader Operator Safety
The Captain of the High Blade
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First Three Things
• One Have YOU CHECK VISUALLY AND
CONFIRMED ALL FLUID LEVELS
• Two Have you review the Owner Manual
• Three you reviewed and become familiar with
all working and moving parts of the this
machine
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So you want to be a Blade Man
WORKING CONDITIONS
(The unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed and which create hardship for the incumbent including the
frequency and duration of occurrence of physical demands, environmental conditions, demands on one’s senses and metal demands.)
Physical Demands
(The nature of physical effort leading to physical fatigue)
The Grader Operator has a physically strenuous and demanding job. He/she will be lifting, pulling and managing heavy equipment and objects. The Grader
Operator will have to work in all weather, and must be prepared for both extreme heat and cold. The Grader Operator must ensure that all activities are
completed in a safe and efficient way.
Environmental Conditions
(The nature of adverse environmental conditions affecting the incumbent)
The Grader Operator must work outside in all different weather conditions including extreme cold and extreme heat. He/she may at times be exposed to
dangerous and/or toxic substances and must take necessary precautions to protect eyes, nose and skin from irritation and infection.
Sensory Demands
(The nature of demands on the incumbent’s senses)
He/she may at times be exposed to dangerous and/or toxic substances and must take necessary precautions to protect eyes, nose and skin from irritation
and infection.
Mental Demands
(Conditions that may lead to mental or emotional fatigue)
The Grader Operator must work independently and is expected to maintain a schedule of work. Any problems or inconveniences may result in increased
stress to complete tasks in a limited time.
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You have a couple of items to review
first
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Pre-Construction Work- Site Analysis
• Identify Potential Known Hazards.
• Job Conditions: Haul Roads, Access Points.
• Lay down/Storage Areas.
• Office, Tool, Storage and Change Trailers.
• Methods of Construction, (increases Risk?)
• Also Consider: Unwanted side effects of the Job
Schedule.
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Stop Accidents Before They Stop You
i. Even the best and safest grader must still be operated with
care and
knowledge of its capabilities. Common sense, observance of
safety
rules and alertness on the job will result in “ACCIDENT FREE”
days.
ii. Accidents don’t just happen – they are caused by human
error. So
the person who has the ultimate responsibility is the grader
operator
– YOU!
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PERSONS PUT AT RISK BY WORKING AROUND, OR BEING NEAR, HEAVY
EQUIPMENT WHILE IT IS OPERATING.
DIRECT PARTICIPANTS: (Need to be on site on regular basis)
Signal Persons, Observers, Flaggers, Grade Checkers, Dump Persons.
Equipment Operators, Teamsters.
Laborers, Iron Workers and Carpenters.
Foremen, Supervisors, and other related contractor staff.
Surveyors, Rodmen, Layout Crews.
Mechanics and oilers.
Any Other Crafts and/or Trades working
on the Project, or Passing
through the work areas.
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CONCERNS FOR SAFETY
PROBLEM:
YOU HAVE A CONGESTED CONSTRUCTION SITE WITH
PERSONNEL ON FOOT, AND MOBILE MACHINES WORKING
IN THE SAME AREA, AT THE SAME TIME!
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Management Commitment
• Restrict entry onto site of non-essential
personnel.
• Establish Controlled Entry Points to site.
• Coordinate Operations of Various Trades
Working in the Same Areas.
• Provide Fundamental Site Rules and Training
to all Persons at Risk.
• Adequate Lay-Down Areas Established.
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EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Keep Machine Under Control at all Times.
• Take Machine “Out of Service”, if it is Unsafe
to Operate.
• Make Sure You Are Familiar with the
Operating Characteristics of your Machine.
• Be On The Look-Out For Other Trades Working
in the Same Area.
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EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Be Aware of Other Machines Operating In the
Area. Frequently check for the Location of
other Machines. Keep Lights and Backup
Alarm in Operating Condition.
• Allow NO ONE to Ride Outside the Cab for Any
Reason!
• Clean Windows and Adjust Mirrors.
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EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
RESPONSIBILIES
• Always inform Appropriate Personnel of any
Abnormal Conditions, Defects, or Changes
made in Machine and/or Job Procedure or
Conditions.
• Report Unsafe Workers to Supervision.
• Talk-up Safety with Those Who Work with You.
Maintain “Constant Awareness”.
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EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Do Not Attempt Repairs or Maintenance that
You Do Not Understand.
• Always Check the Mirror on the Blind Side,
making Sure of Your Clearance. (Backing on
the Blind Side should be Avoided if at all
Possible).
• Learn and Follow Safe Work Practices!
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What are Motor Graders?
• A piece of heavy equipment used to level or
smooth road or other surfaces to the desired
gradient.
• Typical models have three axles, with the
engine and cab situated above the rear axles
at one end of the vehicle and a third axle at
the front end of the vehicle, with the blade in
between.
Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/grader
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We are
• Graders are multipurpose machines used
primarily for general construction and
maintenance of roads and runways, moving
large amounts of materials laterally by side
casting. Additionally, the grader can be used
for crowning and leveling roads, mixing and
spreading materials, ditching and bank
sloping, blade mixing asphalt materials, snow
removal, and scarifying.
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Motor Grader Components
Source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/f3200e/f3200e13.gif
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The parts have not changed
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Motor Grader Uses
• “Blue topping”- is in road or grading work the
surveyor places stakes and paints their tops blue
to represent the required elevation.
• Fine Grading- motor graders are used in the fine
grading of building pads and roads.
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Motor Grader Hazards
• Roll over
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Motor Grader Hazards
• Loading/Strapping
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Motor Grader Hazards
• Struck by hazards
• Hitting unknown objects
• Surveying going on in the surrounding
area
• Pinch points
• Slips and falls
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EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
RESPONSIBILITIES
• SPECIFIC:
• The Most Dangerous Movement is Backing!
• Know Where your Blind Spots Are.
• Look For People on Foot Around You.
• STOP! When Signaled; When Waived at
Violently; Or If You Are In Doubt….
• Maintain a Safe Operating Speed.
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Blind Areas: Getting struck or
run over
DRIVER’S and OPERATORS
What happens when you can’t see around you?
HAZARDS: “Roadway Construction Worker
Dies From Crushing Injuries
When Backed Over by a
● Running over or striking Dump Truck”
pedestrians
● Smashing site materials
and tools
● Striking other equipment
or vehicles
● Rollover on steep slopes
Figure in white shows where the worker
● Contact with utilities was standing when he was run over.
The driver did not see the victim.
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Vehicle Blind Spots
The problem is that pedestrian or ground workers
Often need to be near moving equipment and vehicles
to perform their work.
Construction equipment is
typically large and has an
enclosed cab, which can
make the blind areas around
this equipment very large
and hard to see.
The bigger the equipment
the larger the blind spots or
hazardous areas for
Operator’s view from inside a
motor grader cab pedestrians and ground
workers.
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Fatalities Involving Motor Graders
• From 1991 to 2007 there have been 55 total recorded
deaths while operating/using a lowboy.
• 33 struck by
• 8 caught in between
• 1 busted pipe
• 5 roll over
• 1 pinch point
• 7 miscellaneous
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Actual Cases
• At approximately 1:25 p.m. on May 28, 1991, employee
#1 was walking behind the rear of a road grader that was
backing up. The reverse alarm was sounding and was
audible, according to witnesses. Suddenly the employee
was caught on her left side by the left rear wheel of the
grader and pulled under both tires. Employee #1
sustained injuries to her body including head, leg, and
abdominal injuries which led to her death.
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Actual Cases
• Employee #1 had started his galion road grader and left it
idling in gear to let the engine and transmission oils
warm up. While the machine was idling, he started to
climb down from the machine. As he did this he
apparently slipped and hit the accelerator pedal, causing
the engine to speed up. As the machine started forward,
employee #1 fell in front of the left front rear wheel and
was run over. He suffered massive internal injuries and
was pronounced dead.
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Best Practices
• PPE- foot protection, hi-visibility vest, hard hat,
eye protection, and hand gloves.
• Always maintain 3 points of body contact when
entering or leaving cabin.
• Check condition of, and adjust mirrors to provide
good rear and side vision.
• Check terrain and area being graded for rocks,
stumps or other obstacles that could cause
machine to stop suddenly when grading or
ripping.
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Best Practices
• Perform a walk-around before beginning work
with the equipment.
• Use flashing light to warn others of presence
when operating in vicinity of other machinery,
persons, or in close proximity to traffic on
roadways, etc.
• Ensure that all safeguards and covers are
fitted correctly and closed.
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Potential Mishap Outcomes
• Caught in between
• Struck by
• Falls
• Electrocution
Leading to property damage, injury, death
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Direct Causes of Equipment
Related Mishaps
• Poorly maintained equipment.
• Operator error.
• Unqualified operator.
• Improper selection and use of
equipment.
• Unsafe work practices.
• Inclement weather.
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Inspections, Tests, Maintenance,
and Repairs
Before initial use, vehicles
not otherwise inspected
by Provincial or local
authorities, shall be
inspected by a qualified
mechanic and found in
safe operating condition
and in compliance with all
required published vehicle
safety standards. The
inspection shall be
documented and available
for inspection on the work
site.
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Back-up Alarms
• All self-propelled
construction and
industrial
equipment,
whether moving
alone or in
combination, shall
be equipped with a
back-up alarm.
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Guarding
• All belts, gears, shafts,
pulleys, sprockets,
spindles, drums,
flywheels, chains, or
other reciprocating,
rotating, or moving
parts of equipment
shall be guarded when
exposed to contact by
persons or when they
otherwise create a
hazard.
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Machinery & Mechanized
Equipment
Seatbelts and anchorages meeting the requirements of 49 CFR 571 shall be installed
and worn in all motor vehicles (installation and usage on buses is optional).
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Equipment Modification
No modifications
or additions that
affect the capacity
or safe operation
of machinery or
equipment shall be
made without the
manufacturer's
written approval.
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Safe Operating Condition
• Whenever any machinery or
equipment is found to be unsafe,
or whenever a deficiency that
affects the safe operation of
equipment is observed, the
equipment shall be immediately
taken out of service and its use
prohibited until unsafe conditions
have been corrected.
18.G.05
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Safe Operating Condition
• Machinery or
equipment shall
not be operated
in a manner that
will endanger
persons or
property nor
shall the safe
operating
speeds or loads
be exceeded.
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Steering or Spinner Knobs
Steering or spinner knobs
shall not be attached to the
steering wheel unless the
steering mechanism
prevents road reactions
from causing the steering
hand wheel to spin.
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Safe Operations
• Each grader, and other
similar equipment shall be
equipped with at least one
dry chemical or CO2 fire
extinguisher with a minimum
10BC
rating of 10-B:C.
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Lets Start
PRE-START CHECKS
1. Check Grader and Attachments
i. Walk Around Check – loose bolts, trash build-up, oil or coolant
leaks, damaged tires.
ii. Visually Inspect –
• Controls
• Engine Compartment
• Cooling System
• Gear Boxes
• Linkages
• Scarifier
• Blade and End Bits
• Rim Lugs
• Hydraulic System
• Tandem Hosing
iii. Note – Make sure all safety equipment is working and clean.
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Check
And Check again
i. All Signals and Flashing Lights
ii. Rotating Dome Light
iii. Wing Lights
iv. Tail and Stop Lights
v. Back Up Beeper
vi. Headlights
vii. Blade Lights
viii. Flags on Mould Board and Cab
ix. Slow Moving Vehicle Sign
Note: It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that
motorists are given as much warning as possible.
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2Fueling
i. Use Caution – never refuel while engine is
running.
ii. Ground the filler spout against the filler neck
to avoid spark.
iii. Put out cigarettes before checking or adding
fuel.
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Coolant Check
i. Loosen radiator cap slightly, pause to relieve pressure slowly, then
remove cap.
ii. Never pour cold coolant into the radiator if the engine is hot.
2. Check the Area
i. Walk completely around and make sure there is no one next to,
under, or on the machine – warn others if you start up.
3. Starting
i. Check Grader for Warning Tags
ii. Controls in Neutral
iii. Park Brake Set
iv. Sound Horn
v. Check Gauges After Engine Start
vi. Shut Down if Gauges Show Improper Reading
vii. Test All Controls
viii. Test Brakes
ix. Test Steering
x. Test Engine Governing, Control and Accelerator
xi. Listen and report unusual noises
xii. Recheck Lights, Back-up Alarms and Other Warning or Safety
Devices
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Safety Notes
i. Never operate electric starter for more than 30 seconds. Allow 2
minutes for cooling before starting again.
ii. An overheated starter could cause a fire.
iii. In cold weather starts, starting fluid may be required.
-Remember- this fluid is flammable – Use With Care!!
Report Necessary Repairs – if daily check uncovers an item that
needs attention, repair, replacement, or adjustment – Report It Now!
Even a minor problem could cause a very large one if the grader is
operated.
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OPERATING SAFETY TIPS
1. Look behind the machine before and while backing up.
2. Be aware of overhangs, electric wires, slide areas or other dangerous
conditions.
3. Match speed with job conditions.
4. Know traffic pattern of job site, obey flag person, road signs and signals.
5. Stay in proper gear when traveling downhill, never coast in neutral, use
engine R. P. M. to help maintain control.
6. Use parking brake when parking at all times.
7. Always operate controls from the operator station.
8. Get help for jobs such as adjusting links if necessary.
9. Use proper hitch equipment and technique when towing the grader.
10. Watch out for bridge abutments, guard railings and other obstacles.
11. No riders are permitted anywhere on the grader except in the cab.
12. When stopped lower all raised equipment (mould bar, scarifier).
13. When using a tow cable, ensure everyone is away from potential “whip”
area should the cable snap.
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SERVICE AND REPAIR
• 1. EMERGENCY SERVICE AND REPAIR
• i. Read and understand the grader Maintenance Manual.
• ii. Keep hands and clothing away from moving parts.
• iii. Wear eye protection – fluids (fuel, oil) can damage your eyes.
• iv. Wear a hard hat and safety shoes.
• v. Be sure engine is stopped before cleaning, servicing, checking
belt
• tension, adjusting brake or clutch or working on hydraulic system
• vi. If engine must be run – set brakes, transmission in neutral, block
• the wheels, have one man at the controls and the other working on
• the engine.
• vii. Battery gas is explosive – do not smoke near the battery or have
• open flame near it.
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BLOCKING EQUIPMENT
i. If any equipment must be raised before servicing, the equipment
must be blocked securely and the grader wheels must be blocked.
ii. When jacking up a vehicle, use a suitable jack and block the wheels.
iii. Before working under or on a jacked vehicle, support the vehicle
securely on axle stands or other rigid supports.
PRESSURIZED SYSTEMS
i. Relieve all pressure (water or hydraulic) before opening or removing
any caps, lines, valves or fittings.
ii. Hot oil can be dangerous.
iii. Lower all hydraulically activated equipment before servicing the
hydraulic system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
i. Observe all cautions for battery installation and booster
connections.
BRAKES
i. Follow manufacturer’s instructions exactly when adjusting the
brakes.
ii. Improper adjustment can lead to accidents.
iii. Block wheels before bleeding wheel cylinders.
iv. Air trapped in brake lines will cause erratic performance.
v. Use only brake fluid type recommended by manufacturer.
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PARKING AND DISABLED GRADER
1. Parking Precautions
i. Select level ground where possible.
ii. Roads are not parking areas and should not be used for this
purpose.
iii. If possible, park on an approach or in a ditch or field – keep all
parts of the grader as far away as possible from the traveled portion
of the roadway.
iv. If the grader is disabled and cannot be moved from the roadway –
put out flags and flares (flares are mandatory at night and during
periods of poor visibility).
v. Use flashing lights on the grader.
vi. If the grader is disabled in a location where its location cannot be
seen by motorists, additional warnings must be given (signage, flagperson).
vii. Have the grader removed from the roadway as soon as possible.
2. Shutdown Procedure
i. Lower all equipment to the ground.
ii. Reduce engine speed.
iii. Transmission neutral.
iv. Set park brake.
v. Allow engine to cool gradually.
vi. Stop engine.
vii. Secure machine to prevent unauthorized starting and movement.
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HAZARDS / UNSAFE CONDITIONS
1. Responsibility
YOU ARE THE EYES OF THE MUNICIPALITY
i. Hazards or unsafe conditions you have seen and know about are
conditions that your municipality should know about!
ii. It is your responsibility to repair hazards immediately and to warn
motorists if the hazard is serious.
iii. Normal grading operations may be able to correct some problems
but, if they cannot be corrected immediately, warnings must be
given to motorists and the Maintenance Foreman must be
contacted.
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Types
i. Obscured, damaged or missing signage
ii. Obscured intersections
iii. Loose gravel, very soft shoulders
iv. Oil spills
v. Potholes
vi. Plugged, damaged or exposed culverts
vii. Ditch blockages
viii. Frost heaves
ix. Water ponding on roads
x. Settled utility cuts
xi. Edge ruts
xii. Intersections requiring sweeping
xiii. Damaged bridge decks
xiv. Damaged guard rails
xv. Weed, tree and vegetation encroachment onto road surface
xvi. Non-existent or poor signage at a construction site
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Stuck call for back up
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Authorized Operator
• Drilling equipment shall
be operated only by
qualified (by training
and experience)
personnel who are
authorized by their
respective employer to
operate subject
equipment.
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That means
• Conduct walk around inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Demonstrate component identification.
• Demonstrate understanding of safe motor grader operation.
• Demonstrate capability to safely operate the motor grader.
• Demonstrate various maneuvers and techniques associated with
effective operation.
• Understand key aspects of transporting.
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A Few simple daily rules
Operational safety means staying alert. It only takes a brief distraction to cause injury or equipment damage.
Please remember these safety tips while operating your motor grader:
1. Read the operator’s manual.
2. Always perform a pre-trip inspection.
3. Clean windows, lights, etc. and any debris from floor of grader.
4. Do not let anyone ride along (inside or outside).
5. Look, then check again, before backing up.
6. Drive at a slow speed in congested areas.
7. Give the right-of-way to loaded vehicles.
8. Watch for overhead dangers.
9. Know your work area: check weight limitations, types of surfaces,
and clearances.
10. Report defective equipment immediately.
11. Stay focused on the job.
12. Select a safe parking area.
13. Wear hardhats and seatbelts.
14. Wear safety gloves and appropriate safety gear.
15. Remove ignition key when leaving grader.
16. Ground the blade when leaving grader unattended.
17. Use colored flags at each end of moldboard when blading.
18. Shift blade to center and lock it when parking.
19. Be aware that boarding and exiting grader may
put you in danger of slipping, tripping or falling. Use a three-point
(two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands) approach
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They don’t come with but you will
need
Safety Equipment Suggestions
Reflective Vest
Hard Hat
Radio or Phone
Road Work Ahead Sign
Close Fitting Clothing
Work Gloves
Ear Protection
Safety Work Shoes
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Know the Safe systems and procedures for:
• operation and maintenance of a grader
• ensuring loads are secure and within working specifications
• identification and avoidance of obstacles during loads hifting operation
• hazard and risk control
• operator position to maintain unobstructed view of load
• handling including lifting and carrying
• manual handling
• the application of emergency/defensive action and techniques for controlling load
• handling, application and storage of hazardous substances
• outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, noise, dust, rubbish
• the protection of people in the workplace
• the appropriate use and maintenance of personal protective equipment
• calculating loads
• where applicable use lifting equipment and associated gear to manufacturers’
specifications
• extreme environment temperatures (hot/cold)
• use of high visibility clothing/reflective vests.
• working in confined spaces, for example tool rooms.
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Summary
• Equipment must be in safe operating
condition.
• Operator’s must trained and qualified in
the equipment they are operating.
• Equipment must be operated and
inspected in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations,
contract requirements and requirements
of this manual.
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