2. This material was produced under grant number SH-22248-11-61-F-54
from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade
names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by
the U.S. Government.
2
3. Objectives
• After this module you should be able to
– identify the most common equipment
hazards
– take the steps necessary to avoid those
hazards
5. 5
No Riders on Equipment
• Most equipment does not have an extra
seat, but some workers allow riders.
• Any rider for any reason is a safety
hazard.
• Most importantly a rider could:
– Fall from the equipment.
– Be run over.
– Become entangled in equipment.
– Be killed.
7. 7
Chipper Safety Precautions
• Wear a hard hat, sturdy slip-resistant footwear, eye
protection, hearing protection, gloves without cuffs, and
pants without cuffs.
• Keep shirtsleeves buttoned and shirts tucked into pants.
• Read the operators manual and complete training on
proper use and safety precautions before using it.
• Do not work alone when using a chipper or shredder.
• Test all safety and emergency shut-off devices before
operating the chipper or shredder.
• Make sure the material to be chipped is free from stones,
metal, and other foreign objects.
9. 9
General Power Mower Safety
• Begin by reading the operator’s manual.
• Wear protective, close-fitting clothing.
• Use hearing protection if indicated by the
operator’s manual.
• Take mowers out of gear before starting.
• Read all warning labels.
• Obey the warning labels!
• When mowing on a slope with a riding
mower, you should mow down the slope
10. 10
Walk Behind Mower Precautions
• Start push mowers from a firm stance with
feet in a safe position.
• When mowing on a slope with a push
mower, you should mow across the slope.
• In the event of a fall, push the mower
away from the body.
12. 12
Preventing Overturns
• Safe work practices are necessary.
• Most overturns occur to the side.
• Select a low gear and match speed to
conditions and loads.
• If a front-end loader is mounted, keep it as
low as possible.
• Always remember, If you are
uncomfortable on the slope, it’s too steep.
13. 13
Rollover Protective Structure
• A rollover protective
structure (ROPS) will
offer significant
protection.
• These roll-bars are
designed to withstand the
dynamic forces during a
rollover.
• You must wear your
seatbelt for the ROPS to
be effective.
15. 15
Heavy Equipment Safety
• Inspected, operated and maintained
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions (OSHA Requires it.)
• Operated by designated employees.
• Operated so no hazards are created for
other workers.
• Practice safe excavation techniques.
• Read and follow all warnings on
machinery.
16. 16
Visibility and Safety
• All vehicle and
machine glass must
be kept clean.
• Free from scratches.
• Broken, missing or
cracked glass must
be replaced.
• Visibility and safety
go hand in hand !
19. 19
Most importantly, working safely around heavy
equipment requires good judgment.
Don’t takes risks like this worker is doing.
20. 20
Excavation Safety
• Never enter a vertical sided trench unless it is
less then 5 feet deep and determined to be
safe.
• Never enter a trench deeper then 5 feet
unless a protective system is used.
• Sloping, shoring, and shielding are examples
of protective systems.
• Sloping may be the easiest for landscapers.
23. 23
Traffic control
• This single cone is not
enough traffic control.
• Barricades should be
erected to detour the
passage vehicles from
hazardous areas.
• If there are questions
about which signs should
be used, refer to the
State Traffic Control
Manual for guidance.
24. 24
Traffic Control
• Flag persons should be properly dressed
– Bright orange, yellow, or yellow green vest
(reflective at night)
– Hard hat
– Flag (18” X 18”) or STOP / SLOW sign
– Always stand on the berm next to the traffic you
are controlling or in the barricaded lane.
– UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES stand in the
lane being used by traffic.
26. Check Your Knowledge
1. As an operator, how often should you
inspect your piece of equipment?
a. the first day of the work week
b. once a month
c. each day prior to operation
d. never, the mechanics will do that
27. Check Your Knowledge
2. What should you do with a piece of
equipment when the backup alarm is
not functioning properly?
a. operate it with caution
b. operate it as usual
c. pull it from service
d. pull it from service, tag, and repair it
28. Check Your Knowledge
3. What should a ground worker do
before approaching a piece of
equipment and its operator?
a. make eye contact
b. signal the operator
c. wait for their approval
d. all of the above
29. 29
Check Your Knowledge
4. Which of the following about rollover
protective structures is False?
A. ROPS are designed to withstand forces in a
rollover.
B. ROPS do not prevent rollovers but are effective in
preventing death or injury.
C. Wearing a seatbelt is not necessary when
operating equipment with ROPS.
D. ROPS must meet standards and regulations to
ensure adequate protection.
