City of Vancouver Sewer's Backhoe Training and Safety Test and Reveiw.

Operating Procedures

• Pre-operational checks:
  • Inspect machine for damage or malfunctions
  • Check fluids, tires, and hydraulic systems
  • Ensure all safety features are functioning properly
• Start-up procedures:
  • Perform routine maintenance checks
  • Ensure all safety features are engaged
  • Conduct a walk-around inspection
• Operating techniques:
  • Use proper lifting and digging techniques
  • Maintain a safe distance from obstacles
  • Monitor surroundings and adapt to changing conditions

Hazard Recognition

• Common hazards:
  • Overturning or tipping
  • Crushing or pinching
  • Electrocution or electrical shock
  • Falling objects or debris
• Hazardous situations:
  • Working near power lines or other overhead obstacles
  • Operating on uneven or unstable ground
  • Lifting or moving heavy or unbalanced loads
• Hazard prevention strategies:
  • Conduct regular risk assessments
  • Implement safety protocols and procedures
  • Provide operator training and education

Machine Maintenance

• Regular maintenance tasks:
  • Check and maintain fluid levels
  • Inspect and replace worn or damaged parts
  • Perform routine cleaning and lubrication
• Maintenance schedules:
  • Daily: inspect tires, oil, and hydraulic systems
  • Weekly: inspect tracks, boom, and dipper
  • Monthly: inspect engine and transmission
• Record-keeping:
  • Log maintenance tasks and inspections
  • Track machine performance and issues

Load Management

• Load calculation:
  • Determine weight and size of load
  • Ensure load is within machine capacity
• Load handling:
  • Use proper lifting and swinging techniques
  • Avoid sudden stops or changes in direction
  • Monitor load stability and balance
• Load securing:
  • Ensure load is properly secured
  • Use tie-downs or other restraints as necessary

Safety

• Personal protective equipment (PPE):
  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Hi-vis vest
• Safety protocols:
  • Establish a safe working zone
  • Ensure clear communication among operators and site personnel
  • Conduct regular safety briefings and training
• Emergency procedures:
  • Establish emergency response plan
  • Identify nearest first aid kit and medical facilities
  • Conduct regular drills and training exercises

Operating Procedures

• Pre-operational checks include inspecting the machine for damage or malfunctions, checking fluids, tires, and hydraulic systems, and ensuring all safety features are functioning properly
• Start-up procedures involve performing routine maintenance checks, ensuring all safety features are engaged, and conducting a walk-around inspection
• Operating techniques include using proper lifting and digging techniques, maintaining a safe distance from obstacles, and monitoring surroundings and adapting to changing conditions

Hazard Recognition

• Common hazards include overturning or tipping, crushing or pinching, electrocution or electrical shock, and falling objects or debris
• Hazardous situations include working near power lines or other overhead obstacles, operating on uneven or unstable ground, and lifting or moving heavy or unbalanced loads
• Hazard prevention strategies include conducting regular risk assessments, implementing safety protocols and procedures, and providing operator training and education

Machine Maintenance

• Regular maintenance tasks include checking and maintaining fluid levels, inspecting and replacing worn or damaged parts, and performing routine cleaning and lubrication
• Maintenance schedules include daily inspections of tires, oil, and hydraulic systems, weekly inspections of tracks, boom, and dipper, and monthly inspections of the engine and transmission
• Record-keeping involves logging maintenance tasks and inspections, and tracking machine performance and issues

Load Management

• Load calculation involves determining the weight and size of the load and ensuring it is within machine capacity
• Load handling includes using proper lifting and swinging techniques, avoiding sudden stops or changes in direction, and monitoring load stability and balance
• Load securing involves ensuring the load is properly secured and using tie-downs or other restraints as necessary

Safety

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and hi-vis vest
• Safety protocols involve establishing a safe working zone, ensuring clear communication among operators and site personnel, and conducting regular safety briefings and training
• Emergency procedures include establishing an emergency response plan, identifying the nearest first aid kit and medical facilities, and conducting regular drills and training exercises

Accident Prevention

• Fatigue and work requirements should not affect good judgment; if distracted, stop the machine.
• Accidents involving powered mobile equipment can be prevented.
• The operator is the #1 safety factor in preventing incidents or accidents.
• If involved in an accident, report it immediately and document the incident.

Recognizing Safety Information

• DANGER means a situation could cause death or serious injury.
• WARNING means a situation could cause serious injury.
• CAUTION means a situation could cause moderate or minor injury.
• Read safety information to understand hazards and avoid them.

Safety Sign Objective

• Alert operators of existing or potential hazards.
• Identify hazards and describe their nature.
• Explain the potential consequences of exposure to hazards.
• Instruct on how to avoid hazards.

Follow Safety Instructions

• Read and understand the operator's manual to ensure safety.
• Ensure all decals are clean and readable.
• Always wear a seat belt when operating equipment.
• Open dialogue is essential to measure safety training program effectiveness.

Basic Safety Guidelines & Responsibilities

• Employers must ensure a safety training program is in place.
• Each job site should have a competent person responsible for training.
• Cooperation with site safety training personnel is essential.
• Equipment operators must be responsible, reliable, and follow instructions.

Reacting to Potential Safety Hazards

• Identify risks or potential hazards.
• Communicate and discuss hazards with all stakeholders.
• Eliminate or reduce hazards to an acceptable level by taking action.

Competent Individuals

• Heavy equipment operators must be competent, meaning well-trained, mechanically capable, fit, and authorized.

Safety Before Operation

• A qualified operator understands written instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
• Has training, including actual operation of the machine.
• Has a good understanding of safety rules and government regulations.

Do Not Operate Equipment

• Do not operate equipment under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications.
• Do not read, eat, or drink while operating equipment.
• Wear eye protection, and avoid hazards like reservoir oil and high-pressure hydraulic rams.

Maintenance and Repair

• Service batteries carefully, avoiding hazards like explosion and acid spills.
• Wear eye protection and follow proper procedures when servicing batteries.
• Avoid asbestos hazards, and support the machine and attachments.
• Understand MSDS information sheets and remove paint before welding or burning.

Tire Maintenance and Repair

• Look for cuts, bulges, wear, and low air pressure in tires.
• Check for missing lug bolts and always put tires in a cage when repairing.

Roll-Over Protection Structure (ROPS)

• Check for breaks in welds, missing bolts, and other issues.
• Ensure the ROPS is in good condition and ask about any changes made.

Completing Maintenance Activities

• Do a check to ensure all parts are reassembled correctly.
• Put the key back in the ignition and start the machine, letting it run for some time.
• Oily rags can self-combust, so handle them with care.

Service Batteries Carefully

• If the battery electrolyte is frozen, the battery can explode if charged or jump-started.
• Keeping the battery at full charge prevents the electrolyte from freezing.

Service Batteries Carefully

• If acid is spilled on skin, flush with water, apply baking soda or lime, and flush eyes with water.
• Get medical attention if necessary.

Beware of Exhaust Fumes

• Exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death, so ensure proper ventilation.

Mandatory Machine Inspection

• Check oil and fluid levels, cooling system, damaged or worn parts, tires, tracks, and service brakes.
• Check all hoses for cracks or leaks and perform maintenance activities according to manufacturer's specifications.

Check All Safety Equipment

• Check roll over protection structure (ROPS), falling object protective structure (FOPS), seat belts, lights, horn, and other signals.
• Check safety signs, doors, shields, guards, and covers.
• Check back-up alarm and fire extinguisher or fire suppression system.

Steps for Safe Lifting

• Understand "Basic Rigging" and inspect rigging hardware before and after use.
• Position the machine close to the load, secure the sling or chain, and coordinate hand signals with the signal person.
• Test the load prior to lifting, and lift smoothly and slowly to the designated location.
• Lower and stabilize the load by blocking if necessary, and never lift or swing loads over people.

Demolition

• Always use extreme caution when performing demolition operations as many hazards exist.
• Maintain a safe distance when reaching with the boom, and avoid using the backside of the bucket.
• Position tracks in a manner that allows an "Escape Route" and post a watch person to control the scene.