Excavators are crucial heavy construction equipment that comes handy in various scenarios. If you have just earned your credentials in how to operate excavator and you’re keen on heading to work, but you’re also a little nervous, let’s take a look at a few excavator safety tips you should never forget.
8 Safety Tips for Excavator
1. Understand Your Excavator
If you want to stay safe and operate the excavator effectively, it’s important to understand the machine you are handling. Reading the operator’s manual also helps.
2. Examine The Controls
While you may have had training in excavator operation, every machine is different so make sure you get to know each part of the machine well and learn the controls effectively.
3. Don’t Ignore Obvious Signs
A slight screech or jolt or anything out of the ordinary should be checked out at the earliest. This can avoid major mishaps and maintaining heavy equipment safety.
4. Keep It Clean
Maintenance isn’t only about the maintenance of the internal machinery, but about the outsides as well. The cleaner you keep the machine, the better it will perform. The machines hydraulic oil should be changed regularly. This should ideally be between the 2000 and 4000-hour mark. Refer to the equipment Operator’s Manual for scheduled maintenance intervals.
5. Use The Right Brand
Always use a hydraulic oil brand that is recommended by the manufacturer of the excavator. This helps to keep it healthier. In addition to voiding the manufacturer’s warranty, the wrong hydraulic oil could have incorrect viscosity and will cause the excavator to malfunction, overheating, or unplanned breakdowns.
6. Plan Your Execution
Once you know what needs to get done, plan your route, and how you will go about your day step by step.
7. Start Right
Before you begin the excavator, ensure you clean the glass of the cab properly so you have a clear vision of what you are dealing with.
8. Three-Point Method
Always use the three-point method when climbing in or getting out of the cab. This means to keep both hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in constant contact with the machine as you move the other limb.
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Take your time and understand the excavator as well as its limits so you are confident each time you are operating it. Keep an eye on the surrounding areas while you are working on the excavator. If you notice that something doesn’t seem right, act fast to avoid a major mishap. Ensure that your feet or your footwear and hands are clean and do not have any grease or mud while you are entering the cab.
All of this is something that the top heavy equipment colleges of America will teach you so choose wisely. Before you take on any project, make sure you have a clear understanding of OSHA guidelines.
