Materials Handling Equipment

 

For construction, materials handling equipment covers a wide range of jobsite workhorses. OSHA divides materials handling equipment into two groups: earthmoving, and lifting and hauling equipment. Earthmoving equipment primarily moves dirt around, but some can double as materials haulers. Lifting and hauling equipment moves raw materials around your jobsite.

Earthmoving equipment—includes scrapers, loaders, bulldozers, off-highway trucks, graders, tractors, and similar vehicles. Some OSHA rules for this type of equipment are:

·            Seat belts must be provided on all equipment covered by the OSHA's materials handling rules but are not required on equipment designed for stand up operation only.

·            No construction equipment can be driven on any access roadway or grade unless it is specifically made to safely handle the equipment involved.

·            All earthmoving equipment must have service brakes that can stop and hold the equipment when fully loaded.

·            All bidirectional machines, such as rollers, compacters, front-end loaders, bulldozers, and similar equipment, must be equipped with a horn, distinguishable above the construction noise. The horn must work at all times and operate as needed when the machine is moving in either direction.

·            You cannot use earthmoving or compacting equipment with an obstructed view to the rear in reverse unless it has a reverse signal alarm distinguishable above the construction noise, or another employee signals that it is safe to do so.

·            During normal operation, all hazardous scissor points on front-end loaders must be guarded.

Lifting and hauling equipment—includes industrial trucks (forklifts, telescopic handlers, etc.). They must meet the following OSHA requirements.

Lift trucks, stackers, etc., must have the rated capacity clearly posted on the vehicle so the operator can see it. Ratings must never be exceeded.

No modifications or additions which affect the capacity or safe operation of the equipment can be made without the manufacturer's written approval. If modifications or changes are made, plates, tags, or decals must be changed accordingly. In no case shall the original safety factor of the equipment be reduced.

Unauthorized personnel cannot ride on powered industrial trucks. If a person is authorized to ride a truck, then a safe place to ride must be provided.

The OSHA regulations are the minimum requirements for safely operating vehicles and materials handling equipment. Your equipment operators manual is the best source for information on operating your specific piece of equipment properly and safely.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

 

Highway Construction Safety

 

Highway construction means working side by side with 3,000 pounds of metal speeding along two to three feet from you eight hours a day! Consequently, 86 workers died in 1999 from highway, street, bridge, and tunnel construction according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What are the hazards?

Traffic is not the only concern. Almost as many workers are killed by heavy equipment. Also, a number of fatalities occur when heavy equipment rolls over. Remaining hazards involve heavy lifting, falling hazards (i.e., bridge sites), overhead power lines, underground electrical lines, ungrounded electrical equipment, poorly maintained tools and jacks, unguarded moving parts, excavation cave-ins, vibrating tools, carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust, asphalt fumes, extreme heat/cold, rain and fog, and darkness at night.

How can you protect yourself?

While there are many hazards, there are also many ways to protect yourself:

·         Wear highly visible clothing and a light-colored hard hat. During the day, you must wear a vest, shirt, or jacket that is orange, yellow, yellow-green, or a fluorescent version of these colors. At night, the vest, shirt, or jacket must be retroreflective.

·         Work where drivers can see you, but as far as possible from traffic. Drivers may not be able to see you when the sun is low in the sky or when it is rainy, foggy, or dark.

·         Get in and out of traffic spaces and heavy equipment areas quickly and safely.

·         Stay alert and don't wear a radio headset.

·         Do not operate equipment or a vehicle unless you are trained and authorized.

·         Always wear your seat belt when operating equipment or vehicles.

·         Make visual contact with workers on foot near you before moving equipment.

·         Make sure equipment is inspected and corrected daily.

·         Use equipment with rollover protective structures.

·         Chock two wheels when leaving equipment.

·         If you must park your vehicle near traffic, park where drivers can see you (don't park around blind corners).

·         If working on pile driving, know the special hazards of this work.

·         If working on trenching and/or shoring associated with a work zone, be sure all excavations are being properly shored and be aware of cave-in hazards.

·         If working on a bridge over another roadway or over water, use appropriate fall protection. 

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

 

Vehicle Safety

 

Vehicles are used every day on our job sites, and we become so familiar with them that we forget the importance of vehicle safety. Here are some things we need to keep in mind when using vehicles.

Vehicles must be in proper condition. Vehicle inspections are the responsibility of each driver/operator. Check fuel, oil and water levels each day. Never take the inspection of the vehicle for granted. Look at the condition of tires and make sure that turning signals and head lights are working. Record the results of your inspection in a vehicle inspection log.

When operating a vehicle, observe these rules for vehicle safety. Always obey the speed limit. Just because the speed limit is 55 miles per hour, is that speed always safe? No. Adjust your speed for traffic, weather and other factors that can affect your ability to stop.

Equip all materials that hang over the sides or extend beyond the tailgate with red flags. Check to make sure that tail gates are closed and materials are properly secured before starting out.

The maximum number of passengers allowed in a vehicle depends on the number of seats equipped with safety belts. Safety belts are to be worn by all occupants of the vehicle. Failure to wear your seat belt could result in your termination.

Remember to drive defensively. Right of way is something to be given, not taken. When you are driving, you must be concerned about the other driver and his or her actions. Watch them while you watch yourself.

Remember to report any problems with a company vehicle to your supervisor immediately. Any abuse of company vehicles could result in your termination. Treat them with care and respect.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com