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