Safety First: 13 Essential Tips for Using Construction Equipment Rentals
Construction equipment, such as dozers and other earth moving kit, provide easy ways to power through tough jobs. But to do so, enormous levels of force are needed – and with that comes an inherent danger to those in the vicinity and those operating the equipment.
In adherence with Work, Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, the following are 11 important tips that should always be followed when using construction equipment.
Training: Without fail, no one should operate machinery that they haven’t been trained to use. Whether this is an initial training course or a mandatory refresher, the right training is key to preventing accidents or even fatalities.
Familiarity: This includes both individual pieces of equipment and the whole range that is on a construction site. Everyone who enters a zone where construction equipment is being used should know what’s in use and where it is – even if they aren’t going to use some or any of it.
Wear Hi-Viz and appropriate safety gear: Again, everyone on site should, at a minimum, be wearing a Hi-Viz vest and a safety helmet. There may well be extra safety equipment needed for those operating or working close by certain pieces of construction equipment. Ear defenders, safety goggles, steel-capped boots and gloves are all examples of these.
Have clearly defined no-go zones: When any piece of construction equipment is in use, a no-go area should be set up around it. This covers a larger region than the intended workspace, plus areas where the operator might not have a clear, unobstructed view. It should be large enough to allow extra room for error. Equipment operators should ensure the no-go zone is adequately marked before commencing work and site workers should, without exception, always respect the marked no-go zone.
Know and respect equipment load limits: Every piece of equipment has this; Operators should familiarise themselves with the limits before use and adhere to them without fail.
Carry out maintenance inspections: While equipment should undergo specific maintenance checks according to manufacturer recommendations, every piece of kit must also undergo a daily check before use. Operators should take responsibility for doing this before commencing a task. When one worker takes over from another, they should perform another check, even though the previous user will have done their own earlier.
Site communication: Construction sites are noisy places, therefore shouts and yells often go unheard. An effective form of communication should be set up and understood by everyone onsite. This will include hand signals, such as those set up by Safe Work Australia.
Ensure secure work areas: Construction equipment should only be used in a clearly marked out working area. Signs prohibiting entry to all but essential personnel should be in place.
Slopes equal increased risk: When using construction equipment on slopes, ensure the correct stabilisation is in place and the right machinery is used. Slopes affect machinery balance, meaning both operators and those working in the area should be aware of limitations and the increased dangers. Machinery should always be used in an up slope-down slope position, rather than across a horizontal plane.
A tidy site is a safe site: Loose objects increase the risk of accidents. This includes tools, machinery and other items. Heavy construction machinery and the associated forces can cause unsecured objects to become projectiles, should an incident occur.
Always wear safety belts: If a piece of construction equipment has a safety belt fitted – wear it at all times.
Familiarise yourself with the surroundings: Before operating any construction equipment, look around the working area for hazards. Are there electricity cables, holes, drop-offs or anything else that presents a danger? If so, take the appropriate steps to secure these before work commences.
Exit the equipment safely: Never jump out of the operator’s seat. Use the three-point-of-contact method, whereby you either have two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in contact with the frame at all times.
Safety must always be given the highest priority. At McMahon Hire Solutions every rental has undergone stringent safety and maintenance checks before delivery. Whether it’s compaction rental, earth moving – such as dozers or loaders – material handling equipment or anything else, you can rest assured that every rental is fit for purpose and uses the latest technology.
Get in contact today to find out why we’re fast becoming the preferred provider of construction equipment in Melbourne and across the wider Victoria state.