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Heavy equipment can present a serious safety hazard on any work site. The same power that makes the equipment so useful can also jeopardize the safety of those who work around it. Luckily, proper pre- and post-operation safety inspections can help minimize the risk associated with heavy equipment.
Heavy equipment safety inspections are a vital part of maintaining a safe work environment, and play a key role in preventative maintenance programs. Spotting small problems before they have an opportunity to cause major damage can save a company from expensive repair bills and reduce the possibility of schedule-destroying downtime.
To help prevent workplace accidents, here is a basic heavy equipment safety checklist for you to consider and supplement:
Heavy equipment safety inspections are a vital part of maintaining a safe work environment, and play a key role in preventative maintenance programs. Spotting small problems before they have an opportunity to cause major damage can save a company from expensive repair bills and reduce the possibility of schedule-destroying downtime.
To help prevent workplace accidents, here is a basic heavy equipment safety checklist for you to consider and supplement:
Heavy Equipment Safety Inspection Checklist
- Look all around under the machine to ensure there are no visible leaks or pools of fluid. If there are, the source must be identified so the leak can be repaired.
- Inspect the tires, rims and undercarriage for the accumulation of dirt or debris, excessive wear and any type of visible damage. Problems in these areas can pose serious safety concerns and diminish the machine's performance.
- Remove any dirt, mud, debris and material anywhere around the radiator, other engine parts, and in the engine compartment. All engine parts need to be able to move, breathe and cool properly; the accumulation of any foreign matter can interfere with these functions.
- Take a look at the air, fuel, oil and other filters, keeping an eye out for damage or leaks. It's generally pretty inexpensive and easy to replace a problem filter, but the same cannot always be said for the damage that can result from unaddressed filter problems.
- Check the fan, alternator and other belts, looking for wear, frays or other damage. Just like with filters, you can greatly minimize machine downtime and costs by catching and addressing belt problems early.
- Inspect the heavy equipment's greasing points, grease joints and high-friction areas as needed to ensure smooth, efficient operations and prevent undue wear and damage. Reference your operator's manual for details about grease points and frequency.
- Check hydraulic connections, pressure and the entire coupling structure; don't forget to release pressure when taking off attachments.
- Pay attention to buckets, teeth and other ground tools, making sure there are no breaks or damage. Problems with these components can greatly impede productivity, fuel efficiency, safety and can lead to structural wear and damage.
- Confirm that the attachment mount-up is properly connected, including a flush and fully engaged coupler, securely connected hydraulic hoses and electrical connections.
- Take a few minutes to go over the full structure of the machine searching for overall wear, damage, or other problems.
- Give the operator's cab a once-over, and remove anything that doesn’t belong there.
- Check the operator controls, indicator and warning lights. Make sure lights and safety features, like the backup alarm and rear-view camera, are working. Look at the mirrors and position them for maximum visibility before operations.
We have compiled this list based on the OSHA Heavy Equipment and Powered Industrial Truck Use Activity Sheet, ConstructionEquipment.com suggestions, Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation guidelines, and other sources. Each of these can serve as valuable resources as you tailor these safety guidelines to your specific work environment going forward.
