Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What are some of the first things you should do before beginning work on a site?
Before beginning work, be sure to understand the conditions of your site. Locate the restricted zones where operation is not allowed and keep those in mind, and then can the operations area for any potential problems (poor road conditions, traffic hazards, or blocked intersections). Lastly, you should arrange to have a spotter at all locations where it will be impossible for you to verify it is safe to operate.
What items are included on a pre-operation visibility checklist?
Inspecting windows to make sure they are clean and easy to see through, verify all mirrors and camera systems are clean and not damaged, operate the backup alarm, horns, or any other alarm, and ensure all lights and signaling indicators are working.
What precautions should be taken when driving in bad weather?
Bad weather can make it even more difficult to see pedestrians and other hazards around heavy equipment. When driving in bad weather you should: drive slower than normal, be more cautious, turn on your lights, and make sure to use your wipers in rain or snow.
What should you never do when maneuvering heavy equipment around people?
You should never maneuver heavy equipment so that a person is between the equipment and a wall or fixed object. This is to prevent the vehicle from moving forward and crushing or impaling someone.