At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Describe best practices to follow before mounting heavy equipment
- Define "three points of contact"
- Describe how tools and other items should be brought into or onto heavy equipment
- List safety guidelines when mounting and dismounting heavy equipment
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What should I do to prepare to mount heavy equipment?
When preparing to mount heavy equipment, ensure there is proper lighting, always wear proper clothing and footwear, and be sure to stretch.
What is meant by "three points of contact"?
"Three points of contact" means that when climbing onto or down from equipment you should always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with a support.
How should I carry items onto heavy equipment?
Tools, paperwork, etc. should be carried up in a tool belt or using a drop rope.
When dismounting equipment which direction should I be facing?
Always face the equipment when mounting or dismounting, and never jump down when descending.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
When mounting or dismounting equipment, maintain three points of contact with the access supports. This means that at all times you have either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with a support. Maintaining three points of contact is a safeguard against one foot slipping or losing your handgrip.
Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA etools - https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/operations/maneuvering.html
- OSHA Grant Materials - https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy07/sh-16625-07/slipstripsfalls.ppt