5 Safety Tips Every Excavator Operator Should Follow

Excavators are the most demanding equipment in the construction and mining industries. The excavator is powerful and multifunctional and is used for digging, trenching, demolition, and moving materials from one place to another. This power and versatility come with various risks if not operated carefully and efficiently. Unlike other vehicles, the excavator is very complicated to handle and needs a trained operator.

We know excavators work in challenging conditions, and there are a lot of measures that should be taken to maintain excavators. However, besides maintenance, the excavator’s operator should follow essential safety tips to prevent accidents or unfortunate events. It is very necessary to ensure operators’ and crew member’s safety. No matter how experienced the operator is when it comes to excavators, the operator must ensure proper safety measures before starting an excavator so that everyone is at the job site. It is very much necessary to follow a comprehensive safety plan; otherwise, the possibility of significant risk could occur. Here are a few safety tips that should be followed while operating an excavator.

1. Ensuring to wear proper gear

Excavators are generally used in construction sites. Multiple uses of excavators include demolition and moving things from one site to another. This process involves risk factors for the operators. It is very essential to wear proper protective equipment (PPE) while operating an excavator. Not only is it necessary for the operator but also for other crew who are working on the site and mostly around the excavator.

 Protective gear includes a hard hat that protects your head from falling debris, which is very common in construction sites. A steel toe boot protects your feet from heavy materials like rocks, concrete, debris, etc. A high-visibility vest that makes you visible to other co-workers and is necessary in low-light areas because these heavy works are often assigned at night to prevent disturbances. Gloves are essential gear to wear for operating the excavator and material handling. Lastly, to protect your ear from heavy noises generated from the machines.

2. Proper inspection of the machine

This is one of the major safety measures one has to follow. An excavator is a huge machine and involves different parts. If a single part is not functioning properly, then the excavator can malfunction, which can lead to accidents or mishaps. So, to avoid this, proper checking of the machine is very much necessary before and after the task. An all-around inspection is necessary to check that the excavator is in working condition and ready for the day’s task.

One of the very important components of an excavator is the hydraulic system. It is very important to check the hydraulic oil regularly. Insufficient or dirty oil can lead to damage to the hydraulic system. The undercarriage, tracks, rollers, sprockets, and idlers go under pressure. It is very important to maintain the undercarriages because, in India, excavators operate in varied and rough terrains. One important thing to check regularly is the track tension. The track must not be too loose or too tight. Uneven adjustment of tracks can lead to unnecessary stress on the tracks. The engine is the main source of power, so its maintenance is one of the top priorities. Operators should regularly check the signs of damage, such as overheating or poor fuel efficiency. Unusual smoke or smell from the engine can be alarming and need to be checked promptly and treatment to be done to prevent further damage.

3. Be aware of your surroundings.

Excavators generally work on rough and uneven grounds. So, excavators are prone to accidents. Chances of tripping increase in the case of slopes. These can be prevented by taking several safety measures. Marking the work area can ensure no unwanted entry is allowed. The work zone must be made clear, and no personnel, workers, or equipment are there. This increases the chances of accidents. When operating in a crowded area, apart from the operator, an assistant or spotter is required to guide the operator. In hilly regions, extra attention is to be given so that the excavator doesn’t trip in down slopes. Sudden movements need to be avoided to maintain control. The buckets can be used to stabilize the machine in hilly regions. Taking these measures can ensure safety while working in different terrains.

4. Expertise in operating excavators

The important job is to operate an excavator. The excavator’s operator is specially trained in operating the excavator and its different attachments. One must possess an ‘excavator license’ or ‘heavy equipment operator certification’ to become eligible for operating an excavator. To get this license, one has to attain training courses and hand-to-hand training. If the operator is inefficient, then it can lead to high chances of accidents. An excavator operator must know all the parts and attachments of the excavators. An excavator comes with different attachments. Different attachments have different functions. So, knowledge of different attachments is necessary.

5. Operating excavators properly

It is very essential to properly follow the procedures while doing a specific task. These heavy machines come with great risk factors and responsibility. Staying focused comes first under the basic principles of the operation. There is no scope for distraction, as it can lead to accidents. If the operator is feeling fatigued, sleepy, or unwell, he can rest. In some situations or terrain where the terrain or conditions are difficult, it is necessary to pause and understand the problem before acting. The excavator comes with different weight capacities. The excavator that you are using must not exceed the weight capacity of the machine or it will not function properly or can lead to sudden failure. The operator must efficiently balance the load while increasing and decreasing to prevent accidents. The boom and the bucket should be properly angled while lifting. When it comes to digging, the operator must be aware of the location. One must verify and make sure of underground hazards, which can be ensured by using tools. There are underground cables, pipelines, gas lines, etc. that can be present underground. Proper verification is necessary from authorities of the presence of lines.

Conclusion

There are many challenges in the excavation process, but it is also a very exciting job. By complying with the above safety measures and adhering to safety equipment, accidents can be easily avoided and ensure productivity and safe work.