METHOD STATEMENTS FOR MOTORIZED HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND LIGHT VEHICLES

 

QHSE Documents is  A Source Of Free And Ready-to-use Health And Safety Documents Downloads For Worldwide Qhse Professionals. To download this technical guideline and method statement "Method Statements for Motorized Heavy Equipment and Light Vehicles", keep visiting site at qhsedocuements regularly, and to encourage my work, you are requested to share my work to you and your friend's social media platforms.

Table of Contents

1. PURPOSE

2. SCOPE

3. APPLICATION

4. DEFINITIONS

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

6. INSPECTIONS

6.1. General

6.2. Equipment/Vehicle Pre-Start/Walk-Around Inspection

6.3. Starting and Testing

7. EQUIPMENT/VEHICLE OPERATORS

7.1. Operation

7.2. Refueling

7.3. Operating a Power Takeoff

7.4. Parking of Heavy Equipment

7.5. Equipment/Vehicle Breakdown

7.6. Working Near Overhead Power Lines

8. SIGNAL PERSONS

9. ROAD RULES

10. STANDARD EQUIPMENT

11. MAINTENANCE

12. TRAINING AND LICENSING

13. RESOURCES

14. REFERENCES

15. ATTACHMENTS

1. PURPOSE

This practice defines the requirements for the safe operation of motorized heavy equipment and light vehicles.

2. SCOPE

This practice includes the following major sections:

• General Requirements
• Inspections
• Heavy Equipment Operators
• Signal Persons
• Road Rules
• Standard Equipment
• Maintenance
• Training and Licensing

3. APPLICATION

This practice applies to work activities and employees under the control of Fluor and its contractors.

4. DEFINITIONS

Competent Person — The person who can acknowledge and detect existing and foreseeable critical hazards in the workplace which are unsanitary, the bad practice of housekeeping, hazardous, or dangerous to workers, and who has the authorization to take immediate and prompt corrective initiatives to minimize or eliminate them.

Heavy Equipment/machinery/vehicle (types of) – Includes but is not limited to the following:

• Backhoes
• Dozers
• Front-end loaders
• Road graders
• Excavators
• Scrapers (pans)
• Skid-steers
• Dump truck
• Earthmovers
• Trucks 2 tons GVW or greater
• Grad-all’s
• Creter cranes
• Concrete pump trucks
• Vibrating compactors
• Water carts/trucks
• Rollers
• Service/re-fueling trucks
• Air tuggers

Light Vehicle – Includes but is not limited to the following types of transportation:

• Automobiles
• Trucks less than 2 tons GVW
• “Mules”
• Motorized and powered carts (including “golf club” carts)
• Motorized “georgia buggies”
• 4-wheelers and 3-wheelers

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

To operate motorized heavy equipment, machinery or a light vehicle, employees/workers must, at a minimum:

1. Have a valid state/country driver’s license.
2. Be designated by the Project Manager or his designee to drive (refer to Form, Application for Designated Driver).
3. Be mentally active and have the physical ability to drive a motor vehicle safely.
4. Display a responsible attitude.
5. All restrictions of the employee’s state/country driver’s license are automatically liable to operating long transport machinery, equipment/vehicles.
6. An employee must carry his/her state/country driver’s license on his/her person while operating equipment/vehicle and must display it upon request to authorized persons:
7. A copy of such license and endorsements must be maintained in the employee’s personnel file (refer to Form, Driver’s License Record).
8. The HSE Representative must be advised of any change in the status of such licenses and endorsements (such as cancellation or suspension).
9. The employee will not operate equipment/vehicles on or off the project/site after his/her state/country driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or otherwise affected.
10. An operator must have the appropriate endorsement for the type of equipment/vehicle being driven.
11. Operators and ground employees who may be working near machinery must be trained in, understand, and practice safe operation/maintenance procedures for equipment/vehicles.
12. Gasoline or diesel fuel will not be used for cleaning parts.
13. Firefighting and first-aid equipment must be conspicuously always located near equipment/vehicle operations and readily accessible.
14. 1Employees are prohibited between machines and trailing equipment when manoeuvring to connect them; the tongue or hitch of trailing equipment must be blocked to align it with the drawbar or hitch.
15. Equipment/vehicles or parts thereof that are suspended or held aloft must be substantially blocked to prevent falling or shifting before employees are permitted to work under or between them. 
16. Employees on foot must not approach equipment/vehicle until the operator is signalled and acknowledges the location of the approaching employee(s).
17. Employees must not ride in or work from excavators or backhoe/loader buckets.
18. Employees must not stand under suspended loads or suspended machine components such as the boom, arm, or bucket.
19. No modifications or additions that affect the capacity or safe operation of equipment/vehicle will be made without the manufacturer’s written approval. If the manufacturer will not approve modifications or changes, written approval from a registered professional engineer must be obtained.  If such alterations or amendments are made, the capacity/capability, operational performance, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals must be altered accordingly.

6. INSPECTIONS

6.1. General

1. Equipment/vehicles received for use (through purchase, contract obligations, or rental) must receive an initial inspection before placing into operation to verify that there are no mechanical defects or safety deficiencies; results are documented on Form (00000), Pre-Mobilization Inspection Report — Construction Equipment and Light Vehicles. Refer to Attachment 02, Safety Device Requirements, for a list of minimum safety equipment/requirements.
2. If the equipment/vehicle warrants service or repair, it will be rejected (before unloading/use) and returned to the lessor or owner. The lessor/owner will be notified before such action and, if possible, be allowed to make necessary repairs at his/her own expense. Management/supervision and the HSE Representative will be part of this decision-making process. A photocopy of the inspection report, noting all deficiencies will be transmitted to the lessor/owner.
3. When the equipment/vehicle becomes damaged or in need of repair, a documented inspection is completed before the equipment/vehicle is returned for use. This inspection will include reviewing prior inspection forms to ensure corrective actions have been dispositioned.
4. Before use on each shift, the operator will complete a walk-around inspection of the equipment/vehicle to verify that the unit is in an operable condition.
5. If a deficiency has the potential of causing bodily injury to the operator/driver or ground employees, the equipment/vehicle must be tagged with a Danger – Don’t Use It – Unsafe Tag, (Form No 00000), or equal, to avoid operation. The supervisor must be notified when the equipment/vehicle is tagged out of service.
6. 6Equipment/vehicles (except automobiles and “pickup” trucks) will receive a documented, daily pre-use inspection on the applicable form described below. Deficiencies will be fully explained in the Comments section of the appropriate form. Corrective actions will also be noted on the form before the equipment can be used in the field.

Inspection Report – Motorized Construction Heavy Equipment: (Form No 000000)

Note: Forms used to document inspections (Form No 000000) and performance evaluations (Form No 000000) are specific to the machine

Inspection Report – General Line Equipment: (Form No 000000)

Note: Forms used to document inspections (F AAAAA) series) are specific to the machine.  This form has a sub-letter designation for each type of machine

A monthly equipment/vehicle inspection will be performed by a Competent Person and documented using Form 000.0000, Monthly Inspection Report – Construction Equipment and Light Vehicles.

6.2. Equipment/Vehicle Pre-Start/Walk-Around Inspection

Pre-start/walk-around inspections will be conducted as follows:

1. Ensure the operator’s manual is “on” the equipment/vehicle.
2. Check for loose or worn parts and repair or replace them immediately.
3. Check all fluid/coolant levels.  
4. Check the battery and electrolyte levels according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Inspect hydraulic line connectors and hoses for leaks before applying pressure to the system.
6. Use paper or cardboard - not your hands - to search for leaks.
7. Check tires for cuts, bulges, irregularities, abnormal wear, and proper inflation.
8. Ensure the cab area is clean and free of debris and tools.
9. Clean windshield, mirrors, and lights.
10. Remove oil, grease or mud, and snow from grab holds, handrails, steps, pedals, and floor to prevent slips and falls.
11. Remove or secure loose items such as tools, chains, or lunch boxes from the cab.Ensure the work area has been checked and marked, as appropriate, for underground cables, gas lines, and water mains.
12. Know work area clearances; watch for overhead or underground objects, holes, drop-offs, and partially hidden obstacles and wires.
13. Do not allow riders on the equipment/vehicle unless additional seat, seat belt, and rollover protection are provided.
14. Enter/mount and exit equipment properly; no one is to ever get on or off equipment/vehicles that are in motion.
15. Maintain 3-point contact with the steps and handrails while getting on/into the machine; do not use the controls or steering wheel as a handhold.
16. Do not operate the machine with wet, greasy, or muddy hands or shoes.

6.3. Starting and Testing

Operators will perform the following start/test functions before operating equipment/vehicles:

1. Exhaust fumes are dangerous – always have running equipment/vehicles in a well-ventilated area.
2. Fasten the seat belt before starting the engine.
3. Adjust the seat and mirrors before starting.
4. Place controls in neutral and set the parking brake before starting the engine.
5. Start the engine only from the operator/driver’s seat.
6. Warn employees in the area that you are starting the engine
7. Check all gauges, lights, instruments, and warning devices to ensure that they are functioning properly and that the readings are within normal range.
8. Test steering right and left.
9. Test brakes against ground speed to be certain there is no malfunction.
10. Ensure all controls are operating properly.

7. EQUIPMENT/VEHICLE OPERATORS

Depending on site-specific requirements, personal protective equipment worn by drivers/operators may include the following:

• Boots or safety shoes 
• Eye/face protection
• Long pants 
• Hard hat
• Hearing protection 
• Gloves
• Seat belts (mandatory on equipment/vehicles except those without rollover protection structures [ROPSs]

7.1. Operation

If a machine is noticed to be deficient during operation, the operator/driver must cease operation and contact the immediate supervisor (refer to Section 2.1); do not operate until proper repairs have been made.

The following “general” rules apply to the operation of equipment/vehicles:

1. The operator must be satisfied that no one will be endangered before moving the equipment/vehicle.
2. If there is an obstructed view in the direction of movement, or the equipment is large enough or configured such that it allows someone to perform work on it and be unnoticed by the operation, it is prohibited to use the equipment/vehicle unless:
3. The operator/driver sounds the horn with 1 blast, followed by a 5-second pause before starting the engine, and
4. The operator/driver sounds the horn with 2 blasts followed by another 5-second pause before moving the equipment/vehicle from a stationary position, or
5. The equipment/vehicle has a continuous movement signal alarm distinguishable from the surrounding noise level (for the designated direction of travel), or an observer is present
6. Light vehicles with an obstructed rear view must be equipped with a rear signal alarm.
7. In congested areas, isolated areas with a concentration of employees (such as concrete pours), or significant equipment/vehicle movement areas (such as in the vicinity of stockpiles), flaggers should be used to coordinate equipment/vehicle and pedestrian movement (refer to Practice 000.0000,0000, Traffic Management).
8. Keep employees outside the hydraulic excavator swing areas and clear of attachments when using the machines for hoisting materials.
9. Carry implements close to the ground, approximately 15 inches) 40 centimetres) above ground level or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
10. Keep the bucket as close to the ground as possible when employees are attaching loads for hoisting.
11. Stay a safe distance from the edge of cliffs, overhangs, and slide areas.
12. Stay a safe distance, especially with raised attachments, from energized power lines and equipment, electrical poles, and circuits and equipment including power, communications, and fire-alarm circuits (refer to Practice 000.000000, Working Near Overhead Power Lines.
13. Electric equipment and lines must be considered energized until determined otherwise by testing or until grounded.
14. If the equipment/vehicle begins to sideslip on a grade, immediately dispose of the load and turn the unit downhill.
15. Be careful to avoid the conditions that could lead to tipping when working on hills, banks, or slopes, and when crossing ditches, ridges, or other obstructions.
16. Work up and down slopes, rather than sideways, whenever possible.
17. Keep the equipment/vehicle under control and do not work it over its capacity.
18. Know the pinch points and wrap points on the loader.
19. Be sure hitch points and the towing devices are adequate.
20. Connect trailing equipment to a drawbar or hitch only.
21. Never straddle a cable, wire rope, or similar device, and do not allow other people to do so.
22. Acquaint yourself with the controls before operating the equipment/vehicle.
23. Drive at speeds compatible with working conditions, visibility, and terrain.
24. Do not coast downhill; select a gear that will prevent excessive speed when going downhill.
25. Do not park on a steep incline (greater than 25 degrees).
26. Know the stopping distance for working speeds.
27. Follow the manufacturer’s load capacity limits; identification plates are attached to all machines.
28. If the equipment/vehicle is stuck, back it out or stop the engine and get help.
29. Do not make mechanical adjustments while the unit is in motion.
30. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for pulling or towing.
31. During snow removal, be alert for obstructions covered by snow.

7.2. Refuelling

1. Fuel tanks on equipment/vehicles must not be filled while the engine is running, or while welding or other hot work is being done within 50 feet (15.2 meters).
2. Smoking is not permitted during fueling operations.
3. Ensure the fueling area is well-ventilated.
4. Ground the funnel or fuel nozzle against the filler neck to avoid sparks when refuelling.
5. Know the exact location of the fire extinguisher.

7.3. Operating a Power Takeoff

1. Shut off the engine and wait until the power takeoff (PTO) stops completely before getting off, disconnecting, or servicing the PTO unit.
2. Wear snug-fitting clothing when operating the PTO (or any rotating equipment).
3. When operating stationary PTO equipment, always apply the parking brake and block the front of the rear wheels and back to prevent unnecessary movement.
4. PTO shields are mandatory on all PTO-driven equipment.

7.4. Parking of Heavy Equipment

The following described rules/regulations apply to parking heavy equipment:

1. Use parking ditches (swales) provided.
2. Park only in designated areas.
3. Lower attachments on the equipment fitted with moveable attachments (such as forks, buckets, blades, and rippers) before shutting down or getting off the machine.
4. If on an incline, chock or wedge the wheels and turn the wheels into the side of the bank or road.
5. Where applicable, select neutral and apply the parking brake and slew brake.
6. If the engine will be idling for more than 5 minutes, idle the engine down, and then stop the engine.

No worker is permitted to sit or rest:

• Under heavy equipment
• Near or against any tire
• Directly in front of or behind heavy equipment, machinery or vehicles

7.5. Equipment/Vehicle Breakdown

The following apply if equipment/vehicle becomes inoperable:

1. If on a road, operate hazard warning lights (if fitted), and leave parking lights on if it is dark.
2. Turn the front wheels into the side of the road; apply the parking brake and chock the wheels.
3. Arrange for the repair/removal of the equipment/vehicle as soon as practicable.
4. Place road hazard markers 163 feet (49.7 meters) in front of and behind the equipment/vehicle as follows:
5. Two-Way Roads— One marker in the front at approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters), and markers to the rear at 10 feet (3.1 meters) and approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters).
6. Divided Roads — Markers to the rear at 10 feet (3.1 meters), approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters), and approximately 200 feet (61 meters).
7. Vision-Obscured Roads — One front marker at approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters) and rear markers at 10 feet (3.1 meters) and one not less than approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters) and no greater than 500 feet (152.4 meters).

7.6. Working Near Overhead Power Lines

Refer to Practice 000.00000, Working Near Overhead Power Lines.

8. SIGNAL PERSONS

1. Only one employee can act as the signal person at any given time.
2. Before each work shift begins, review and confirm communications signals with the operator(s).
3. The signal person is responsible to:
4. Always keep the operator and the other employees in sight.
5. Keep employees on foot outside heavy equipment work areas (marked with rope, tape, or another barrier).
6. Ensure employees who must be near heavy equipment are kept out of the equipment swing areas and clear of attachments when hoisting materials.
7. Ensure heavy equipment or parts thereof that are suspended or held aloft are substantially blocked to prevent falling or shifting before employees are permitted to work under or between them.
8. Ensure that all employees in the area are aware of established swing areas of the heavy equipment and blind spots associated with the unit before allowing an operator to work the machine.

9. ROAD RULES

All of the rules that apply to public road use generally apply to project/site roads and access ways. Variations to public road rules on project/site roads and access ways will be posted in writing. The speed limit on project/site roads and access ways is determined by the Project/Site Manager based on site-specific conditions. Typically, the speed limit is 38 mph (61.2 kilometres per hour) unless otherwise posted. The speed limit should be, at most, 20 mph (32.2 kilometres per hour) for unsurfaced areas.  Employees exceeding set speed limits will be subject to disciplinary procedures, according to Human Resources policies. A light vehicle must escort large earthmoving equipment/machinery, and vehicles on the worksite. Unless a road sign specifically indicates otherwise, the following hierarchy of equipment/vehicles will exist; that is, equipment/vehicles lower on the list will give way to equipment/vehicles higher on the list:

1. Emergency vehicles (when they indicate by sirens/lights that they are on emergency duty)
2. Explosives vehicles
3. Working graders / working water trucks
4. Loaded dump trucks and scrapers
5. Empty dump trucks
6. Excavators
7. Other heavy vehicles (such as nonworking graders)
8. Light vehicles
9. Passengers are not permitted on motorized heavy equipment unless they are a trainee undergoing instruction with a licensed operator and are displaying an “Under Instruction” sign, or they are maintenance technical workers/technicians involved with road testing the unit/vehicle.
10. Overtaking of travelling earthmoving equipment will not be permitted under any circumstances.

10. STANDARD EQUIPMENT

The machinery, equipment/vehicles will be equipped appropriately with the following items, where applicable:

1. Operator’s manual
2. Logbook
3. Flashing amber lights
4. Pre-start checklist record booklet or forms
5. VHF or UHF radio compatible with operating frequencies
6. In remote areas, a water container (5 gallons [18.9 litres] minimum)
7. A checklist for required safety devices is included as part of Attachment 02.  
8. No equipment/vehicle may be operated without fully functional safety devices.

The following types of motorized heavy equipment manufactured after June [30, 1969], must be equipped with rollover protective structures:

1. Rubber-tired, self-propelled scrapers
2. Rubber-tired, front-end loaders
3. Rubber-tired dozers
4. Wheel-type agricultural and industrial tractors
5. Crawler tractors
6. Crawler-type loaders
7. Powered industrial trucks (forklifts)
8. Motor graders, with or without attachments, used in construction work
9. Exceptions to this requirement may only be approved by the Business Unit HSE Lead — and only on equipment operated outside of the United States and its territories.
10. ROPSs must meet UNITED STATES. federal minimum requirements for performance.
11. Equipment/vehicles with ROPSs must also be equipped with seat restraints to be worn by the operator/driver while the unit is in operation.

11. MAINTENANCE

Equipment/vehicles must be maintained following the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements; records of maintenance must be developed and retained.

12. TRAINING AND LICENSING

1. Operators of motorized heavy equipment must be trained, successfully pass an assessment, and be licensed for the equipment they will drive/operate, following Attachment 01, Motorized Heavy Equipment Operator Training and Licensing.
2. Refer to Practice 000000, Training and Orientation, regarding the recommendation of a Defensive Driving course for Fluor employees who drive a great deal (16 hours per month or more) as part of their position description.

13. RESOURCES

Write down your company’s existing and required resources here

14. REFERENCES

Write down your company’s existing and required resources here

15. ATTACHMENTS

Risk Assessment, Checklists, Forms etc.

DOWNLOAD THE FILE

METHOD STATEMENTS FOR MOTORIZED HEAVYEQUIPMENT AND LIGHT VEHICLES