The backhoe-loader is one of

the most popular pieces of

construction equipment in the

world, which should place safe

operation as a top priority.

Because the person in the

operator’s seat is the one

responsible for what the

machine does, responsibility for

safety largely rests on that

individual’s shoulders.Check

out the machine you're

going to operate. There are

two obvious reasons for

doing this: one is so you're

familiar with the machine,

and the other is to make

sure it is suitable for the job.

It is impossible to compile a list of safety precautions that will cover all situations that may be encountered.

Precautions must be followed as a part of your daily routine. Safety is your primary responsibility, since any piece

of equipment is only as safe as the person at the controls. Two common causes of injury or death: 1.Being struck

by the moving machine, swinging booms, or other machine components 2.Being struck by quick-disconnect

excavator buckets that unexpectedly detach from the excavator stick.

In addition to excavation and trenching operations, backhoes and trackhoes are used to load and unload dirt and

material, such as pipe, lumber etc. Each of these different operations may bring personnel into close proximity

with moving equipment and dangerous pinch point situations. Equipment operators must be aware of all

personnel assigned to the work area, as well as any personnel that may be enter the work area. Spotters are to

assist the operator in identifying these personnel.

Use the handrail or steps when mounting the machine. Don't use the controls as handholds. Put your seat belt on

snugly, set the controls in neutral or park with the parking brake on. Never start the back hoe from any position

other than from the driver's seat. After the vehicle is started and warming up, check your brakes and other

equipment to make sure it's functioning properly. One of the first safety rules we'll discuss is riders. Absolutely no

riders on back hoe loader equipment.

When driving, slow speed is safe speed. Often 5 miles per hour is posted on the job site but use your good

judgment and drive slowly for the conditions. There are always people walking around so take it slow. Be aware

that braking conditions may vary due to mud, loose gravel or other conditions. There are always obstacles on the

job such as rocks, stones and debris. Soft soil conditions exist around edges and deep holes. When operating the

loader be sure the back hoe is secured in the upright position and carry the loader bucket low, close to the ground.

This allows maximum visibility and stability. Stay in gear when traveling downhill. Use the engine's RPM to help

maintain control. Before beginning the back hoe digging process, lower the stabilizers so the wheels are off the

ground leveling the unit. Check the boom swings to avoid hitting anyone or anything that may be in the boom

path. Remember, you're permitted to operate the backhoe loader only from the driver's position. Never when

you're on the ground. When operating on a slope, be sure the unit is level with the stabilizers. Swing loads uphill

to avoid a balance problem while on the slope and place soil well away from the edge of the trench. When loading

dump trucks, the dump truck driver must be out of the cab and away from the process. Never swing a load over

the cab. Prior to digging be sure all utilities have been located and pot-holed to make their location. Hitting a

power line is extremely hazardous and costly. If you're not sure, check with your foreman before digging. Damage

to water mains, telephone, or cable TV lines have a tendency to make headlines and headaches. If you must use a

road or highway be sure your slow moving sign is in place and always hand or turn signals. Follow the rules of the

road. If traffic gets backed up behind you, pull over and let them pass. When transporting your back hoe, refer to

the manufacturer's manual for proper tie-down and loading procedures. Will the trailer or truck handle the load?

Be sure to check the tie down chains for worn or damaged links. Low binders have always been an accident

waiting to happen. Avoid using the traditional snap binders as they require cheater-bar to tighten. Cheater bars

are not authorized and they tend to cause accidents. Use a rachet-type binder. Back hoes get a lot of wear and

tear and maintenance is required from time to time. Be sure the boom is adequately blocked to avoid a serious

injury in case it falls. Never rely upon hydraulics to hold the boom. It must be blocked to avoid a fall. Chalk the

tires when working on the vehicle and keep the bucket teeth in good shape. Naturally, never smoke when

refueling or handling fuel and turn the engine off as well as electrical or spark-producing motors. Ground the fuel

nozzle or funnel against the filler neck to avoid static electricity. Check the fire extinguishers that is located in the

cab. Be sure it is charged and ready for emergencies.

•Fill the fuel tank while engine is off and cool. Never fill inside a building. Do not smoke. Wipe up any spills

immediately.

•Check the machine daily for broken, missing, or damaged parts. Make the necessary repairs or replacements.

•Keep the machine clean -- especially steps, hand rails, pedals, grab irons, and floor of the cab. Slippery surfaces

are very hazardous.

•Remove or secure loose items in the cab that could interfere with operating the controls.

•Check the work area for hidden holes, obstacles, drop-offs, etc. Clear children, pets, and bystanders from the

area.

Don’t forget to inspect the Backhoe bucket area items

Know the weight of your UNIT and its attachments

Ensure everyone on site knows the DANGER ZONE AREA

Plus always know and think Center of Gravity

Look up and know your lift point radius

Ensure everyone on site has talked about these subjects and knows the risks associated

•Check overhead for utility lines, roofs, and other obstacles.

• Look at the location of the operator's controls, understanding that the machine is operated from

a forward and backward facing position.

• Facing forward, you will see a steering wheel, shifter, front loader control lever, brake

pedals (left and right independent brakes), gas pedal, and control switches for

accessories like lights, emergency flashers, horn, emergency brake actuator, ignition

switch, gauges, and other items. From this position, a backhoe looks very similar to

other tractors.

• Facing the rear (the seat swivels 180 degrees), you should see the boom controls. There

are two different boom control configurations, the three stick that includes foot controls

to swing the bucket, and the joystick controls, that operate all the backhoe boom

controls with two joysticks. Also, there will be two auxiliary controls, either mounted

paired on one side of the seat, or in front of the boom control sticks, that raise and

lower the stabilizers.

• Look at the safety equipment. Experienced backhoe operators check the safety equipment at the

beginning of each shift to make sure it is in good condition. This requires some knowledge of how

the safety equipment works, but even a novice should be able to observe things like the seat belt

condition, the fire extinguisher charge, and be able to see obvious damage such as cracked

members in the rollover protection system and missing guards.

• Look at the general condition of the machine. Check the tires to make sure they are properly

inflated and show no outward signs of damage, look for oil leaks, damaged hydraulic hoses, and

other obvious signs of abuse or dangerous conditions.

• Look at the size of the machine. Backhoes range in size from small attachments for lawn tractors,

to machines weighing over 12,000 pounds with turbo-charged diesel engines. You will have to

decide how large a machine you will need to perform the project you have in mind.

• Look at other features of the machine you will operate, like air conditioning, four wheel drive,

extend-a-hoes, and the various special attachments available on these machines.

Ironically, accidents often involve experienced operators. One reason is the overconfidence that comes with years

of experience without an incident. According to P bar Y Safety Consultants, a firm specializing in heavy equipment

operator training, working too close to an edge and operating on steep or uneven grades are the leading causes of

accidents.

Read the operator's manual of the machine you will operate. There are substantial differences in backhoes, from

the location of controls to the actual cranking procedure and the gauge cluster location. Obviously, this article is

general in nature and doesn't cover every make and model of backhoes; each backhoe has its own features with

which you should be familiar.

Clearly, operators need to think about every single move they make before they make it. But some loads change

the center of gravity and affect machine stability. Slow, steady movement is the safest way to maintain control, P

bar Y Safety Consultants advises. If the machine starts to feel unstable, stop everything until you regain control.

Always keep the load as close to the ground as possible and don’t raise it until you arrive at the spot where you are

going to set it.

Before you start that backhoe B L O W A F check

Battery (starting and charging system)

Light (lighting system)

Oil (lubricating system)

Water (cooling system)

Air (intake and exhaust system)

Fuel (fuel system)

Now Crank the engine, allowing it to warm up for a few minutes before attempting to engage the transmission or

operating any controls. This warming-up time will ensure that the hydraulic fluid will begin to circulate and warm

up.

Check to make sure all attachments are clear of the ground, including the stabilizers, the front bucket, and the

backhoe boom. If you need to raise them to allow the machine to be driven, use the controls delicately until you

have a feel for them. This is especially true of the back boom, since raising or swinging it without the stabilizers

down can shake the tractor violently.

Release the parking brake, and shift the transmission into forward, then drive it slowly around while you get the

hang of steering and braking the machine. Running in low or second gear while practice driving the machine is a

good idea; even experienced operators only use third or high gear on very smooth, flat surfaces, since the balance

of the machine makes it difficult to steer at high speeds.

Raise and lower the front end loader bucket

(if equipped) to get the feel of it. The control lever for this attachment is located on the operator's left while sitting

facing forward. Pulling straight toward the rear raises the bucket, pushing straight forward lowers it, pulling it

toward the center of the machine scoops, and pushing outward dumps it.

Using the Controls of a Backhoe

Generally speaking, there will be two different controls with the cab of a backhoe, one on the left and one on the

right hand side.

Both controls will be able to move and control in all four directions with the left side controlling the boom while

the right is for the dipper-stick and bucket.

The basic operations are as follows:

Left: pull towards you and boom comes up

Left: Push control away and boom goes down

Right: Push left and boom swings left

Right: Push right and boom swings right

Dipper Stick Controls

Right: Pull right hand lever towards you and the dipper-stick comes towards you

Right: Push it away and dipper-stick goes up

Bucket Controls

Right: Push left and the bucket curls, i.e. for scooping up

Right: Push to the right and the bucket extends out, i.e. for emptying

Don't forget to park the backhoe flat ground with the loader and backhoe buckets on the ground when you are

done. Also relieve hydraulic pressure by working the controls before turning the backhoe off.

Of course, when considering how to operate a backhoe there is more to it than simply pushing the controls with

safety procedures and operating practice being on major importance in the excavation industry.

Safety first

Safe practices should begin before the machine is even started. First, perform a walkaround inspection. Next,

make sure all functions are operating properly and the machine is set for safe, comfortable operation.

“After crawling into the cab, make sure the parking brake is engaged,” says Terry Penney, “Then make sure all of

the controls are moving free. Get the seat into a position where you can reach all of the controls that you need to

reach.” Then fasten the seat belt. “The machines are rated to be able to roll over, and the safest place for the

operator in the event of a machine rollover is sitting in the seat.”

The importance of fastening the seatbelt, adding, “Make sure you are familiar with all the controls. If you are going

to road the machine, make sure your independent brake pedals are locked together. Then, adjust the seat and the

steering wheel into the correct position for comfort and for being able to reach all controls safely.

Set the throttle to rev the engine to about 850 Rotations Per Minute (not too fast until you get the hang of the

controls).

Lower the stabilizers until they raise the rear of the tractor so the back wheels no longer touch the ground, then

lower the front bucket to its limit, raising the front wheels also. You may find you have to lower one stabilizer

further than the other to level the rear of the machine, depending on whether you're on a slope, or if the soil is

less stable on one side than the other.

Unlock the back boom. Do this by pulling forward (towards you, and the front of the tractor) on the left control

lever, then pushing if away from you when it pauses at the highest point, while holding the unlocking lever (usually

on the right floor board) with your foot.

Push the left lever further outward after the boom is unlocked to lower the main boom, or nearest section of the

backhoe boom. Push outward on the right lever to extend the lower boom (outer section, with the bucket

attached) away from you (this will actually raise the second boom) so that the bucket is extending outward.

Position the bucket over the spot you want to begin digging, then push the right control stick to the right to open

the bucket for scooping, then lower the main boom to engage the soil. Push the left lever to lower the boom into

the soil, while pulling the right lever to drag the bucket into the soil in a scooping motion, then begin rolling the

bucket forward by moving the right control lever to the left. You will find with practice that you start to coordinate

these movements, to achieve a fluid movement of the backhoe.

Raise the boom with the left control arm by pulling it. Usually you raise the bucket with the right control by

swinging it to your left to keep it filled while you lift it from the hole.

Swing the bucket to the side you're going to dump the load of dirt you scooped from the hole by pushing the left

control lever in the direction you want the boom to swing. Once you have the load over the spot you want to

dump it, just push the right lever to your left and the buck will open, allowing its contents to dump out.

Swing the bucket back to the starting position by pushing the left control stick the direction you want the boom to

go, then repeat the process. Practicing this operation is the basic and safe way of learning how to operate the

backhoe.

“Make sure the boom is locked and the swing lock is in place if you are going to road the machine,” he continues.

“Survey your surroundings once again before moving the machine, and sound your horn before moving off. Before

you start to dig, make sure you are aware which control pattern has been selected for your machine (backhoe or

excavator pattern).”

One of the biggest dangers of using the loader is vehicle and pedestrian traffic around you. Checking to ensure the

backup alarm is working must be part of your routine daily inspection.

Create A stable digging platform

Backhoe-loader stabilizers serve two purposes. “You want stability over the side and you also want to stop the

machine from sliding around when you are digging a trench,” says Terry Penney.

According to P bar Y Safety Consultants, the best setup for backhoe work is when the stabilizers are spread to

their full width and the loader bucket is in solid contact with the ground. If the tires are carrying the weight of the

machine, it will bounce slightly, transmitting vibration to the operator and into the controls. This causes the

machine to shake even more. For extra holding power, roll the bucket all the way over and dig in the cutting edge

and sill plate.

“You really should not ever use the backhoe without the stabilizers down,” Terry Penney emphasizes. “You will

pick them up to move a machine when repositioning for trenching, but you really need to have the most stable

platform you can get for digging and lifting purposes. The only way to stabilize a backhoe is to put those stabilizers

down on firm ground.”

“We also recommend the front bucket to be down, lifting the front of the machine for maximum stability.

However, for some applications, it is possible to operate with the front bucket up off the ground but not fully

raised up in the air.” Sometimes the ground conditions are too soft, causing stabilizers to sink in. “In this case, you

should use blocks or cribbing so you can get a good footing for the stabilizers,” says Terry Penney.

Prepare for excavations ( after you have confirmed and verified the one call site assessment and approvals)

Always call before you dig to have the local buried utility locator service mark buried utilities. There can be

everything down there from telephone and electrical transmission cables, to natural gas and liquid petroleum gas

lines. Digging a trench or excavation takes proper preparation. Whenever you go to a new jobsite, walk it with

someone who is familiar with it, advises P bar Y Safety Consultants. Ground depressions can be clues to things like

old, buried storage tanks or a drain tile that has been caved in. You need to know everything you possibly can

about what is down there before you stick that bucket in the ground for the first time.

Remember, the operator is responsible for the safety of everyone in the trench or any other excavation. Make sure

you place spoils in the most appropriate location depending on the jobsite and soil conditions. Per OH&S

requirements, the minimum distance of the spoil pile from the trench is 2 ft. But with many types of soil, it is much

farther than that.

Safely Lift heavy loads

Backhoe lifting operations require extra care. “It is not just the lifting strength of the backhoe, it is the stability of

the machine,” says Terry Penney. “We pride ourselves on having a stable machine. We have a very wide stabilizer

stance to get that stability even higher.”

“1. Always wear a seatbelt when you are operating the machine.

2. Do not allow your co-workers to ride in the equipment.

3. Keep any bystanders clear of your equipment while it is operation.

4. Stick to the manufacturers rated capacity.

5. Never allow anyone under the arm of the backhoe or to pass anything through the arms of the backhoe.

6. Do not set up on loose or soft ground, it could cause the backhoe to overbalance.

7. Ensure that everyone is clear of the machine when starting the equipment.

8. Ensure that the machine is well maintained.

9. Wear your hard hat and hearing protection.

10. The boom should always be centered and raised during transportation. ”

“A best practice for heavy lifting is to have the machine as stable as possible,”. “The machine should be level with

the front and the rear tires raised clear of the ground by around 6 in. Keep the stabilizers spread as far apart as

possible without letting any tires touch the ground. Beware of the ground conditions under your stabilizers.” Flip

stabilizers to get maximum flotation in soft underfoot conditions.

The operator needs to know how much the load weighs and how much can be safely picked up at a given angle.

“Before you lift, check the spec sheet so you know what the machine is capable of lifting — the distances and

heights, etc.,” says Terry Penney. “All of those specs are done with the boom straight off the back of the machine,

and typically you are lifting over the side to pick something up. Perform a test lift to make sure the machine is

stable before you start moving the [object] around.” “Keep the weight as close to you as possible by keeping the

boom close in,”. “Use the stick function for maximum capability, and use your extendible stick if needed to move

the weight outward. And be sure any laborers are well clear of the object being lifted.”

Don’t use homemade rigging. “Lift using proper lifting equipment and use the integrated lifting eye on the power

link of the backhoe,”.

“Use the shortest chain possible so you are not lifting the dipper all the way up to get the load off the ground,”

Terry Penney recommends. “Have the chain strapped as short as you can.”

“Lift at low idle for maximum control and for being able to communicate to your ground workers.”

Lowering the engine rpm reduces the flow going through the hydraulics. “The backhoe will move slower,” Terry

Penney explains. “You still have all of the power there because power is pressure. You just slow the engine down

and move nice and steady, so the load is not swinging around on the end of the chain.”

Transporting materials

You will often see operators move a bucket full of material around with the bucket too high in the air.

“When you lift the bucket way up in the air, you lose your visibility and you raise the center of gravity so you have

a more unstable machine,” says Terry Penney. “The most cautious thing to do is to keep the bucket as low as

possible — a foot off the ground, depending upon the terrain.”

Also be cautious going up and down hills. “Avoid going across the hill with a loaded bucket,” says Terry Penney.

“Make sure the bucket is pointing up the hill to keep the machine balanced. If you have to come down the hill,

reverse down it... The last thing you want to do is come down the hill with a fully loaded bucket, hit the brakes and

all of the weight goes toward the loader.”

Many of the problems encountered are the result of operators trying to run too quickly. “Many machines have ride

control and the operators just drive faster across the site,” says Terry Penney. “They are running over uneven

terrain too quickly and bouncing all over the place. People try to push the machine quicker and quicker and they

compromise safety.”

Understand the limits of the backhoe-loader you are operating. “Do not carry more than the machine can safely

handle,”. “Depending upon what materials you are handling, carry them in a level or racked-back position. Use ride

control, if equipped, and keep loads as close to the ground as possible until you have to raise them up to load or

dump.”

Operation on slopes

Slopes present challenges for almost any type of construction equipment, including backhoe-loaders.

“The stability of a backhoe-loader is at its greatest risk on a hill when it is being driven, not operated,”. “When you

are in operating position, you should try to level the machine as much as possible using the independent stabilizers

and your front bucket.”

When operating on a hill, take special precautions. Swinging a bucket of dirt downhill changes the center of

gravity in a negative direction. “You should always push a bucket up the hill and dump the spoil on the uphill side

of the trench at a distance where it doesn’t roll back into the trench,” says Terry Penney. “We all realize in real-

world applications that is not always possible. If you do have to swing the loaded bucket downhill, be very slow

and keep your bucket low to the ground.”

Pay careful attention when repositioning on a slope. “If you are trenching, the machine is facing uphill and you are

ready to move, you should put the hoe into its tucked, stored position,”. “Turn your seat to the forward-facing,

ready to drive position before you raise the stabilizers. This will give you control over the brakes and transmission,

preventing the machine from rolling backwards.”

SAFE STOPPING PROCEDURE

•Park the machine on level ground if possible and set the parking brake. Place transmission in park if so equipped.

•Lower the loader and backhoe buckets to the ground.

•Stop the engine and remove the key.

•Work the hydraulic controls to relieve pressure.

•Wait until all motion has stopped and then dismount carefully using steps and safety holds.

•Do not jump from the machine.

Training Backhoe/Loader/Trackhoe Operator Safety Training

You shall learn:

•OH&S

•Pre-operational inspection

•Familiarisation of the Excavator

•Handling characteristics

•Manoeuvring of the Backhoe

•Backhoe Digging

•Backhoe Levelling

•Backhoe Trenching

•Backhoe operational assessment

•Safe Operation of the Backhoe

•Machine and General Safety

•Backhoe Terminology

•Start-up and Shut-down procedures

•Operating Procedures

•Bulk excavation

•Loading materials on to trucks

•Backfilling trenches

•Leveling with the front bucket

•Lifting Loads

Conduct of Operators:

To ensure that backhoes are operated in a safe and responsible manner at all times and in all places, to prevent

incidents, injury to people and/or damage to property.

Description:

General backhoe operation.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

- seat belt

- appropriate CSA/ANSI approved footwear

- CSA approved hearing protection when required

- work gloves (optional)

- safety glasses (optional)

- safety vest or reflective coveralls

Procedure:

1. Seat belts shall be worn while operating the backhoe.

2. Excessive speed or careless driving will not be tolerated.

3. Backhoe floor shall be kept free of tools and debris.

4. When ascending or descending the backhoe, face the steps provided on the machine, and use the

handrails or hand holds.

5. The operator shall not permit any person to practice with, or ride on the backhoe, unless authorized to do

so by the supervisor.

6. Before digging, the stabilizers shall be firmly in place.

7. The operator shall keep his swamper in sight, or know where he is AT ALL TIMES.

8. Operator shall ensure all utility lines and cables are located and marked before excavation starts, as per

the “Utility Lines – Working Around Underground Utility Lines” Safe Work Practice.

9. When digging a trench, a proper slope shall be maintained to prevent the sides from falling in, before a

worker enters the trench. See “Excavating / Trenching” Safe Work Practice.

10. A proper backhoe shall be used for trenching, and shall not be used beyond its manufacturer’s rated

capacity.

11. When the backhoe is left unattended, the buckets shall be lowered to the ground.

12. Defects shall be reported to the supervisor.

13. When traveling with the backhoe, the buckets shall be in the lowest height possible to prevent tipping.

14. Clearances from power lines as outlined in the “Power Line – Working Around Overhead Power Lines”

Safe Work Practice shall be kept at all times.

15. Proper signage shall be placed on the road prior to backhoe operations being performed. Refer to

“Signage – Working on Roadway” Safe Work Practice or “Signage – Working in Ditch” Safe Work Practice.

16. Hearing protection shall be worn when needed.

17. Operator should review manufacturer’s operator’s manual prior to operating backhoe.

18. Employees working around backhoe equipment should wear hard hats at all times.

When digging a trench, coordinate the action of the boom, dipper and bucket. It may take a while to get the hang

of it. Every situation will be a little different, but here are a few tips:

* When digging a trench, you can set the bucket teeth at a shallow angle and let the dipper do most of the work.

Or you can set the bucket teeth at a steeper angle and fill the bucket using a combination of boom and bucket

action.

* Continue digging a few inches deeper each time until the trench is at the desired depth. Then move the machine

backward using the following procedure:

* Raise the boom and bring it in line with the center of the loader.

* Curl the bucket and pull in the dipper.

* Retract the stabilizers.

* Press the traction-lock override button or its equivalent on your machine and slowly move the unit back a few

feet from the trench. Don't move back too far, or you will decrease the maximum digging depth or run out of

reach.

Dig safely As you dig, keep these safety tips in mind:

* Keep bystanders out of the swing area. * Keep your feet behind the shields at all times. * Never operate your

backhoe from the ground. * The boom, dipper and bucket are very powerful and can cause serious injury or death

if you don't follow proper precautions. * Stay away from overhangs or ditches and do not dig under stabilizers. * If

you are working on a slope, keep the machine level. Try to dump uphill to maintain stability. * If you need to pick

up an object using the backhoe, keep the load balanced. Swing the load low and slow. Keep the load close to the

loader for stability. Never swing the load over anyone.

Anytime you need to leave the backhoe, lower the bucket or attachment to the ground, stop the engine, remove

the ignition key and exit the backhoe.

When you are ready to drive to the next job site, make sure that you have fully raised both the front and rear

stabilizers and you've put the backhoe seat into the "down" position for better visibility. Install the transport

locking pin before driving to the next job.

1.1. The operator shall not engage in any practice, which will divert his/her attention while operating any

piece of equipment.

1.2. When mentally or physically unfit, an operator shall not operate any piece of equipment.

1.3. The operator shall respond to signals from an appointed signal person. The operator shall not move the

load until signaled to do so by the designated person. If a signal person is not required, the operator is responsible

for the safe operation of the equipment. The operator shall respond, at once, to a signal to stop regardless of who

gives the signal.

1.4. Each operator is responsible for those operations under his/her direct control. Whenever there is any

doubt as to safety, the operator shall consult with a supervisor before continuing the operation.

1.5. Before starting the equipment, a pre-start inspection must be conducted. This inspection must be

documented. The following items must be inspected to determine safe operating condition.

1.5.1. Tires

1.5.2. Engine fluid levels

1.5.3. Hydraulic fluid levels

1.5.4. Safety information signs

1.5.5. Fire extinguisher

1.5.6. Condition of cab glass (if applicable)

1.6. After the equipment is started, the following items must be inspected.

1.6.1. Operation of brakes

1.6.2. Steering mechanism

1.6.3. Horn

1.6.4. Back up alarm

1.6.5. Operating controls

1.6.6. Hydraulic hoses (under operating conditions)

1.6.7. Lights

1.7. Before leaving the equipment unattended, the operator shall:

1.7.1. Land all attachments and loads.

1.7.2. Set all brakes and other locking devices.

1.7.3. Place controls in the neutral or off position.

1.7.4. Stop the engine.

1.8. Any defects that may create an equipment system failure must be corrected prior to placing equipment in

service.

1.8.1. A “Do No Operate” tag must be placed in clear view on the main cab access door, Ignition key slot, or

steering wheel or operation controls anytime service work can be performed.

1.9. All manufactures recommendations and safety devices must be used while servicing or repairing

equipment.

1.10. Seatbelts will be used except when digging in an area that is known to contain loaded lines.

1.11. Equipment must not be operated inside of the electrical MSAD ( minimum safe approach distance). This

distance is as follows:

Voltage (kV) Minimum Clearance

<= 50 kV 10 ft.

> 50 kV 10 ft. + 4 inches per kV over 50 kV

Know your blind zones

One of the big safety challenges for equipment operators is to maintain constant awareness of machine blind

spots. For many types of machinery, these unseen areas can be quite large.

Written & Performance Test For Backhoe/Loader/Trackhoe Operators’

Employee:____________________________ Date:____________ Time:______ am pm.

True or False (Must get a minimum of 80% questions correct)

1. Spotters are required to assist operators in recognizing hazards.

2. Operators must be aware of the swing path of the machine and must not swing loads

over any personnel in the area.

3. When a backhoe/loader/trackhoe is used for material handling the operator must

respond to the hand signals of the Spotter and stop at once, regardless of who gives the signal.

4. The operator is not responsible for keeping personnel from entering the area around

the boom of the backhoe/trackhoe.

5. As long as you are on level ground you can just turn the engine off and set the brakes

without worry.

6. The backhoe/trackhoe shall only be operated from the operator’s seat, which must be

locked in the appropriate position.

7. The Operator can use the backhoe/loader/trackhoe transport personnel.

8. The safe operating distance from energized power lines is the same regardless of the

voltage in the power line.

9. A “Do Not Operate” tag must be attached to the backhoe/loader/trackhoe anytime

service work is performed.

10. Loaders are equipped with a safety lock on the lift ram of the bucket. Anytime the

bucket is raised for working on the engine this safety lock must be used.

11. When traveling on an incline with a loaded bucket the load should always be pointed uphill.

12. All equipment is required to have at least a 5 lbs dry chemical Fire Extinguisher mounted

on the equipment at an accessible location.

13. Getting the job done quickly is the top priority for an operator and they should operate

at the fastest speed possible.

14. The operating area of equipment should be kept free of debris, trash and tools.

15. If a good walk through inspection was performed yesterday only a quick check is

required today.

Backhoe/Loader/Trackhoe Checklist

1. Completed training and written testing.

2. Operator possesses physical & mental capabilities

3. Knowledge and understanding of specific equipment

4. Perform and document Daily Inspection on Daily Inspection Report (3E-0095)

5. Knowledge of the equipment capabilities and capacities

6. Ability to recognize mechanical discrepancies and problems of the equipment

7. Knowledge of Elkhorn’s safe operating practices and procedures 3E-0000

8. Seat belt used

9. Shows familiarity with the equipment controls and refueling procedures.

10. Gave proper signals and or communication when turning.

11. Slowed down at intersections.

12. Sounded horn at intersections.

13. Obeyed signs.

14. Kept a clear view of direction of travel.

15. Turned corners correctly — was aware of rear end swing.

16. Yielded to pedestrians and or fellow workers.

17. Drove under control and within proper traffic lanes.

18. Knowledge and understanding of “One Call” procedures

19. Knowledge of excavation regulations ( provincial and or state level)

20. Knowledge of soil classification, benching, sloping and shoring of trenches

21. Travels with bucket positioned low as to not obstruct operators vision

22. Maintains “Three Point Contact" when mounting or dismounting equipment

23. Lowers bucket to ground when not in use

24. Places shift controls in park and engage parking brake before existing equipment

25. Does not actuate controls from other than operator’s seat

26. Does not allow workers to be under loads or within swing areas

27. Travels on job-site at an acceptable speed

28. Alert to workers in equipment operation area

29. Aware of overhead obstacles such as, power lines, trees or buildings...Et

30. Utilize spotters when excavating

31. Utilize stabilizers as required

32. Travel with “loaded” bucket uphill

33. Travel with “empty” bucket downhill

34. Knowledge of loading, unloading and transporting equipment

Pass Fail Evaluator______________________________________

Employee Name:__________________________________________ Date:_________________

Additional remarks / Limitations:___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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