Heavy Equipment Procedure

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Operator’s Daily Inspection Report

Prior to starting the machine, the operator performs a thorough inspection

· Review previous working day’s circle-check sheet

· Ensure that Operator’s Daily Inspection Report (H.S.M 11.01) is properly completed

· Look for leaks under & around the machine

· Look for damaged or loose parts on the machine

· Windshield for cleanliness, using three-point contact principle when cleaning

· Secure all loose articles in the cab

· Ensure that all doors, panels and access covers are properly secured

· Confirm operator’s manual is in the cab and reviewed if it’s your first time operating the model

· Check for cracks or loose nuts and bolts on frame, boom/grapple and wheels or tracks

· Clean sticks and other debris from the steps, engine compartment, exhaust system and drive shafts

· Ensure tire chains are tight and any loose ends secured if applicable

· Once a month, inspections on the machine’s fire extinguisher must be completed and tagged

· Once every three months, inspections of the machine’s first aid and spill kits must be completed

 

Mounting/Dismounting machinery

· Face the machine when mounting or dismounting and use the steps and handholds provided

· Mount and dismount using the three-point contact method, one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot in contact with the machine or the ground at all times

· Look where you are placing your hands and feet

· When dismounting, watch the ground for holes, ice and other obstacles.  Always step down; never jump down

· Use extra caution in wet or icy conditions

 

Warming up machinery

· Controls must be in neutral position before starting the machine to prevent sudden movement

· Fasten seat belt

· Start the engine only from the operator’s seat

· Check all gauges for proper functioning and operating within normal limits

· Operate hydraulics and other controls through a complete cycle to check for malfunctions

· While moving slowly, steer the machine both right and left

· Recheck lights, horn and other safety devices, as well as adjusting mirrors

· Report any malfunctions to the supervisor

 

Upsetting machinery

In the event of a tip over, shut the engine off immediately and notify your supervisor, the machine must be inspected by a qualified person before restarting

 

The operator must know the location and how to operate the emergency escape door of the machine.  See you supervisor or the mechanic for guidance.

 

Operating Equipment - Bulldozer

· Never carry a rider or use the machine as a man lift

· In congested areas, on slopes and over rough terrain travel slower than usual

· Proceed slowly when traveling down a grade with machine square to direction of grade to provide full machine control

· Turn lights on when traveling on roads or in low light conditions

· Keep the machine attachment low when traveling so it doesn’t block your vision or reduce the machine stability

· Before leaving the machine, lower hydraulic attachments to the ground and engage the hydraulic control lock

 

Operating Equipment – Articulating Haul Truck

· In congested areas, on slopes and over rough terrain travel slower than usual

· Proceed very slowly when traveling down a grade to provide full machine control

· Turn lights on when traveling on roads or in low light conditions

· Ensure stable and level ground before dumping

· After dumping, the box must be in the lowered position before moving

· Ensure load is secure at all times

 

Operating Equipment – Hydraulic Excavator

· Never carry a rider or use the machine as a man lift

· In congested areas, on slopes and over rough terrain travel slower than usual

· Proceed slowly when traveling down a grade with machine square to direction of grade to provide full machine control

· Turn lights on when traveling on roads or in low light conditions

· Keep the machine attachment low when traveling so it doesn’t block your vision or reduce the machine stability

· Before leaving the machine, lower hydraulic attachments to the ground and engage the hydraulic control lock

 

Operating Equipment – Front-end Loader

· Never carry a rider or use the machine as a man lift

· In congested areas, on slopes and over rough terrain travel slowly

· Proceed slowly when traveling down a grade to provide full machine control

· Turn lights on when traveling on roads

· Keep the machine attachment low when traveling so it doesn’t block your vision or reduce the machine stability

· Before leaving the machine, lower hydraulic attachments to the ground and engage the hydraulic control lock

 

Operating Equipment – Smooth-Drum Roller

· Never carry a rider or use the machine as a man lift

· In congested areas, on slopes and over rough terrain travel slowly

· Proceed slowly when traveling down a grade to provide full machine control

· Turn lights on when traveling on roads

· Drive slowly to maintain control of the machine

 

Operating Equipment – Feller-Buncher

· For safe operation, read the owners’ manual for proper guidance

· Fasten seat belt

· Start the engine only from the operator’s seat

· Do not travel with cab door open

· Cutting saw must only be engaged at felling area when beginning to cut trees and disengaged when leaving pattern of cut

· Use low gears when traveling from the roadside to the worksite and travel on the most level and solid ground available

· If it becomes necessary to travel on particularly wet and muddy ground, lace some chicots or other none merchantable trees in the path of the Feller-Buncher

· The saw head should not be used to steady or push the Feller-Buncher when traveling except in extreme circumstances

· Avoid walking the machine in the same tracks twice

· Avoid trying to turn the machine sharply as this will cause one of the tracks to bury itself deeply in the ground

· When traveling up a steep incline, the saw head should be placed on the ground before the machine reaches the top of the incline.  The boom should then be retracted slowly as the Feller-Buncher approaches the top of the incline.  This prevents the saw head from slamming down on the ground, which causes damage to it and unnecessary jarring to the operator

· When preparing the worksite for operating, place a chicot or none merchantable tree down in the area intended for piling to create a workbench, which will keep the butts of the trees raised and free of obstacles.  The saw head should not be used to dig holes or push earth into a pile in order to raise the butts of the trees

· Avoid excessive swinging of the trees as this may cause the trees’ tops to break off

· Some trees may be too large for the machine to process, see the owners’ manual and/or check with your supervisor

· Pile trees with the butts even and free of obstructions for easier grappling and/or choking

· Whenever possible, trees should be piled in the open to facilitate skidding and prevent damaging other trees.

 

Loading Trucks

· When loading, try to keep the machine level

· Start and stop smoothly when carrying a load; Safe operators are smooth operators

· Look out for overhead hazards such as: hanging trees, falling rocks and don’t forget overhead power lines

· Truck driver must be clear of the danger zone and be in visual contact with the loader operator at all times

 

Danger Zone

Be aware of anyone entering the machine’s danger zone.The person(s) must be kept in sight of the operator at all times; otherwise, the operator must stop his work until visual contact is re-established.

 

Shutdown and Servicing

· Clean machine particularly around engine compartment, exhaust pipe, tracks / wheel wells and steps must be cleaned after each shift

· Grease the machine following each work shift

· When fueling, to prevent unnecessary spills and protect our environment, the filling nozzle must be manned at all times

· Shut-off master switch to prevent hazard from electrical short-circuit

· Park the machine on even ground with access around the machine

· During cold weather ensure proper functioning of the cold start system where applicable

 

Engine Shutdowns

Articulating Truck Engine normal operating temperature ranges from 160-185 Fahrenheit or 70-85 Celsius. Shut the engine down if the temperature exceeds the 195-210 degrees Fahrenheit or 90-99 Celsius range.

If the Articulating Truck engine temperature rises to 195 degrees Fahrenheit or 90 Celsius throttle the engine down and let it idle for about 2 minutes (The turbo charger is lubricated by the engine oil pump and, therefore, the engine must be idled until the turbo charger normal operating speed is reduced to idle level).

 

Automatic Fire Suppression System

When the system alarm sounds, bring the equipment to a safe controlled stop, shut off engine and exit.  (Equipment left running may add fuel to the fire or re-ignite the fire with heat or sparks.)

 

A shut down relay and time delay is equipped with the automatic system.  If the test/control button on the box in the cab is pushed and released before the end of the shutdown time delay period, the time delay will automatically repeat itself (delay is for 30 seconds).

 

This delay can be repeated (using the test 1 control button) as many times as is necessary and can also be held indefinitely to delay shutdown.  The shutdown delay will then restart after the button is released.

Move away from the equipment taking a hand portable extinguisher along if possible.

 

Stand by with a hand portable extinguisher to guard against any fire that may re-ignite after the fire suppression system is expended. 

 

Shut off master switch as soon as possible to prevent any chance of an electrical short re-igniting the fire. 

Remain alert until the equipment cools and re-ignition is no longer a threat.

 

Manual Activation of Suppression System

· In case of fire, bring the equipment to a safe stop

· Shut off the engine

· Manually activate the system by pulling the ring pin and striking the red button on the manual activator

· Move a safe distance from the vehicle and stand by with a hand portable extinguisher

· Shut off master switch as soon as possible to prevent any chance of an electrical short re-igniting the fire

· Remain alert until the equipment cools and re-ignition is no longer a threat

 

Daily Inspection of Suppression System

· Press and momentarily hold the test 1 control button on the control module cover

· Control module internal alarm should sound and flash until the button is released

· Any problems with the system should be reported immediately to your supervisor and/or the mechanic

 

Lockout and Tag

If any hazard is noted on the equipment that could cause injury to the operator or persons around the equipment, the operator shall advise the supervisor of the situation and a competent worker shall lockout and tag the equipment according to Caron Equipment policy and procedure, manufacturer’s specifications and safety legislation until such time as the repairs can be performed and it is safe to resume operation.