Back

Excavator Safety Guide

Jul. 25 2024 Safety By R & M Equipment

Share

Excavators are powerful yet versatile pieces of construction equipment that can fill a variety of roles. Of course, that power can do more harm than good if it's misused. That’s why the experts at R & M Equipment have created this guide to safe excavator operation.

Before Operation

There are things you can do to ensure safe excavator operation even before you start the equipment itself. Even something as small as cleaning/adjusting your mirrors can help make the worksite more safe. Be sure to inspect the excavator before each usage. The operator should be briefed on any and all underground lines and structures that they will need to avoid before they start digging. If you don’t know where these underground structures are, contact the local utility company to have them mark the site. It’s also important that the operator follow basic safety procedures such as always wearing a seatbelt. 

During Operation

There are few basic safety protocols that need to be followed while the excavator is in operation. For example, no one except the operator should be riding in the excavator’s bucket or cab. The operator should also be mindful of difficult terrain, and do what they can to stick to flat ground. If they encounter a hazard, they should slow down the excavator until it’s safe to proceed at full speed. Never attempt to dig under the excavator, and keep the bucket low when transporting materials or descending slopes.

After Operation

When operations are finished and it’s time to park the excavator, do so on level ground with the bucket lowered. If you’re parking the excavator for the night, be sure to turn off the auto-idle switch and run the engine at half throttle for a few minutes so that the turbocharger has time to cool down. Finally, set the ROM to low idle, shut off the engine via the key switch, and lock up the cab. 

Shop excavators at R & M Equipment. You can visit us online or at our dealerships in Birmingham and Trinity, Alabama. We also offer parts, service, financing, and rentals. We hope to see you soon!