Heavy Equipment Safety

Heavy Machine Operation is serious business, and if not performed correctly, it can mean lives are at stake. Be sure to follow these rules and incorporate your industrial skills training when operating or working around heavy machinery:

• NEVER operate heavy machinery under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes over-the-counter medication, which could cause a driver to become drowsy and less alert. Be sure to read all drug information labels before taking medication and operating heavy equipment.
• Read all operating manuals thoroughly. These manuals were written by the people who designed the equipment and contain tons of important information, safety tips, and guidelines.
• Wear protective clothing, such as goggles, gloves, fire retardant suits, ear plugs, boots, and tie back long hair. Remove any extraneous items hanging off your clothes.
• Turn off the engine when refueling heavy equipment and learn the proper refueling methods for specific equipment.
• Always turn off your machinery properly when unattended or when checking jams, belts, or blockages. Turn off the engine, engage the brakes, and lower attachments.
• Always use the vehicle’s safety guards, whether they are cages or shields.
• Be sure that your workplace uses proper hand signals that everyone knows and understands in order to communicate in noisy environments.