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5 Tips For Wheel Loader Safety in Construction
Working in construction is an immensely rewarding endeavour, not just for the reward of making a mark but also for the development of key skills around construction and equipment usage. It is also a profession in high demand at the moment, making it lucrative for many who might not know their next steps. Many engineers take the construction route to work hands-on; but for those with little in the way of engineering nous, some of the equipment used on site can be confounding.
For example, the wheel loader is a relatively obscure piece of industrial equipment, and yet an essential one in many construction and industrial settings. Their operation also poses inherent health and safety risks, that must be managed to ensure the safety of operators and other workers. What are some tips for those new to working with wheel loaders, to remain safe at work?
Understanding Wheel Loaders and Associated Risks
Before delving into specific tips for safety, it is important to have a basic understanding of wheel loaders, their purpose, and the specific risks they pose. Wheel loaders are heavy, vehicular industrial machinery designed to move materials from place to place.
They have powerful engines, large tires, and articulated steering, which enables them to manoeuvre over a variety of terrains. Their form is familiar to many outside of construction, and many have even played with toy versions of these construction vehicles. However, the size, weight, and operating characteristics of the real thing pose real risks to operators and others – from rollovers to collisions and struck-by accidents.
Wheel Loader Maintenance
Proper and regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of wheel loaders. This is the responsibility of the employer as opposed to the employee, but you may be asked to conduct or oversee said maintenance –regular inspections of the machine’s components. The brakes, tires, hydraulic systems, and lights must all be regularly checked and repaired, to identify and rectify potential issues before they escalate.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
With machines of such size and power, PPE is not an extremely effective measure for preventing injury. As a last resort, though, it is vital for protection from falling or flying debris. Operators and workers in the vicinity of wheel loaders must wear appropriate PPE, including high-visibility clothing so that operators can see one another, and safety footwear to minimise injury from debris leaving the loader bucket.
Operator Training and Certification
Thorough training and certification are paramount for wheel loader operators – and legally required. Operators should receive comprehensive instruction from their employer on equipment operation, safety procedures, and hazard awareness. In this way, training becomes the most effective form of health and safety planning.
Training programs should cover such topics as proper start-up and shut-down procedures, safe loading and unloading techniques, and the limitations of the specific machine in use. Operators should also receive comprehensive training on the different kinds of wheel loaders they might encounter.
Load Management:
Proper load management is essential for maintaining stability and preventing accidents. Operators should be aware of the machine’s load capacity and avoid overloading. Ensuring that the load is evenly distributed and properly secured reduces the risk of tipping or shifting during operation. Regularly inspecting attachments and forks for wear and tear is also critical for safe load handling.