Safety is at the forefront of our operations.We extend this attitude to our employees, contractors and the community in which we operate. We recommend that you take a few minutes to review all external surroundings on the site. Know your work site and the people and structures that exist on the site to ensure optimal job site safety and productivity. Please take some time to read these safety tips.

This sheet should be given to the site supervisor if the equipment is being hired for commercial use so that the information is available to all users. For more about our machines, please visit our website, www.equipmentshare.co.nz or call your EquipmentShare Account Manager.

Excavator operation safety checklist

Before operation:     ‍

• Check tires, rims or undercarriage and machine for damage or abnormal wear and clear away debris.
• Check fluid levels – engine and hydraulic oil, diesel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and coolant.
• Check for leaking or pooled fluid around and under the machine.
• Check belts (alternator, fan, seatbelts, etc.)
• Identify greasing points and grease frequently.
• Check auxiliary hydraulic connections and pressure as well as control levers.
• Before moving the machine, make sure the windshield and mirrors are clean and set properly.
• Please inform us immediately if you see any leaks or are concerned with anything on the machine.

During operation:

• Excavators only have one seat, which is meant for the operator, no other passenger is permitted.
• Never attempt to operate the excavator unless you are sitting in the seat and in full control.
• Reduce the excavator’s speed when working on rough terrain or within congested areas.
• Carry the bucket low to the ground during transport. This will increase visibility and machine stability.
• When moving the excavator around the job site, select a route that is as flat as possible.
• Steer the machine as straight as possible and only make small gradual changes in direction when turning.
• Never dig underneath the excavator.
• When backfilling a cave-in, the excavator’s tracks should be at a 90-degree angle to the excavation with the propel motors to the rear of the machine.
• When loading trucks, never swing the excavator bucket or the truck cab. By swinging over the rear of the truck, any loose materials will fall on the ground or in the bed, rather than on the cab.
• Never attempt to clean the excavator’s bucket by striking it on the ground or against another object. 

After operation:

• When shutting down the machine, be sure it’s parked somewhere safe and on a level surface with the bucket attachment lowered to the ground.
• Turn off the auto-idle switch and run the engine at half throttle without load for a few minutes to help cool the turbocharger down.
• Set the RPM to low idle before shutting the engine off with the key switch.
• Do not forget to lock up the cab when exiting the equipment.
• Check for new signs of structural damage, scratches or dents on the machine and buckets.

‍

Personal protection equipment

We recommend that you use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when using equipment and handling or working in hazardous environments.See some of the recommended PPE below:

• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protection
• Head Protection
• Hi-vis Clothing
• Protective Boots
• Protective Gloves
• Respiratory Protection
• Certificate of Competency
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Protective Clothing

Hazardous materials

Any contractor performing work involving “hazardous” materials is required to have a plan as per New Zealand Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Hazardous Materials.This includes procedures for decontaminating equipment and notifying affected parties of the potential hazard.If you are using this equipment for in a hazardous area, you must notify EquipmentShare and you’re required to provide evidence of decontamination prior to returning it. It is an offence under the H&S Act not to do so.