Health and 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 undertake a Risk Assessment on before starting work on your jobsite.

Assessing risk involves reviewing all external surroundings on the site and considering what could happen if someone is exposed to a hazard and the likelihood of it happening. Knowing your work site, the people and structures that exist on the site will help ensure optimal job site safety and boost productivity.

Please take some time to read this information before using EqupimentShare’s machinery. This information should also be given to the site supervisor if the equipment is being hired for commercial use so that the information is available to all users.

Before starting a new project, it’s important to undertake a risk assessment as this allows you to evaluate potential hazards that could arise from the:

• Jobsite
• Equipment and materials used
• The work to be done
• Job tasks and activities

We recommend the following three steps to minimise risks:

• Identify the hazard
• Analyse and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (may require liaising with internal and external parties)
• Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard or control the risk when the hazard cannot be eliminated

For more about identifying and managing risk, please visit Worksafe New Zealand website www.worksafe.govt.nz

If for any reason the equipment you hired is not operating correctly or you are not satisfied with its performance, stop work and inform your supervisor and EquipmentShare. Alternatively, your supervisor can contact Equipt. Never attempt to repair the equipment yourself. Contact your EquipmentShare Account Manager directly or the Head Office on 09 884 0440.

Health & safety tips

Take some time to read this guide, safety tips and manufacturers operating instructions before, operating any equipment.

Inspect the equipment before commencing work and report any damage or concerns to your supervisor or Equipt Account Manager.Equipment shouldn’t be used if it’s damaged or faulty.

• Ensure that you have the right machine for the job, and you know how to use it safely and effectively.
• Do not use any equipment if you’re tired, under the influence of alcohol, drugs or suffering from a medical condition that prohibits you from operating any equipment.
• Plan your time effectively, do not hurry and take short cuts as this may increase the risk of an accident.
• Ensure equipment and tools are assembled and used according to the manufacturer’s and EquipmentShare’s instructions.
• Ensure machine controls and other devices are working properly.
• Always keep firm footing and balance, do not overreach or stretch.
• Make sure any equipment or loads are securely and safely restrained during transportation.
• Ensure the machine has the correct guard rails fitted and do not use equipment without rails.
• Ensure you have the appropriate license or Certificate of Competency issued by a regulatory authority to operate the equipment.
• Ensure you have clear visibility around you and maintain constant awareness of your surroundings when operating equipment.
• Ensure the weather conditions are suitable for the job. If weather conditions are not suitable, stop work immediately and park the equipment somewhere safe and secure.
• To avoid injury or machine damage, use correct lifting techniques or devices where applicable for lifting materials or transporting items.
• Wear suitable clothes. Loose clothing, jewellery and long hair can be caught up in machine parts.
• If possible, protect yourself from outside weather elements by wearing long sleeved clothing, sun protection, and hat.
• We recommend that you obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from your supplier before using any product. The SDS provides other valuable health and safety information pertaining to the product you are using.
• If working in confined spaces, ensure you have taken adequate advice and precaution before entering and working in confined spaces as toxic and flammable gas may be present. Correct PPE, monitoring devices and ventilation is highly recommended to minimize risk.
• Ensure the area you are operating the equipment in is well ventilated. Internal combustion engines produce carbon monoxide gas.Carbon monoxide gas is odourless and can be fatal. Enclosed or improperly ventilated areas may allow carbon monoxide levels to accumulate which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

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

Using tools & equipment

• The equipment should be used for the purpose it was designed for and any other use is prohibited.
• Spend some time and familiarise yourself with the safety precautions associated with the operation of any equipment before attempting to use it.
• If in any doubt on how to use the equipment or the equipment is damaged, please refer to supplier’s manual, contact your supervisor or Equipt.
• Before digging, know where underground utilities are located. You may need to contact the relevant authorities to get this information.
• Ensure all safety features on the equipment are in place.
• Before changing power tools and attachments like rock breakers or drill motors, first unplug the equipment, hydraulic or pneumatic hoses from the connected energy source.
• Loose clothing and hands to be always kept away from moving parts and hot surfaces.
• Always keep firm footing and balance.
• Regular breaks are recommended during equipment use. If you’re tired or not feeling well, stop immediately and take a rest or seek medical attention.

Flammable liquids & gas

• All fuel containers should always be stored correctly, safely and securely.
• Fuel containers should be kept at least 3 metres away from where the equipment will be started.
• Liquid and gas are highly flammable, use extreme care when filling fuel tanks as vapours can be explosive.
• It is recommended that you switch off the engine before refueling.
• Smoking could ignite flammable liquid or gas, so only smoke in designated areas far away from flammable liquid and gas. We recommend keeping an appropriate fire extinguisher nearby.
• LPG is highly explosive when mixed with air so make sure the appliance is properly closed/shut if not in use. LPG is heavier than air and will displace air at lower levels – even though you may not be able to smell it, LPG may still be present.
• Keep LPG away from an open flame or sources of sparks.
• If testing LPG equipment for leaks only use soapy water. Please get a qualified gas or liquid tester to check if unsure.

Electrical equipment

• Before starting work, it’s important that you check with the relevant authorities for location of any hidden cabling. Contact with electrical cabling can cause injury or death.
• Never ever use electrical appliance where the operation can trigger an explosion of gases, vapours, liquids, dusts or other substances.
• Make sure any electrical equipment or appliance that you’re using has been electrically tested, tagged and dated by a qualified person.
• Before doing any electrical work, make sure the equipment is disconnected from the power source before removing or fitting any attachments.
• Never use faulty electrical equipment as this can cause a fire or damage the equipment further.
• Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent (RCBO)is a device that quickly breaks an electrical circuit to prevent serious harm from an electric shock. Make sure that the power outlet you are using is RCBO protected.
• Ensure that leads are well protected from being tangled, pinched or crushed. Never ever use electrical equipment in wet conditions. Never use electrical leads that are damaged.

Battery equipment

• Only recharge the batteries with a charger specified for the equipment.
• Always charge batteries in an area that’s well-ventilated.
• Ensure that ventilation vents in the battery or charger are not covered.
• Separate the battery pack when not in use this will increase the battery’s charge.
• Do not use a damaged battery. Damaged battery may cause acid to escape from the battery. Avoid contact with a damaged battery as acid from batteries can cause irritation or burns on the body. Seek medical assistance if you think you might have been exposed to battery acid.

Hydraulics

• Ensure the correct PPE is worn when working with hydraulics. Do not check for hydraulic leaks with naked skin.
• Depressurize hydraulic systems before handling and do not disconnect a hydraulic system whilst the system is under pressure.

Lifting equipment

• Ensure you have a support person (usually on the ground) when working on any elevated hydraulic equipment.
• Always use the right lift equipment for the job and never exceed the equipment’s weight restrictions (SWL).
• A full restraint may be required on some lifting equipment.
• Make sure limbs and hair (long hair) are faraway from all pinch points.
• Do not stand under a load and avoid moving the load over the heads of other personnel.  
• Never leave loads in the air unattended.
• To prevent the equipment from slipping or moving, ground support systems or jacks should be used.

Working at heights

• Never work at heights when it’s windy, raining,snowing, or stormy conditions. Refer to the equipment specifications for more information.
• Make sure the equipment is positioned on a firm and stable base, and ensure the working platform is level.
• Never work within 4 metres of high voltage power lines.
• Make sure EWP equipment with stabilizers or outriggers are fully deployed, and ground pads are used if necessary.
• Ensure you always have an adequate head clearance above.
• Make sure you wear non-slip shoes and that hand and foot holds are always dry and clean.
• Do not exceed the weight restrictions of the equipment.
• Erect a safe zone under the working height to ensure that no people can access.

‍Ladders

• Step ladders should only be used in the fully open position. Make sure any locking devices on the step ladder is secure.
• To prevent the user from falling, ensure that the ladder is in good condition and secured safely to prevent outward or sideways movement.
• Make sure extension ladders extend at least 1 metre past any platform to be reached. If possible, stand at least 1 metre below the top of a ladder when in a working position.
• Never carry heavy loads on ladders or loads not suitable for ladders.
• Do not over-reach or stretch. Keep the body centred between the side rails when using the ladder.

Dust control & asbestos

• We recommend wearing the correct PPE (including dust masks/ respirators, disposable overalls and safety eyewear) for anyone(including the operator) working in dusty conditions or handling hazardous materials like asbestos. Breathing in hazardous materials can cause serious and ongoing health issues.
• Where possible, only use equipment in well-ventilated areas to reduce your exposure.
• Dust suppression measures such as air filtration or water suppression can be used If creating dust is unavoidable.
• Make sure you know the materials present before maintenance, removing or demolishing any building. Even minimal exposure to asbestos fibres can be hazardous. For more information regarding asbestos safety visit the ‘Worksafe’ website www.worksafe.govt.nz

Hazardous materials - important information

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 in a hazardous area, you must notify us 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.