Essential Safety Precautions When Using Hired Machinery

   

Essential Safety Precautions When Using Hired Machinery

 

       1. Always wear protective clothing

Whenever you are operating machinery or equipment, ensure you wear the protective clothing that comes with the machinery. These clothes are designed for your protection. They may include helmets, safety jackets, aprons, glasses, boots, and earmuffs.

Loose clothes, long hair, and dangling jewellery can lead to accidents when the machine's moving parts catch them. Hence ensure that your clothes fit, your hair is tied and covered by the helmet, and you don't have dangling jewelry.

 

2. Avoid blind spots when operating the equipment

When operating heavy machinery, ensure there is nothing in front or behind the machine. Don't move into a spot without asking someone to inspect it first; if you don't have an assistant, power off the machinery and take some time to examine the site before proceeding.

 

3. Wear seat belts

Ensure your seat belt is always on for your own protection. The seat belt prevents you from rolling over or being thrown away when the machinery is operating. In addition, it holds you in place to control the equipment.

 

4. Communication

If you are working with other people on the site, ensure constant communication. Constant communication promotes safety.

 

5. Three-point rule

Use the three-point rule for mounting and dismounting when leaving the equipment.  Operators have been badly hurt before for not following the rule. Don't jump off the machinery. Instead, maintain three-point contact: use two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand to mount or dismount safely.

 

6. Loading and offloading

To safely load or offload anything, ensure the machinery you are using is sitting on level ground. This helps it maintain balance, and chances of the vehicle sliding or rolling are low.

 

7. Inspect the equipment before work starts

Before using heavy equipment each day, do an inspection. Use a paper or computer checklist. Walk around the equipment looking for cracked or split hoses, undercarriage irregularities, leaking fluids, and stress points.

 

8. Check for hazards

Conduct a visual check for overhead and underground dangers, such as cables, gas lines, and hydro wires. These should all be flagged for identification.

 

When using hired machinery and equipment, ensure you maintain safety precautions to avoid accidents, injuries or death. If you want to hire a machine for your DIY project, look no further than Ryno Hire. We have a range of dry hire machinery available. Visit our website or contact us for more information. 

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