| Purpose |
To ensure the safe operation of skid steers in residential construction communities, to minimize injury and material damage risks to Workers, other trades, visitors, and the public. |
| Definition |
A skid steer is a compact engine-powered machine on wheels or tracks with lift arms that attach to a variety of tools. A skid steer is used for tasks such as grading, soil removal or covering underground services. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Chemical:
- Hydraulic, fuel, and oil leaks
Physical:
- Struck by (Workers, homeowner, vehicles)
- Pinch points
- Crushing injuries
- Roll overs
- Noise
- Underground utility strike
- Above ground contact with utilities (gas, electricity)
- Property damage (existing homes, driveways, walkways, landscaping)
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| Controls |
Engineering:
- Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS)
- Seat belts or operator restraint systems
- Back-up alarm
Administrative:
- Pre-use and annual equipment inspection
- Skid steer training
- Ground Disturbance Level II Training
- Spotter
- Locates
- Operating manual
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Basic PPE: CSA/ANSI approved safety footwear, hi-visibility vest
- Task-Specific PPE: Hearing protection
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure the Worker is trained and competent to operate the skid steer.
- Ensure other Workers know where and when the skid steer will be operating and that unnecessary Workers are kept away from that area.
- Enforce control zones (and barricades) around publicly accessible skid Steer operating areas.
- Ensure the operator has current locates and that services are marked on the ground.
- Coordinate with other Workers and homeowners to minimize pedestrian exposure.
- Confirm that the machine has had an annual and a pre-use inspection.
Do not
- Allow a Worker to operate a skid steer if they are not trained and competent.
- Allow skid steers to be operated without ROPS, seat belts, and/or functioning back up alarm.
- Allow a skid steer to be in operation if it requires repairs or maintenance.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Complete a pre-use inspection of the machine and attachments.
- Operate at low speeds, carrying loads and attachments as low as possible.
- Maintain eye contact and communication with spotters and other trades when working near people.
- Stop immediately if trades or homeowners enter the work area.
- Use back up alarm, check blind spots, use a spotter to avoid backing up over people, equipment, or property.
- Protect exposed utilities from materials that might be falling from your bucket.
- Turn off engine, lower load to the ground and secure the machine before leaving the site.
- Task-specific PPE: hearing protection, safety footwear, vest, glasses, hard hat.
- Use seatbelt.
- Drive straight up and down slopes with the heavy end of the machine pointed uphill.
- Always keep hands and feet in machine, away from the path of the skid steer’s arms or bucket.
- Read and understand the operating manual.
- Establish a control zone with signage or pylons to warn others that there will be moving equipment in the area.
Do not
- Exceed manufacturer’s specified load limits or operating angles.
- Carry passengers in the cabin or bucket.
- Work without spotters when visibility is limited or in congested areas.
- Ignore underground utility markers or remove soil from the utility hand exposure zone.
- Operate a machine that requires repairs.
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