Alabama Home Builders Self Insurers Fund

Skid Steer Operator Training Program

Presented by the AHBSIF Loss Control Department

Course Outline

I. Introduction

II. General Safety Precautions

III. Safe Operating Procedures

IV. Emergency Situations

V. Driving Test

I. Introduction

Introduction

This presentation will provide participants with the following:

General descriptionGeneral safety precautionsSafe operating proceduresEmergency Situations

Components of a Skid Steer

Lift Arm

Roll Over Protection System (ROPS)

Hydraulic Block

Bucket Attachment

Safe Entry Aids, Grab Rail and Non-Slip

Step

Warning Lights

All-Wheel Steer

Common Safety Devices

Roll Over Protection SystemOverhead ProtectionSeatbeltProtective cage

Pedestrian Warning DevicesLightsHorn

Operator’s Manual

Attachments

II. General Safety Precautions

Signage Alerts

operators to special messages regarding:

OperationMaintenanceSafety

Precautions

Recognition of emphasized messages:

NOTE• This message is used when special information, instructions, or identification

is required relating to procedures, equipment, tools, pressures, capacities, and other special data.

IMPORTANT• This message is used when special precautions should be taken to ensure a

correct action or to avoid damage to, or malfunction of, the truck or a component.

CAUTION• This message is for proper precautions which, if not followed, can result in

personal injury. WARNING

• This message is used when a hazard exists which can result in injury or death if proper precautions are not taken.

DANGER• This message is used when an extreme hazard exists which will result in

death or serious injury if proper precautions are not taken immediately.

Benefits of Operator Training It improves safety for the operator and others It Improves morale

Increased employee responsibility The operator learns how to perform a pre-shift inspection

Reduce down time Increase productivity Reduce maintenance costs Improve safety

The equipment is better cared for Employees understand the value of the equipment and how to

use it efficiently Operator training and progress is documented OSHA requirements are fulfilled

Operate only if qualified

Do not operate unless you have been trained to do so and are familiar with the operator's manual

Familiarize yourself with the job site and your surroundings before operating.

Try all controls and machine functions with the machine in an open area before starting to work.

Know and observe all jobsite specific safety rules

Protective Equipment

Safety Glasses and Face ShieldGuard against injury from flying pieces of metal or

debris; wear face shield or safety glasses.

Proper AttireWear close fitting clothing and safety equipment

appropriate to the job.

Ear Plugs and/or MuffsWear suitable hearing protection to protect against

loud or prolonged noises.

Always contact an authorized dealer before making machine modifications

Changes can effect the following:Intended use of skid steerWeight or balance of the machineCan alter machine controls, performance or

reliability

Machine Modifications

Pre-shift Inspection

Inspect machine carefully each day by walking around it before starting.

Keep all guards and shields in good condition and properly installed.

Fix damage and replace worn or broken parts immediately.

Pay special attention to hydraulic hoses and electrical wiring.

Stay Clear of Moving Parts

Entanglements in moving parts can cause serious injury.

Maintenance procedures require the followingEngine offControls in neutralParking brake setPark on level surface, wheel chocks if needed Hydraulics blocked

If any guard or shield has been removed for access, replace when complete.

Potential Hazard Exposures

High Pressure OilsMost machines use a high-

pressure hydraulic system. Escaping oil under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury.

Hydraulic oil that penetrates the skin must be treated immediately.

Use the “cardboard test” to locate potential hydraulic fluid leaks.

Potential Hazard Exposures

Exhaust FumesEngine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death. If you must operate in a building provide adequate

ventilation. Use an exhaust pipe extension to remove the exhaust

fumes.Open doors and windows to bring outside air into the

area.

Potential Hazard Exposures

Battery ExplosionsBattery gas can explode. Keep sparks, flames, and

other ignition sources away from the top of the battery.

Never check battery charge by placing a metal object across the posts, use a voltmeter.

Never charge a frozen battery; it may explode. Warm battery to 16°C (60°F).

Potential Hazard Exposures

Fire PreventionHandle Fuel Safely: Store flammable fluids away

from fire hazards. Never refuel machine while smoking or when near sparks or flame.

Clean Machine Regularly: Keep trash, debris, grease and oil from accumulating in engine compartment, around fuel lines, hydraulic lines and electrical wiring. Never store oily rags or flammable materials inside a machine compartment.

Maintain Hoses and Wiring: Replace hydraulic hoses immediately if they begin to leak, and clean up any oil spills. Examine electrical wiring and connectors frequently for damage.

Extinguishers

Ordinary Combustibles

Includes materials such as wood and paper

Flammable Liquids

Includes fuels, grease, other liquids

Electrical Fires

Contains non-conductive smothering agent

How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherP-A-S-S

Pull -- Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being activated

Aim -- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire

Squeeze -- Maintain a distance of eight to ten feet away from the fire and squeeze the handle. Discharge will only occur if the handle is being squeezed.

Sweep -- Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire until it appears to be out.

Potential Hazard Exposures

Chemical Hazard CommunicationExposure to hazardous chemicals can cause

serious injury. Lubricants, coolants, paints and adhesives

used with this machine may be hazardous. If uncertain about safe handling or use of

these chemical products, contact your authorized dealer for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Waste Disposal

Fuel, oils, coolants, filters and batteries used with the machine may be harmful to the environment.

Never pour waste onto the ground, down a drain, or into any water source.

Material must be disposed of in accordance with the rules and regulations of federal and state agencies.

ADEM (Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management)Office of General Council; (334)-271-7977 (http://www.adem.state.al.us/)

Potential Spill Exposures

Fuel dispensing areasMaintenance areasEquipment FailureImproper Storage vessels

DrumsBucketsUnapproved containers

III. Safe Operating Procedures

General Safety Procedures

Face the machine when getting on and off, maintain 3-point contact at all times.

Never use machine controls as handholds.

Use extra care in poor weather conditions.

Keep steps clean and free of grease or oil.

General Safety Procedures

Never jump when exiting machine or exit

while the machine is moving. Start the engine only while sitting in

operator's seat.Always wear your safety belt. The complete seat belt assembly should

be replaced every three years, regardless of appearance.

General Safety Procedures

Be careful not to accidentally actuate controls when co-workers are present.

Lower all equipment to the ground during work interruptions. Engage park brake before allowing anyone to approach the machine.

Follow these same precautions before standing up, leaving the operator's seat, or exiting the machine.

Potential Site Hazards

Buried utilities, i.e. water, cable, electrical

Adjacent structures or objects that could fall onto the machine.

Poor housekeeping, excessive debris.Overhead power lines.

Potential Site HazardsAwareness of bystanders and fellow

workers. Use barricades or a signal person to keep

vehicles and pedestrians away. Travel path conditions.

Steep terrainSoft soil Loose gravelRuttingUneven transitions

Operator Fundamentals

Keep Riders Off the MachineOnly allow operator on machine. Riders are subject to injury. They may fall from

machine, be caught between machine parts, or struck by foreign objects.

Riders may obstruct operator's view or impair his ability to operate machine safely.

Operator Fundamentals

Avoid Back-over AccidentsBefore moving machine, be sure all persons

or vehicles are clear of machine path. Be certain reverse warning alarm is working

properly.Use a signal person when backing if view is

obstructed or when in close quarters.

Operator Fundamentals

Avoid Machine Tip OverUse seat belt at all times. Never jump from a tipping machine. You will be

unlikely to jump clear and the machine may crush you.

Load and unload from trucks or trailers carefully. Be sure truck is wide enough and on a firm level surface. Use loading ramps and attach them properly to truck bed.

Operator FundamentalsAvoid Machine Tip Over

Use caution on slopes and avoid sharp turns. Balance loads so weight is evenly distributed

and load is stable. Carry tools and loads close to the ground to

aid visibility and lower center of gravity. Avoid overloading, know your machines

capacity.

Operator Fundamentals Operating or Traveling On Public Roads

For work near vehicle traffic you must have proper lighting and markings to assure visibility.

Additional lights, beacons, slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems, or other devices may require installation.

Check state and local regulations to assure compliance. Keep these devices clean and in working condition.

Operator Fundamentals

Attachment Hook-Up and OperationAttachments must be compatible. Installation must handled by a competent

person.Verify that all connections are secure and

attachment responds properly to controls. Carefully read attachment manual and follow

all instructions and warnings. Test the attachment in an open area to insure

proper operation.

Refueling

Gasoline and DieselThe difference between these two fuels is their

ignition temperatures.Gasoline

Extremely flammableColorlessDistinctive odor

DieselHas higher ignition point than gasColorlessSlight odor, harder to detect than gas

Refueling

Most skid steer filler caps are equipped with a venting device and a fuel screen.

The screen serves as a fire retardant device by keeping fire out of the fuel tank.

Check when refueling to make sure the screen is in place.

Refueling

Safe refueling checklist:Refuel in designated areas with good

ventilationSmoking and open flames are prohibitedShut off the skid steer, lower the attachment,

controls in neutral, and set the parking brake before beginning

Don’t overfill the tankClean up any spillsUse only clean, properly marked fuel cans

Batteries

A lead-acid battery is a portable power source for supplying direct current electricity.

The most common voltages include 12, 24, 36, and 48 volts.

Discharging a battery below 80% of its total capacity can result in shortened battery and truck component life.

Battery Hazards

Sulfuric Acid – Small amounts can cause severe contact burns to the skin.

Gasses – Batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen mixture continuously. Keep all ignition sources away.

Electricity – Batteries are capable of producing very high discharge rates. Avoid direct shorting situations.

Battery Weight – Use care when handling, charging, and using batteries in the truck.

IV. Emergency Situations

Are you prepared?

Does the facility/jobsite have an evacuation procedure?

Are emergency contact numbers readily available?

Do any of your employees/co-workers have CPR or First Aid training?

Does the facility/jobsite have a first aid kit?

Handling an Emergency

The three C’s, Check, Call, Care help us remember what to do in an emergency situation.

Check – check the area for your own safety first, then the victim's

Call – for help, 911 or whom ever is in the immediate area that can provide assistance

Care - administer care to the victim, this may be first aid or at least stabilization

V. Driving Test

Pre-operation InspectionFamiliarization with

operating controlsDriver’s Test