Loader/Backhoe Safety
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components
Three basic components of a loader/backhoe
1. The tractor
2. The loader – attached to the
front of the tractor
3. The backhoe – attached to the
rear of the tractor by a hinge
arrangement which allows the
boom and bucket assembly to
swing to the right and left
Stabilizers are attached to each side of the backhoe to provide
stability when the boom swings side to side.
Pre-Operation Checklist
Engine, coolant and hydraulic fluid levels.
Broken and/or dirty windows
All functions for smooth operations
Transmission for smooth operation
Brakes
Safety devices and guards are in place and functional
Rollover protective structure
Seat belt
Tires for condition, inflation, and missing valve caps
All lights, gauges, horns and alarms
Engine compartment for leaks and trash build up
Each operator should perform their own pre-
operation inspection.
Pre-Operation Checklist
Damaged lift arm
Bent or damaged hydraulic
cylinders
Worn hinge pins and bushings
Damaged and leaking hydraulic
lines
Damaged or cracked bucket
Bent or damaged bucket links
Smooth operation through all
functions
Operator Safety Awareness
Factors
Working conditions
Weather
Other workers on jobsite
Emotional stress
Fatigue
Medications
Working alone
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Safe Operation
Never take anything for granted
Plan ahead
Look and survey the worksite
Face machine and use three points of
contact
Always use the seat belt
Be alert with your eyes and ears
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Safe Operation
Clean grease and mud from shoes
Avoid loose clothing and jewelry
Wear personal protective equipment
Never operate machine without
protective guards
Know the height, width, and weight
restrictions
Keep all safety devices in place
and in working order
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Climbing On And Off
The Machine
• Use the three point
contact method. This
method is simply keeping
two hands and a foot or
one hand and two feet in
contact with the machine
when climbing.
Inspecting the Tractor
•Engine oil & coolant
•Hydraulic fluid levels
•Glass for dirt & damage
•Transmission for smooth
operation
•Brakes
•Safety devices
•Seat belt
•Tires for condition & inflation
•Lights, gauges, horn &
alarms
•Cab cleanliness
•All controls for proper labels
Inspecting the Backhoe
•Damaged stabilizer arms & pads
•Bent or damaged hydraulic
cylinders
•Worn hinge pins & bushings
•Damaged & leaking hydraulic
lines
•Smooth operation through all
functions
•Damaged or loose teeth on
bucket
•Worn stick extension slide pads
•All welds for cracks
Inspecting the Loader
•Damaged lift arms
•Bent or damaged hydraulic
cylinders
•Worn hinge pins & bushings
•Damage & leaking hydraulic
lines
•Smooth operation through all
functions
•Damaged or loose teeth on
bucket
•Bent or damaged bucket links
•All welds for cracks
Danger Zone of the
Loader/Backhoe Boom
1. When the boom is in operation, no one
should be within the swing area of the
backhoe.
2. If a worker has to enter the danger zone
they MUST make eye contact with the
operator before entering.
3. The operator must stop the backhoe and
signal that it is safe to enter.
4. The operator should not move the
backhoe until the worker is out of the
danger zone. 12
Hazards
Excavation Hazards
1. Always determine the location of all
underground utilities and buried hazards.
2. Avoid setting stabilizer or spoil too close
to the edge of a trench.
Controlling Worksite Access
Worksites need to have proper
barriers/barricades to prevent
unauthorized personnel and
vehicles from entering the
work area.
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Do’s
• Remember to inspect the tractor, loader and
backhoe
• Operator safety awareness factors consist of the
working conditions, jobsite, weather, etc.
• Know the danger zones of the loader/backhoe
along with the excavation hazards
• Control access to the worksite
• Remember the safety points for transporting the
loader/backhoe safely
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