OPERATOR AND MACHINE PROTECTION A well trained operator, working under suitable conditions, utilizing a modern, properly-equipped machine provides a machine-operator team capable of giving maximum production. These factors, along with appropriate job site rules and communication procedures, are essential to coordinate people and machines working together. Appropriately protected and maintained machines are less likely to suffer premature component failure or damage, and give operators the confidence and assurance they need to carry out their work. Furthermore, training is not complete until the operator reads, understands and agrees to follow the instructions provided in the Operation and Maintenance Manual included with every Caterpillar machine. Employers have a duty to provide a safe work place for their employees. The purchaser of a Caterpillar machine has a duty to review his/her particular application and job site for the machine to identify potential hazards inherent to that application or job site. Based on the results of this hazard analysis, the appropriate operator and machine protection configuration can be determined. Caterpillar designs, builds, and tests its products to ensure the safety of operators, maintenance persons, service persons, and bystanders. Caterpillar provides as standard equipment the appropriate operator and machine protection for most applications. However, particular applications may require additional operator and/or machine protection. Caterpillar offers related options for most such applications. However, there may be very special applications where the Caterpillar Dealer or the Purchaser may want to fabricate, or request Caterpillar to provide, custom or special guarding. Your Caterpillar Dealer can help you with this hazard analysis and guarding configuration process.
I. Operator Training and Protection Practices Remember that any kind of machine or mechanical device can be hazardous if not kept in good condition, or if operated by careless or improperly trained operators, or if operated in an irresponsible manner.
Listed below are some recommended basic steps that can be broadly applied to most work environments: ● Train operators for the job they are assigned to do. The length and type of training must comply with governmental and local regulations wherever they apply. As an example, machine operators in mining activities must be trained in accordance with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations. Where specific regulations do not apply, no operator should be assigned to a job until he or she meets the following minimum requirements: – Completes proper training to operate the assigned machine and understands that seat belts must be worn whenever seated in operator’s compartment. – Reads and understands the Operation & Maintenance manual for that machine, and knows that a copy of that manual is stored in the operator’s compartment. – Reads and understands the EMI (Equipment Manufacturer’s Institute), CIMA (Construction Industry Manufacturers Association), or any other furnished manual related to rules for safe machine operation and identification of hazards. – Has appropriate personal safety equipment and knows how to use it. This includes such things as hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and safety shoes. – Knows what the job requirements are, what other machines are working in the area, and is aware of any hazardous conditions that may arise. ● Be sure operators are alert and in proper physical and mental condition to perform their work assignments safely. No machine should be operated by a person who is drowsy, under the affect of medicines or drugs, suffers blackouts, or is suffering from any physical or mental distraction that could contribute to unsafe operation.
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