Excavator Lifting Attachments Safety Tips

By Patricia Reed


Excavators are large machines used to remove soil from the ground specially on constructions sites of buildings and other structures. These are sometimes called power shovels by mistake because their functions are achieved using hydraulic technology which is an improvement from steam shovels. But this is not their only functions though.

The attached bucket can be changed into other ones depending on the task you need them to do such as grapple, breaker or auger. Excavator lifting attachments are available also to carry large and heavy objects. This would help you in saving time and money though it is important to always remember these safety tips when at the job.

Ensure your machine is capable to handle that particular material and its load so tipping over could be avoided. Overloading the excavator would result to damages and injuries in the site, the load and workers which would consume time and money. It should be capable of handling the item and reaching the target while stability and control is maintained.

Your operators must have proper training to read lift charts that the machines they operate have because they can be confusing. Capacity usually changes which depends on various factors like boom angle, swing radii and lift height. The position of the equipment when carrying the object would affect its capacity so these charts should be placed where the operator could immediately see it.

Before using it, any damages, nearby obstacles and hazards must be inspected including the ones overhead which noticing it could be harder. Be certain about the stability of work surface and the position from the nearby excavation edge is far. Perform test lifts when in doubt the stability of work surface below it have.

Clear the area of workers and ensure no one is near the swing radius when lifting a material so they would be protected from falling objects. The spotter is the only person allowed in there and should stand somewhere clear to give vital information to the operator. And when swinging, keep the load closer and only extend it when placing on the desire location to have more stability.

Make sure the chosen rigging is capable of lifting the weight attached to it and is compatible with the materials being lifted. Nylon web slings are not advisable for picking up sharp objects which may damage it. And chains are not advisable for picking up bundles of rebar as it does not provide the needed slip resistance compared to double basket hitch.

Make sure to properly secure the load by using the correct equipment like the latching hooks in ensuring the safety. Ways of securing it varies depending on the amount of lift points available and everyone of them have to be connected and locked. This prevents spinning, wobbling and tipping or shifting and coming apart.

Take precautions when needed in minimizing the risk of shifts suddenly happening when the load is being moved. These are some of the things which will help your working place safe. Remember these to avoid accidents from happening.




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