Best Practices - Developed by the Surface Haulage Safety Task Forcein Cooperation with MSHA |
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CAB INSPECTION
Entry and Exit. Steps, platforms, walkways, handrails, handholds, guardrails, skid resistance material, etc., are designed to provide safe entry and exit to the machine's operating station and areas where maintenance is performed.
- Keep these areas clear and clean to minimize accumulation of material that can cause a person to slip or fall.
- Check daily for defects including loose, bent, cracked, or missing parts.
- Do not hand carry personal items or supplies while climbing or descending a ladder or steps. Use a rope or other means to transport items between the cab and the ground.
- Make sure door latches are in working order.
Check to be sure doors can be opened from inside and outside.
- Seat suspension system for proper operation. Any excessive looseness, binding, broken, or missing parts must be repaired before use.
- Forward and rear adjustment, weight compensators, and other adjustable features.
- Ease of operation of the primary controls such as steering, brakes, transmission, and directional controls.
- Seat restraining bolts, to ensure that they are in place and properly tightened.
- Seat belts for cuts, worn areas, chemical damage, or deterioration from the sun or other elements.
- Seat belts to ensure they are securely anchored.
- Check belt label to ensure it contains SAE J386.
The manufacturer's manual should be in the operator's compartment or located in a readily accessible area.
Become familiar with the manual's contents, especially as they relate to safety concerns, inspection instructions, operation of controls, and the machine's operating limitations.
The manufacturer's manual is the primary source of information for safe operation of any machine.
Your machine has a variety of audible or visual safety warning devices. Blinking lights, buzzers, horns, voice messages, etc., are some of the many ways to warn you of machine problems.
- Learn the corrective measures to take in case of a problem. These are in the manufacturer's manual.
- Do not operate a machine when these devices are activated until it is determined safe to do so by an authorized person.
- Never operate a machine with safety warnings disabled or deactivated, unless it is determined safe to do so by an authorized person and operator safety is not compromised.
- External alarms, such as backup alarms and horns are provided to attract attention to the machine. The machine must not be operated until they are functional.
Check your windshield and other glass for cracks that could impair your visibility. Mirrors are found on many machines to help the operator be sure that persons and equipment are clear of the machine being operated.
- Adjust mirrors to provide the desired visibility especially to the rear area of the machine.
- Keep all glass sufficiently clean so operating visibility is not impaired. Repair or replace damaged glass or mirrors.
Secure loose items in the cab. Do not allow items to interfere with the operation of foot or hand controls.
Any malfunctions, defects, or improper operations are to be reported to and checked by an authorized person to correct the problem.
Mine Safety and Health Administration