Safety Tips

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Transportation Mining and Utilities:

 Always use and maintain the safety devices provided by manufacturers:

• Lift-arm supports
  Use the lift-arm supports provided by or recommended by the manufacturer when it is necessary to work or move around the machine with the bucket in a raised position while the controls are unattended.  Machines now being manufactured have either the pin-type supports (which can be operated from inside the operator's cab) or the strut-type supports (which may also be operated from inside the cab or may require the help of a coworker).  If the machine is not equipped with lift arm supports, contact the equipment dealer or manufacturer's representative for help in selecting proper support procedures.  Never use concrete blocks as supports.  They can collapse under even light loads . Hoists and jacks used for support must be free of defects such as bent, cracked, or twisted parts or pinched, frayed, or twisted cable.  They must also be capable of supporting the load.
• Interlocked controls
  Regularly inspect and maintain interlocked controls in proper operating condition. These systems require the operator to be properly positioned and restrained before the loader can be used. Never bypass or defeat interlocked controls. Make sure that the seat belt is always securely fastened around the operator when the loader is in operation. Always use restraint bars if they are provided. Although workers and employers may perceive safety features such as interlocked controls and seat belts as obstacles to efficient machine operation, bypassing these devices increases the risk of death or serious injury.
• Seat belts
  Make sure that the seat belt is secured around the operator whenever the seat is occupied. The seat belt protects the operator in several ways. If seat belts are part of the interlocked control system, they protect workers from being caught and crushed between the lift arms and frame. During rollovers, the seat belt maintains the operator within the protective envelope of the ROPS. The seat belt can also protect the operator from leaning or being jostled into the operating zone of the lift arms and bucket.
• Retrofit packages
  If side screens, interlocks, ROPs (Rollover Protection System) and seat belts are not present, contact the equipment dealer or manufacturer's representative about the availability of retrofit packages or replacement parts.
  

Important Measures to remember:

Operating Safely

If you are an employer, make sure that your workers understand all manufacturers' warnings and instructions before they operate skid steer loaders. Train workers to use the following safe operating procedures:

• Operate the loader from the operator's compartment-never from the outside.
• Stay seated when operating the loader controls.
• Work with the seat belt fastened and the restraint bar in place.
• Keep your arms, legs, and head inside the cab while operating the loader.
• When possible, plan to load, unload, and turn on level ground.
• For maximum stability, travel and turn with the bucket in the lowest position possible.
• Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended load capacity for the machine.
• Operate on stable surfaces only.
• Avoid traveling across slopes; travel straight up or down with the heavy end of the machine pointed uphill.
• Always face the direction of travel.
• Keep bystanders away from the work area.
• NEVER modify or bypass safety devices.

Entering and Exiting from the Loader Safely

Enter only when the bucket or other attachment is flat on the ground-or when the lift-arm supports are in place.  Use supports supplied or recommended by the manufacturer.

• When entering the loader, face the seat and keep a three-point contact with handholds and steps.
• Never use foot or hand controls for steps or handholds.
• Keep all walking and working surfaces clean and clear of debris.
• Before leaving the operator's seat,
            -lower the bucket or other attachment flat to the ground,
            -set the parking brake, and
            -turn off the engine.
• If you are unable to exit through the front of the machine, use the emergency exit through the roof or across the back.

Maintaining the Loader in Safe Operating Condition

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintaining the loader.
• Keep the foot controls and the operator's compartment free of mud, ice, snow, and debris.
• Before servicing the loader,
            -set the parking brake,
            -lower the bucket or other attachment flat to the ground,
            -turn off the engine, and
            -remove the key from the switch.
• If the machine cannot be serviced with the bucket on the ground, use the lift arm supports recommended or provided by the manufacturer.
• If the machine is not equipped with lift arm supports, contact the equipment dealer or manufacturer's representative for help in selecting proper supports.
• Never work on the machine with the engine running unless directed to do so by the operator's manual.
• Follow the manufacturer's safety recommendations to complete the task. If the adjustments require that the engine be in operation, use two persons to perform the task.

Training

Train operators and workers who service the loaders to read and follow the manufacturer's operating and service procedures given in the operator's manuals and on the loader's warning signs.  For help with such training, contact the equipment manufacturer.  Obtain manuals, instructional videos, and operator training courses from the equipment dealer or manufacturer