Heavy Equipment Safety Checks
Whether you’re thinking about purchasing some heavy equipment or you just recently got your hands on one, we are here to help. We understand the importance of knowing how to use your machines safely. We’ve put together this guide with some key safety checks to keep in mind for properly operating your equipment. Keep reading to learn more. If you have any questions or want to check out our inventory, feel free to get in touch with us at our dealership.
Consult the Owner’s Manual
Reading an owner’s manual probably isn’t the most exciting task, but you should give it a read to familiarize yourself with your equipment and how it works. An added advantage is that you’ll learn some useful information on how to prevent hazards when using your machine. Plus, you’ll get a clear idea of your service and maintenance responsibilities.
Pick the Right Gear
Before you can use your heavy equipment, you want to feel confident that you have the right safety gear. Your safety is crucial when operating the machines, after all. While learning the proper technique is also important, you still need to protect yourself from potential safety hazards. Depending on the type of equipment you will use, some items you should use include a pair of sturdy boots, a durable pair of gloves, eye protection, and a hard hat. It’s worth noting that some machines can get pretty noisy, so you should protect your hearing with some earplugs as prolonged exposure to these decibels can cause permanent hearing damage.
Proper Technique
If you’re a beginner, another safety check is learning the proper technique for safe and efficient operation. You need to be careful about your surroundings. Check the surrounding area to identify any sewer, gas, water, and electrical utilities before you start using the machines. If you work at night, make sure there are plenty of lights for better visibility. De-energize overhead power lines if possible or install barriers to prevent accidental contact. You’ll want to do everything you to make your worksite as safe as possible.
Built-In Features
When you’re thinking about heavy equipment safety checks, you’ll be happy to know that your equipment comes with some handy built-in features. For instance, there are multiple switches that will automatically shut off your machine if something goes wrong. You can select a model which is equipped with enhanced safety features as well. This will help protect you while working with your tools.
If you’re still looking for some quality heavy equipment, stop by and see us at Bobcat of Pittsburgh/Erie/Indiana County. We’ve got plenty of options for you to choose from at our dealership locations in Pennsylvania. We welcome all those coming from Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Our team looks forward to assisting you in your search!