Mini excavators are compact compared to full-size excavators. Expectedly, they’re a little easier to operate due to their smaller size and lower weight. However, when you get mini digger hire for a construction project, you need to pay just as much attention to safety as you would with a full-sized unit.
There’s always a risk of costly accidents and injuries when a heavy-duty machine is operated without following essential safety protocols. These dangers include collisions with other machines on the job site, hitting a worker, structure cave-ins, or damaged equipment. In this article, we’ll outline some vital safety measures to ensure operator and site safety when using a mini digger.
Pre-operational Checks
As with every heavy machinery, the first step in using a mini digger is to carry out a pre-operational check or inspection. This begins with an inspection of the construction site itself. This allows you to get familiar with the site conditions and better understand the task at hand.
Doing a site inspection also helps you identify potential hazards and likely risks of working with the digger on that site. That way, you’ll know what to avoid when work begins. For instance, if the construction site is a swamp, river bank, or any other soft surface, you must assess the ground’s capacity to support the excavator’s weight before you begin operation.
Next, you need to inspect the mini digger itself to ensure everything is in proper condition. This includes checking all the switches, fuel levels, hydraulic systems, and fuel levels. Any anomalies detected during the inspection should be fixed promptly before you start using the machine. This prevents bigger (and costlier) damage to the machine and helps you avoid avoidable delays when the work begins.
Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
Mini diggers have cabins that help protect the operator from debris and other hazards. Despite this, it’s always advisable for anyone operating heavy-duty machinery to wear personal protective accessories. These accessories protect the operator from serious injuries if an accident occurs while using the unit. Some recommended personal protective gear includes hard hats, protective boots, gloves, high visibility vests, and earplugs.
Operators may sometimes need to wear additional safety accessories based on the site or work conditions. For example, nose masks and safety goggles may be recommended when working on a demolition project where the machine raises dust.
Understand The Mini Digger’s Operating Manual
Every mini digger hire should come with a comprehensive user manual. The manual details everything an operator needs to know about using the digger and keeping it in perfect condition, such as the maintenance and repair requirements for the machine.
The manual will also detail the machine’s capabilities and limitations, explaining how to handle the digger properly. Whether you’re an experienced operator or a beginner, you should study the user manual of every new machine you hire. Controls, safety features, and capabilities vary for each digger unit. The manual will detail all you need to know about these requirements, preventing issues down the line.
Proper Training
Unless you’re already a professional with years of experience, you must get some training before operating a mini digger. Excavator operator training will ensure familiarity with the basic controls and how to use the machine to complete different tasks on the site.
In addition to figuring out the controls, the training should also focus on specific project peculiarities. For instance, if you’re operating the digger on a slope or digging under overhead structures like tunnels and bridges, there are specific safety precautions you must pay attention to. The operator training may also include how to use extra attachments as well as general repairs and maintenance of the machine.
Recognise & Avoid Underground Utilities
When operating a mini digger (especially in developed areas), one of the common causes of hazards is underground utilities such as gas, water, and electrical lines. To avoid damage to these structures and the dangers associated with them, you should always check the city plan to identify possible locations of underground utilities. Mark out the location of these structures before work begins. The operator must pay attention to these underground utilities and skillfully work around them as much as possible.
Adherence to Weight Limits
While they’re quite versatile, mini diggers cannot handle as much weight as full-sized diggers. Before your project begins, determine the scope and complexity of your project and select a digger that can deliver within that weight limit. Overloading the digger beyond the operating limit specified in the manual can damage the machine or cause accidents.
Implement Secure Digging Practices
Mini-digger operators must be aware of standard digging protocols and adhere to them. This includes general protocols for mini digger operation and more specific protocols depending on the terrain or site conditions.
For instance, raising the boom to the highest position while driving the excavator is unsafe. While this helps with visibility, it makes the machine prone to tipping over. You may also need to follow additional safety precautions when digging on a slope or working near an unstable hedge.
Conclusion
One of the most important excavator safety practices is ensuring that you get a quality digger to begin with. This ensures that the digger is in pristine condition and has been adequately maintained. For construction projects in London or elsewhere in the UK, consider getting a mini digger hire from easyToolhire. We offer the latest, well-maintained excavation equipment and will also provide proper guidelines for safe and efficient operation so your project progresses hitch-free.
