Chapter 7 Flashcards
Equipment Safety
What does equipment safety begin with?
Pre-Trip Inspection
What does Pre-Trip Inspection include?
- Checking fluid level of engines and hydraulic components
- Checking for burned out signal bulbs
- Checking for brake and tire wear
- Checking loose fittings bolts/lug nuts, cut winch lines, bent or broken body parts
- Cracked welds, missing steps, and railings
What document is important to read and understand for operators?
Operator’s Manual
What is the Operator’s Manual used for?
To explain how the equipment was designed and how it is to be operated
In addition to reading the Operator’s Manual what other document should be included for that piece of equipment?
Recommended Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
What important element of a Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist is often overlooked?
Making sure all controls are properly marked and that boom angle and load charts are attached and legible.
What should be tested prior to their use on a jobsite?
The PTO for Digger Derrick Operating Systems
What fault can occur in a Digger Derrick Operating System?
Commands can be reversed or inoperable
What happens or what does it mean when commands are reversed or inoperable?
Fluid channels become misaligned
What is prime operating position of a digger derrick?
LEVEL
What does leveling the vehicle ensure?
That the loads are transferred to the turret as designed
What happens when the vehicle isn’t leveled and you lift a load?
You can increase the weight on the turret and cause stability problems
If a vehicle needs to be lifted off the ground to level the truck what should you make sure of?
That the soil is firm enough to support the additional weight
Outrigger and Stabilizers are used for support but not intended to?
Physically raise the vehicle off the ground.
If the truck is on dry grass and on a slope raising the wheels off the ground could cause what?
The truck to slide down the hill since the chocks and brakes will become ineffective
When should the boom only be operated at the lowest half of the full swing pattern?
If the truck is leveled as practicable, but is still at an angle greater than 5 degrees
What happens if a load is raised with with the boom above the truck?
The turret brake might not be able to load against the gravitational forces and subsequently swing out of control to the lowest level of the swing plane.
What are the three configurations Digger Derrick Turrets are mounted in?
- Rear Center
- Forward Center
- Corner Mount
What is the operational zone?
The zone in which the boom should be operated, under normal loading conditions, to ensure the stability of the vehicle
What must you always refer to when operating a boom truck?
Boom Operational Charts
What is the maximum lifting capacity?
The total weight that the boom is capable of lifting safely within the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What does a Load Angle Chart portray?
The manufacturer tests of the lifting capacity of the boom when it is placed at different angles and extended at different lengths.
Where is the Load Angle Chart located?
Affixed to the boom near the operator’s controls
What should the operator always refer to before lifting loads with the boom?
The Load Angle Chart
What do Load Angle Charts usually include?
- Load Capacities
- Boom Position
- Operational Zones
- Notices & Warnings
What must an operator know/understand when referring to a Load Angle Chart?
- The position of the boom and the operational zone
- The weight of the object being lifted
What could you do if you need to pick up a load that is heavier than what you’re currently set up at to lift?
- Increase the angle of the boom
- Reposition the truck
When is the boom strongest?
- Fully Retracted
- Highest Angle Possible
When is the boom weakest?
- Fully Extended
- Lowest Possible Angle
When are are Load Angle Charts developed?
When the vehicle is on perfectly level ground
What does the actual lift capacity depend on?
- The stability of the truck and strength of the surface the truck is positioned
- The Manufacturer’s imposed lifting limitations
- The physical position of the boom in relation to the load
What are the two factors that determine a Digger Derrick can lift an object that is within its maximum lift capacity?
- The Hook Radius
- The Sheave Height
When do Hook Radius and Sheave height change distance?
Whenever the boom is raised, lowered, extended, or retracted.
What do Material Handlers have similar to Digger Derricks?
PTO Units
What are PTO Units typically limited to?
Boom and Tool Circuit Functions
As with Digger Derricks, Material Handler Hydraulic Systems must also be ________ prior to use in order to ensure safe operation?
INSPECTED
What should Lineworkers inspect prior to operation?
The Fiberglass Portions
When checking the Fiberglass parts what are you looking for?
- Abrasions
- Hydraulic Leaks
- UV Damage Due to Sun Exposure
What should be performed on the booms annually to ensure they conform to ANSI Standards?
AC Dieletric Tests
What should the buckets of material handlers be inspected for?
- Abrasive Wear
- Cracks
- UV Damage
What is critical in addition to a materials handlers safe operation?
POSITIONING
The booms of material handlers are designed for use in almost any combination of angles but only when the truck is _____?
LEVEL
The truck is at great risk of what if it is not level or positioned on uneven terrain?
ROLLOVER
What are Override Controls?
Controls near the turret to allow ground personnel to operate the equipment from the ground in the event of an accident.
Before operating an aerial lift the operator should ensure what?
That ground personnel are qualified to operate the override controls and are present.
What else should the operator confirm before operating the equipment from the bucket?
That the Override Controls are operational
What are backhoes used for?
- To Excavate Pole and Anchor Holes
- Set Poles
- Rerouting Conduits
- Clear Facility Locations
Whose responsibility is it to ensure safety of the operator and their coworkers?
The Operator’s
What is a key activity done to minimize the potential for accidents?
Pre-Trip Inspection
How should this inspection be performed?
- First by checking the general appearance
- Check for leaks
- Abnormal Leaning
- Broken Lights
What should an operator do before entering the backhoe?
Clean their boots to ensure surfaces remain clean and free of debris.
What should an operator verify once inside the cab?
- The presence of all safety related equipment (First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguisher, Triangles, and any other items required by the company)
- All control surfaces, levers, gauges
Once the cab inspection is completed what should be done?
The outriggers and hoe should be lowered.
What should the operator do with all lubrication fittings?
Ensure all lubrication fittings are free of clogs and lubricate all joints.
What should the operator be highly committed to?
- Report All Defects
- Make Repairs Before Operating
What do some believe about Backhoes?
Since they are a relatively slow moving vehicle, they are not as dangerous as other vehicles.
Backhoes are _____, ____, _____, and _____ than standard motor vehicles.
- Longer
- Wider
- Higher
- Heavier
The oversized tires in combination weight and high center of gravity make the backhoe prone to what?
Severe Recoiling when Travelling over Uneven Surfaces
Where can a passenger ride on a Backhoe?
THERE IS NO SAFE PLACE FOR A PASSENGER TO RIDE ON A BACKHOE
What is the leading cause of injury when operating a backhoe?
- Workers being thrown from the cab
- Being crushed by the equipment
What do you do to maximize the buckets clearance from the road?
Fully Curl The Bucket
What do you do before driving on roads?
Always couple the breaks and verify the slow moving triangle is affixed to the rear of the Backhoe.
What should you create when driving down the road in a Backhoe?
A Safety Zone to clearly see all obstacles and changes in road surface.
How should you drive on uneven surfaces?
SLOW
What should you remember about backhoes in comparison to other vehicles?
Backhoes are WIDER
Why should you stop well back when at stop signs?
To ensure the bucket is not protruding into the intersection
Where should you keep the bucket?
Low enough to see, but high enough to clear slopes
Be aware of what on sharp corners when driving a Backhoe?
That the bucket can cross the centerline
Watch for what when driving a backhoe due to its height?
Low limbs and service drops
Before excavation begins, the operator should determine what?
- If the ground will support the weight of the Backhoe
- Where the spoils will be stored
- How deep and wide the trench will be
- Who will assist in providing hand signals and which signals will be appropriate
- If buried utilities have been properly located
How should underground facilities be identified?
By using the Underground Facilities Locating and Marking Service prior to Excavation.
Where shall all workers stay out of when the Backhoe’s Digging Boom?
The Swing Radius unless the operator authorizes entrance to this area.
What do Backhoes commonly do when operating in hard ground?
Jump and Rock around.
What is unpredictable when operating a Backhoe?
The Direction and Volatility of the Jumping and Rocking
Whose responsibility is it to scan from side to side while excavating?
The Operator’s
When digging on slopes where should you place spoils?
Uphill side
What happens if spoils are placed on the downhill side?
The Stability of the Backhoe will be Jeopardized
When is it necessary for the operator to leave the Backhoe?
When the Backhoe is OFF and the keys have been REMOVED
