Questions Flashcards
Excavator test
Why are plant operators generally regarded as ‘safety-critical’ workers?
The type of work that I do if done recklessly or carelessly can affect the safety of myself and other people on site. I could also cause needless damage.
With regards to lifting accessories, irrespective of who supplied the accessories, what THREE factors should be ensured before the accessories are used?
They are in good condition. They are proper lifting accessories and are suitable for the work. They have current examination certificates. The SWL of the accessory.
Accessories must only be attached to manufacturer’s approved lifting points. Explain THREE possible consequences if the recommendations are not followed.
Alternative lifting points may not be strong enough for the job and may break away from the lifting points. Someone may be injured. It may cause expensive damage. It can delay the work.
Cable avoidance tools (CATs) can detect a variety of buried services. What type of material do they limitations in locating?
They can not detect plastic, pot services or fibre optics.
If a hook is fitted to the machine for lifting purposes, what must be checked before use?
It is properly secured with a shackle and the safety clip is in good working order. The hook should rotate freely. Y should check the SWL and test certificate.
If both travel levers (or travel pedal for wheel machines) are pushed forwards when the track motors (driving wheels) are in front of the cab, in which direction would the machine move?
Rearwards.
Using the lifting capacity diagram for A59.
a) If the machine is equipped with a 2.5m long dipper, what is the maximum lifting capacity in tonnes at a 6m radius/reach over the sides of the track with the load at 3m height.
b) In principle, if a longer dipper is fitted, what effect does that have on the lifting capacity (assuming same size bucket and machine configuration)?
2.25 Tonnes ( you may be asked to explain how the chart works)
The lifting capacity is reduced.
If the operator has to top up the hydraulic oil, state two precautions to ensure cleanliness of the system.
Clean the cap and surrounding area so that dirt does not drop in when you remove the cap. Use clean equipment only. If decanting from cans make sure the oil that you are putting in is clean.
Give THREE reasons why an oversize bucket should NOT be used when excavating trenches to specification.
May not be able to excavate to width specifications. Extra expense when backfilling or pouring concrete. Time consuming. Extra expense to remove the spoil. May affect machine stability.
The operator is asked to excavate a new trench. State five different requirements that must be considered or implemented before work commences.
Access & egress to digging area. Room to slew and manoeuvre. Under ground services. Overhead services. Where to place the spoil. Access for dumpers. Permit to dig. Method statement. Time table. Starting and finishing points. Shoring requirements. Other people working in the area.
The operator has to fit and use a new bucket using a quick-hitch coupler that they are unfamiliar with. What do regulations ( such as PUWER 98) and other guidance require the operator to have?
Information and training.
Explain ALL visual checks that must be carried out on all types of quick-hitch, bucket-attaching systems before use.
No damage to the couple. No hydraulic leaks from the couple ram or hoses. Safety pins if required should be in good condition and have a lynch pin to secure them. Should also be in the correct hole. No debris packed in preventing the jaw from opening and closing.
a) What is the recommended minimum distance to keep from overhead power lines, mounted on wooden poles, when setting up the machine?
b) Explain why a distance should be kept?
9 metres from the farthest point of the bucket with boom fully extended. Unless the power supplier has given you a revised distance. Electricity can ark or jump to objects (machines) large distances, particularly in damp and wet conditions.
When parking the machine at the end of the shift, name THREE places where the machine should NOT be parked.
On soft ground. Blocking access or exit to site or buildings. Under power cables. On steep slopes. On pedestrian walk ways. Anywhere were the machine couple restrict traffic flow and by being there would itself be a hazard.
Why should different soils be segregated when excavating?
To be reused. Save expense of buying in backfill. If reinstating material can be easily built up in correct order.
How can a card or qualification benefit a plant operator?
Proof of skills. Easier to get a job.
What is the meaning of this hand signal (being demonstrated by the tester)?
Slew in the direction indicated. NOT SLEW LEFT OR RIGHT!!
If the machine’s rated capacity/object handling capacity chart is not available for refence, what other method can be used to determine the machine’s lifting capacity?
You must not use any other method. Only the manufacturer can legally determine the rated capacity, only their data can be used.
Why should long loads be lifted using a swivelling type of lifting accessory?
The load can be manoeuvred easily and more safely by the banksman. The load can be kept away from the machine and operator. It allows the machine to use its full radius. The load does not want to twist when being positioned making it safer to work with.
Give TWO reason why, wherever possible, operators should excavate the ground in layers.
To minimise digging up or damaging services. Helps to prevent the sides of the trench being damaged and spilling excess material out of the bucket. Helps in excavating in straight lines. More efficient loading of bucket.
Where should the excavator’s operator’s manual be kept and why?
In the machine. So if I need any information, I can get to it.
In what situation does a hard hat NOT need to be worn when operating a 360 excavator?
When sitting in a fully enclosed cab that is Certified to protect me from falling objects. Knows as a FOPS cab.
What is the nearest distance allowed to gas pipes when excavating with the machine?
0.5m
What factors determine the shoring requirements of a trench?
The type of material being excavated. People working in the trench. Weather conditions. Depth of the trench.
Name THREE ways that a plant operator can contribute towards repeat business with the client or principal contractor.
Be on time. Work safely. Follow method statements and permit requirements. Co operate with your employer. Do a good job.
What information does the ‘dig-envelope’ (also knows as ‘working range’) chart give? (Candidates may be shown a copy of a chart)
Reach, Height and depth of boom and dipper in all combinations.
What is the definition of, or how can a hazard be described?
Something that can result in injury or death to people or damage to property or environment.
a) What is the purpose of a method statement?
b) What is required of the operator?
Written instructions on how a particular job can be safely done. To read, understand and comply with the instructions.
If checking the oil level using a dipstick, why must gloves be worn?
Protect your hands from contamination that could result in dermatitis or other skin conditions. Protect hands from hot engine. Stop you getting oil on machine controls.
If setting up to work in a pedestrianised area, state THREE factors that need to be taken into account.
Erecting barriers or fencing to exclude non working pedestrians from the working area. We should take into account the noise and fumes from the engines. We should be aware of our machine movements, particularly when slewing as this can be a danger to pedestrians working in the area.
What THREE main duties of the Health and Safety at work etc. Act must employees follow?
We take care of our own health and safety and the health and safety of other who may be affected by the work we do.
We must co operate with our employer with anything to do with health and safety. We must not interfere with any thing that has been put there in the interests of health and safety on site. For example moving barriers, covering up signs, removing guards.
What effect can a swinging load have on an excavator?
It can increase the radius of the machine that could cause the machine to become unbalanced and possibly tip over.
What is regarded as the danger or hazard zone during a lifting operation?
Any where in the slew radius or within the range of the boom and dipper. Any where in the travel direction of the load that is being moved. Under the load.
What is the main purpose of rated capacity indicator (RCI) or a load moment indicator?
To inform and warn the operator when he is approaching his safe working load capacity or has exceeded it.
What makes up the total (or gross) weight of a load that is to be lifted?
The load itself and any accessories including the hook. Also the bucket and coupler.
