/ Practice
Product Line: / ALL / Number:
Subject: / ReversiNG Skidsteer While SWEEPING / Reference:
1.Purpose /
  1. Ensure that skid steer operator’s are trained on how to sweep safely while reversing.
  2. Outline the responsibilities of an operator, spotter, and ground men in congested high traffic areas.
  3. Differentiate when a spotter is required or not.
  4. Establish and communicate a minimum safe working distance around mobile equipment.

2.Definitions / Spotter: a person designated to identify hazardsin heavily congested construction zones and communicate them with operators and surrounding ground men.
3.Prerequisites /
  • Equipment orientation. Identification of pinch points, and common operating hazards.
  • PPE (Hi-visibility apparel, hard hat, steel toe boots, safety glasses, and gloves).
  • Pre-shift Huddle.
  • Field Level Risk Assessment.

4.Precautions /
  • All employees need to be aware of their surroundings and near by equipment at all times.
  • When working around mobile equipment, DO NOT assume equipment operator’s can see you, or know your location.
  • Wear hi-visibility apparel that is in good condition. Replace worn vests and coveralls when necessary.
  • Ground men MUST avoid positioning themselves behind any barriers or in known blind spots where they can not be detected or seen by operators of passing equipment.
  • Hazards include, but not limited to; blind spots, pinch points, and electrical/potential energy isolation.

5.Work Practice / Drivers Responsibilities:
  • Conduct a pre-trip to ensure equipment is free of malfunctioning electrical components, back-up alarms, or absent of physical body damage.
  • Inspect sweeper attachment, prior to operation.
  • Discuss with your foreman the exact area that is to be swept to eliminate safety, quality, or production errors.
  • If a ground spotter is available, ensure that hand signals are understood and communicated before commencing work.
  • Familiarize self with controls prior to operation.
  • Adjust seat and mirrors in bobcat to minimize blind spots.
  • 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 travelling in reverse or turning, keep bucket in the lowest position possible.
  • Buckets and attachments must be fully lowered to the ground when not in operation.
Note* Operators are responsible at all times for the safe operation of their equipment. Operators must maintain a minimum distance of (2 feet) from ground personnel at all times.

While reversing practice the following techniques:
  • Prior to backing up, sound horn 2 times.
  • Check mirrors every 3-5 seconds.
  • Check blind spots by moving entire head, not just eyes (this increases overall peripheral vision).
  • When possible, always back the bobcat to view side, never blind side.
  • Ensure that you maintain eye contact with ground spotter at all times if available.
  • If you lose sight of the ground spotter or other ground workers that were once in your work space, STOP immediately.
  • If you have not re-gained the vision of the spotter or other missing workers, get out and confirm their location before you proceed to reverse.
Ground Spotter or Surrounding Ground Workers Responsibility:
Note* Ground Spotter is mandatory in heavily congested areas.
  • All relevant hand signals must be discussed between operator and spotter prior to the equipment backing up.
  • Stand in a way that the operator can stop the cab opposite of you and maintain eye contact.
  • Never use cell phone or other hand held devices when directing equipment.
  • Avoid positioning behind any barriers (port-a-potties, signage, equipment, vehicles, etc) that would prevent an operator from seeing you.
  • Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings while still maintaining consistent eye contact.

7. References
6.Interpretation & Updating
7. Approved by / OHSR : Part 16- Operating Equipment
16.39 Swinging equipment
If a hazard is created by the swinging movement of the load, cab, counterweight or any other part of the mobile equipment a worker must not be within range of the swinging load or equipment, and the operator must not move the equipment when any worker is so exposed.
16.40 Clearance
Equipment must be positioned so that no swinging portion of the equipment can come within 60 cm (2 ft) of any obstruction in any area accessible to workers, or entry to such areas must be prevented by barriers or other effective means.
The Safety Manager shall ensure interpretation and updating of this best practice.
** NOTE **Original signed copy retained by the Safety Department

Date: 2011-9-14Rev. 001Page 1 of 2