Tips for risk assessments of hydraulic excavators

All hoses must be free from damage and wear. Hoses located within the vicinity of operator position(s) must be considered in light of the risk that hose and or hydraulic oil could come in contact with the operator in the event of failure. Glass is not considered an appropriate guarding material.

Firstly, determine what type of hitch is on the machine (see our recent guidance relating to quick hitches)

Secondly, answer the questions relating to the locking mechanism(s) located on/in the hitch.

Thirdly, consider the operation of the hitch controls in the cab (if relevant), and consider the safeguards against accidental operation – addressing the specific requirements set out in AS4772 Earthmoving Machinery – Quick hitches for excavators and backhoes.

Lastly, if in NSW, consider the specific requirements of the revised WorkSafe NSW Position Paper.

Access & Egress

Working at Heights

Consider risks associated with getting on and off the machine. Not just the operator area but the engine area as well. Key things to look for include:

1. Steps must be non slip

2. Must have step iron on the track assembly on any machine that has tracks higher than 400mm

3. Must have two hand holds

The area adjacent the engine cover will often need to be accessed to complete daily pre-op checks. If this is the case, it is considered a work area and two things must be considered:

1. Is it non slip, and;

2. If the distance to the ground is greater than 1.8m is there fall protection (generally a handrail)?

Does the machine have a point from which to lift freely suspended loads?

This is generally on the front of the quick hitch (if one is fitted). If this is present then there are 4 requirements as prescribed by AS1418.8 Cranes, hoists and special purpose appliances (section 5).

1. Lifting point must be “closed eye” type, hooks are not acceptable

2. Must have a rated capacity label adjacent the lifting point, generally on each side of the dipper arm

3. Must have a lifting chart adjacent the operator work position

4. If the rated capacity is greater than 1T controlled lowering devices must be fitted to the hydraulic cylinders on both the boom and the dipper arm (see separate article on Lifting capacity – earthmoving equipment)

For more information on lifting capacity of earthmoving equipment see our specific guidance material

In order to prevent unintended movement at startup, a neutral start control is a requirement for any machine, however on excavators you must ensure that both travel and other operation controls are deactivated when start up is taking place.

Many machines isolate the upper carriage controls only, allowing for travel during start up.

It is important when testing neutral start controls to ensure no one can be injured if the machine was to move/operate when the test is undertaken. We recommend setting up an exclusion zone and using a spotter.

Whilst there are extensive label requirements for most machines, the two key labels on an excavator are:

1. Overhead power (complete with table outlining approach distances to varying voltage lines)

2. Dial before you dig

These are key risk areas as a potential consequence of contact with overhead or underground services is death.

Protective Structures:

ROPS (Rollover)

FOPS (Falling Objects)

TOPS (Tip Over)

Excavators used to be considered exempt from ROPS. The reasoning behind this is a little complicated, and related to the wording of AS2294 Earthmoving Machinery – Protective Structures.

References to this standard have now been deleted from WHS legislation, and new provisions introduced into the States and Territories that have adopted harmonised legislation (regulations 215 and 217).

Plant Assessor requires consideration of a number of specific ISO standards covering these controls. These essentially require the inspector to locate and read the manufacturers plate to determine to what standards the cabin or other structure is compliant. If you cannot find the compliance plate, then you must consider the cabin to be non-compliant.

If a machine is not fitted with these protective structures then each time the machine is moved to a new job or site a risk assessment must be undertaken which considers rollover, falling objects and tipping.

As with all machines visibility is critical. The operator needs to be able to see in low light situations, and personnel working in the vicinity of the machine need to be aware of the machine’s presence and movement.

If any light or the machine’s movement alarm is damaged, not working or missing then you must answer NO and provide details in the comments section.

As with all machine inspections looking for and identifying structural damage is as important as it is difficult.

Talking with the operator and maintenance staff is one simple way to unearth damage that you might not see.

If any damage is discovered, then a risk assessment must be carried out to consider if any action is required.

Follow these steps:

1. Identify is the damage has created any hazards

2. Consider the consequence of the hazard and the likelihood that the hazard could do harm

3. Consider an appropriate risk treatment

4. Put a strategy in place to monitor