Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2.1 Purpose
This chapter describes minimum requirements for safe operation, inspection, and
maintenance of mechanical and heavy equipment.
2.2 References
ANSI/ITSDF B56.1, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks
2.3.1 A SA hot work permit shall be obtained prior to the use of equipment with
internal combustion engines in restricted areas per GI 2.100.
A. No fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, water, etc., leaks are coming from the
equipment. Spills shall be immediately contained, cleaned up, and properly
disposed.
B. Hose and pipe connections are checked and free of wear and cracks.
Defective hoses/pipes shall be replaced or repaired.
2.3.4 Only authorized personnel shall be allowed to enter the work area where
mechanical and heavy equipment is in operation. When entering the work
area, authorized personnel shall make direct eye contact with the
equipment operator(s) to ensure their presence is known.
C. High-visibility clothing.
E. Use of spotters.
F. Proximity detectors.
2.3.7 Operators shall ensure the work area is clear prior to operating mechanical
and heavy equipment.
2.3.8 When an operator cannot see the entire area around the equipment,
attendants/spotters wearing high-visibility (e.g., reflective) fluorescent
vests shall direct and assist the operator.
2.3.13 Heavy equipment tires shall be deflated before repairing them. They shall
be inflated inside a strong restraining device (e.g., a tire cage) by
increasing the tire pressure gradually.
2.3.17 Blades, buckets, scraper bowls, and other hydraulic components shall be
lowered to the ground when it is left unattended. Ignition keys shall be
removed and/or battery cables disconnected to avoid startup by
unauthorized personnel.
2.3.19 Personnel shall not ride in or work off any part of the equipment, unless it
is specifically designed for such work.
2.3.20 Personnel shall not rest or sleep (e.g., seek shade) under or around
mechanical or heavy equipment at any time.
2.3.21 Equipment shall be stopped and engines turned off before refueling.
2.3.22 Gasoline and diesel powered equipment shall only be refueled in well
ventilated areas. Exhaust pipes shall be kept away from
combustible/flammable materials.
2.3.23 When a crane or other mechanical and heavy equipment, such as concrete
pumping equipment or boom truck, is operating near or traveling under an
energized overhead power line, a designated signalman or flagman shall be
assigned to ensure that minimum distances are maintained (see Table 2.1).
2.4.1 Operators shall possess a valid Saudi Arabian government (SAG) heavy
equipment license and a certification per GI 7.025 (as required) for
operation of the specific heavy equipment. Additional equipment not
currently listed in GI 7.025 may also require a specific certification. The
SAPO shall be contacted for information regarding equipment not listed in
GI 7.025.
2.5.1 Portable air compressors shall be properly designed, inspected, tested, and
maintained, and shall be equipped with safety relief valves. Air receivers
shall have periodic documented inspections.
2.5.2 Daily checks shall be performed on the compressor’s pressure relief valve,
fuel, oil, and water levels. The air reservoir shall be drained of any trapped
water prior to use.
2.5.4 Compressed air hose joints shall be secured with proper couplers (twist
lock fittings). Crimped, clamped, or banded connections shall be used to
secure compressed air hoses to couplers.
2.5.5 Safety wires/pins and/or whip checks shall be used at all coupler
connections to prevent the tool and/or hoses from being inadvertently
disconnected.
2.5.6 Goggles and a full face shield shall be worn when compressed air is used
during special cleaning/purging tasks.
2.5.7 Hearing protection is required when the noise level exceeds 85 dB.
2.5.8 Compressed air shall not be used to remove dust or dirt from clothing or
individuals. A compressed air hose shall not be directed towards an
individual for any reason.
A. Have the air intake for the compressor located at a site free of air
contaminants (e.g., upwind of any internal combustion engines).
C. Include a high-efficiency breathing air filter and water/oil trap before the
filter in the air delivery system to remove moisture, oil mist, and
particulates.
E. Operate at a maximum of 118 °C (245 °F) and 150 psig (see the
manufacturer’s specifications).
I. Supply air at a rate of 170 L/min (6 SCFM) for hoods without a vortex
tube and 708 L/min (25 SCFM) for hoods with a vortex tube.
• Oxygen, not less than 20% nor more than 23% by volume.
2.6.1 A trained electrician shall ensure that wired electrical connections are
properly made.
2.6.2 Outlets supplying portable electric power tools shall be equipped with a
functioning residual current device (RCD) and be limited to no more than
240 volts. See Chapter I-11, Hand Tools and Power Tools, for additional
information on portable electric power tools.
2.6.3 Users shall ensure generators have been inspected and approved for use.
2.6.5 Pulleys, belts, and fans shall be completely enclosed or otherwise guarded.
See Chapter III-1, Machine Guarding, for additional information.
2.6.6 Engine cover side panels shall be closed at all times when the engine is
running.
2.6.8 Portable generator equipment shall be located 23 m (75 ft) away from
flammable and combustible material storage areas. The generator exhaust
should be directed away from any combustible or flammable material. A
hot work permit shall be issued for use of a generator in a restricted area
per GI 2.100.
2.7 Forklifts
2.7.2 Forklifts with additional special equipment or attachments shall meet the
manufacturer’s specifications.
2.7.5 Only forklift operators certified per the requirements of GI 7.025 shall
operate forklifts.
2.7.6 Forklift operators shall conduct a daily forklift pre-use inspection (e.g.,
Forklift Daily Inspection Checklist provided in the SA Forklift Operation
2.7.7 Forklifts shall only be used on stable road/surface conditions. Loads shall
always be in the “uphill” position when traveling up an inclined surface.
2.7.8 Forks shall be tilted back and raised no more than 15-20 cm (6–8 inches)
above the ground to maintain stability when traveling with loads.
2.7.9 Loads shall not exceed the manufacturer’s rated lifting capacity (e.g., as
indicated on the data plate).
2.7.10 Unstable or insecure loads shall not be transported. Loads shall not be
raised or lowered while the forklift is moving.
2.7.11 Forklifts shall be rated for the area of operation (e.g., use “EX” trucks in
areas that have fire or explosion risks). Diesel or gasoline powered forklifts
shall not be used in closed buildings, warehouses or poorly ventilated
areas.
2.7.12 Forklifts shall not be left unattended with the engine running. When
forklifts are parked, the forks shall not be in a raised position.
2.7.13 Operators shall travel in reverse when the load obstructs the operator’s
forward view. Operators shall travel in reverse when going down an
inclined surface, keeping the load “uphill”.
2.7.14 Personnel other than the operator shall be prohibited from riding on the
forklift, including on the forks.
2.7.15 Personnel shall not be raised or lowered by a forklift, unless they are
contained within an attachment specifically designed for this purpose and
the model of forklift used.
2.7.16 Personnel shall not position any part of their body between moving parts of
the forklift.
2.7.18 Rough terrain fork trucks and telescopic handlers (telehandlers) shall be
manufactured, operated and inspected in accordance with ANSI/ITSDF
B56.6.
2.7.19 Telehandlers shall be provided with clearly legible load charts visible to
the operator in his operating position and the operator shall be trained in
their use.
2.8.1 Personnel shall not work within the boom radius while an excavator is in
operation or where they could be struck by any part of the excavator.
2.8.3 Excavators shall maintain a clearance of at least 0.6 m (2 ft) from any fixed
object while performing a swinging motion.
2.8.4 Mechanical excavators shall not be used within 3 m (10 ft) of any pipeline,
equipment, cable or other obstruction.
2.8.5 Spotters wearing high-visibility (e.g., reflective) vests shall be used during
excavation activities to assist and guide the operator as needed.
2.8.8 Vacuum excavators may be used to locate utilities or within 3 m (10 ft) of
utilities when the equipment is designed for that purpose and the
appropriate safeguards are taken. Safeguards include, but are not limited to,
reducing the water/air/suction pressure and the use of rubber or similar
material on the nozzle and hose ends.
2.9.3 Engines shall not be left running when the equipment is unattended.
Operators shall shut off the engine and remove the ignition key before
leaving the machine.
2.10.1 Personnel shall not ride in the skip or on the engine cover of dumpers and
dump trucks.
2.10.2 Dump bodies shall be fully lowered before leaving the dump area.
2.10.3 Dumper skip latches shall be in good working order. The release
mechanism shall function smoothly.
2.10.5 Dump bodies shall be fully lowered when repair or maintenance is being
performed. Dump bodies shall be blocked if they are to be in the raised
position for maintenance or any extended period. Hydraulic rams shall not
be used to support a raised body.
2.11.2 Chains, gears, revolving shafts and other moving parts shall be properly
guarded (see Chapter III-1, Machine Guarding).
2.11.3 Safety chains, catches and lifting mechanisms shall be in good operating
condition.
2.11.4 Empty cement bags shall not be allowed to accumulate in the work area.
2.11.6 Silo access ladders shall meet the requirements of Chapter II-3, Ladders
and Stepladders.
2.11.7 Silos shall be considered confined spaces and activities performed inside a
silo shall meet the requirements of Chapter I-6, Confined Spaces.
2.12.1 All vacuum truck equipment shall meet the requirements of API 2219.
2.12.4 During the loading and unloading of flammables and combustibles, the
vapors shall be directed to a safe location away from ignition sources.
2.12.5 Vacuum trucks and their associated equipment shall be tested, inspected,
and maintained as per manufacturers’ recommendations.
D. Access shall be restricted at least 7.6 m (25 ft) diameter around the vacuum
truck using cones, tape or similar means.
F. Truck shall be positioned, if possible, on level ground at least 7.6 m (25 ft)
upwind from the material to be loaded or 15.2 m (50 ft) upwind if inside a
dike.
I. If the truck does not have sufficient capacity for the entire contents or spill,
it shall only be filled to 90% capacity.
J. When possible keep the hose ends below the level of the liquid being
2.13.3 Manlift operators shall be certified on the equipment they will operate as
per GI 7.025.
2.13.4 Manlifts shall have both platform (upper) and lower controls. Controls
shall be plainly marked as to their function. Lower controls shall provide
for overriding the upper controls. Lower level controls shall not be
operated, except in case of emergency, unless permission has been
obtained from the operator in the lift.
D. Manlifts shall not be operated in wind speeds exceeding 32 km/h (20 mph),
unless otherwise specified by the manlift manufacturer.
F. When entering or exiting the manlift basket at ground level, personnel shall
enter and exit through the manufacturer’s intended doorway and under no
circumstances climb over the guardrail or jump from the basket to the
ground.
Fall arrest procedures and equipment are approved by the SAPO and
properly utilized.
All workers are secured at all times to the basket and/or structure by
the use of proper fall arrest equipment.
One lanyard is attached at all times when transitioning from the basket
to the working point and back.
The second lanyard is attached before the first lanyard is released when
moving outside of the basket.
H. Personnel shall stand firmly on the floor of the manlift basket or platform.
Sitting or climbing on the edge of the basket or using planks, ladders, or
other devices to position for work is prohibited.
I. Manlifts shall not be moved with the boom elevated in a working position
with workers in the basket, unless the equipment is specifically designed
for this type of operation.
J. The brakes shall be set and wheel chocks shall be used when using a
manlift on an inclined surface.
2.14.2 Only personnel trained, certified, and given written authorization by their
employer for the specific piece of equipment they are operating shall
operate concrete pumping equipment.
2.14.3 Material placement crew (personnel other than the operator responsible for
the placing and finishing of the material delivered by the concrete pumping
equipment) members shall be confirmed competent in their specific
responsibilities by their employer.
2.14.4 Proper PPE shall be used by the operator and material placement crew.
C. Equipment shall not be used as a crane or hoist to lift objects or loads other
than equipment specified by the manufacturer to be attached to the boom.
E. The equipment shall not be moved without the outriggers or boom properly
stowed as required by the manufacturer.
F. The equipment shall not be operated in lightning or when the wind speed is
greater than 32 km/h (20 mph).
G. The boom shall not be loaded with hanging hoses or pipes heavier than
equipment specifications. A pipeline shall not be attached directly to the
boom restricting boom movement. The boom shall not be secured to any
fixed object.
J. Each piece of hanging delivery system shall be connected to the boom with
a hose or a sling.
K. Compressed air shall not be used to clean out the delivery pipeline unless
expressly allowed by the equipment manufacturer.
Notes:
Complete checklist upon arrival of truck and prior to issuing permit. Any “no” answer should be
addressed prior to issuing permit and commencing loading or unloading activities.