Safe Operational Procedure: Excavator

Management Commitment & Approval: This Procedure has been approved & endorsed by the organisation
owner & Senior Management of XYZ Company. The signature of the authorised person in the footer (insert name
of organisation owner or person in senior management position) demonstrates a commitment to the procedure.
Senior Management Sign-off: Date:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) AS 1319-1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment reproduced with
permission from SAI Global under licence 1210-c062. Standards may be purchased at http://www.saiglobal.com

 Do not wear rings, watches, jewellery that may  Long and loose hair must  Only snug fitting clothes to
become entangled in machines. be tied back. be worn.

Hazards - What can cause harm? Precautions: Machine Licensing

 Plant Roll-over Operator training should include: When the excavator is to be
 Entrapment  Competency licence operated on public roads, it must be
 Struck by moving plant  Construction Induction Card registered and/or licensed as
 Overhead power lines,  Workplace induction required by the relevant State or
underground services  Manufacturer’s instructions local authority
 Exposure to fluid under  Nature of hazards
Over-dimension vehicles require an
pressure  Communication
over- dimension permit & must
 Fire/explosion  Traffic Management Plan
comply with permit conditions.
 Noise  Exclusion Zones
 Struck by falling object  Safe Work Method Statements Maintenance / Cleaning:
 Hazardous Manual Tasks -  Fitting of PPE Follow LOTO procedures, record
prolonged sitting, vibration  Manual handling service/ repairs information in
 First Aid. Maintenance Log.
Operation Sequence: Operate in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
1. Conduct a ‘Take 5’ when changing tasks using the Backhoe loader.
2. Conduct Pre-start checklist prior to starting operations. Inspect:
a. Excavator
b. Quick-hitch device
c. Attachment
3. Mount & dismount the machine safely:
a. Face the machine whenever you mount & dismount the machine
b. Use provided steps/handholds when entering or exiting cabin
c. Maintain a three-point contact with the steps & with handholds
d. Before start-up, make sure:
i. To adjust the seat to operators’ desired position
ii. The seat belt is fastened correctly
iii. The lock levers are in the "Lock" position & all control levers & pedals are in their neutral
positions
4. Start up from inside the cabin in seated position
a. Start engine
b. Carry out warming operations
c. Disengage parking break
d. Check the area is safe, clear of personnel,
obstacles & sound the horn before moving

Take care when reversing & remain

aware of the machine blind spots.

Document Title: XYZ Company Excavator SOP Authorised by:

Document #: Version #: 1 Issue Date: Revision Date:
© SafetyCulture All Rights Reserved Page 1 of 2
 Safe Operational Procedure: Excavator

5. Stopping:
a. Give yourself plenty of space when stopping. Try to stop on flat hard ground, if this is not possible &
you have to stop on a slope place blocks under the track shoes
b. Always set the safety lock lever to the LOCK POSITION to avoid accidental movement
c. Do not stop the engine suddenly when operating with heavy loads or at maximum speed
d. Never bring the engine to a sudden stop except in the case of a true emergency
6. Driving on slopes:
a. Raise the bucket approximately 20–30 cm off the ground as you move the machine
b. Avoid reversing downhill
c. When operating through hollows or crossing obstacles, keep the attachment close to the ground &
drive slowly
d. Do not steer or operate across slopes;
iv. Change your operating direction on level ground. This may take more time but is a safer
operating technique
e. Make sure you can safely stop the machine if it starts to skid or becomes unstable
f. Slewing on slopes may cause the machine to lose balance & to tilt. Avoid whenever possible;
v. Slewing with a full bucket is especially dangerous. Should this be necessary, create a platform
of level ground so that the machine can work on the flat level surface
g. Do not operate on slopes over 15°
h. If the sliding blocks slip as you operate uphill & if it is no longer possible to move on with the force of
the tracks alone, do not apply pressure with the boom to ease on the machine
7. Excavating:
a. Always contact Dial Before You Dig prior to excavating to identify underground services
b. Do not allow workers into excavations deeper than 1.5m without shoring
8. Trenching: Attach a bucket that is similar in width to the trench, set the tracks parallel to the line of the
excavation. To excavate a wide trench, dig out both sides first & then remove the centre
9. Loading Spoil: Locate the Tipper where it is easily visible to the operator i.e. on the left-hand side of the
excavator so that operator does not need to look through boom
10. Roll-over: If the machine tips – do not jump, brace yourself, stay in cab, keep seatbelt fastened, hold on and
lean away from point of contact
11. Connect attachments as per manufacturer’s instructions:
a. Remove non-essential persons from area
b. Ensure attachment is on a flat, level surface
c. With attachment facing excavator, operate the excavator into proper position
d. Connect hydraulic hoses as required. Tighten bolts/cap to proper torque
e. Ensure all locking pins are secured in place
f. Check correct flow & pressure (as per manufacturer’s instructions)
g. Operator to raise excavator arm slowly & test attachment is secured for use
h. Check for oil leaks
12. On completion:
a. Park in safe area (flat, firm ground, clear of obstructions, traffic, waterways, hazardous or sensitive
areas). If this is not possible, park across the slope
b. Lower attachments to ground
c. Turn/lock off all hydraulic valves. Idle engine down. Activate swing lock. Switch battery disconnect to
OFF position
d. Remove keys & apply park brake
e. Inspect for any damage/leaks. If damage is detected – report immediately & take out of service.

Document Title: XYZ Company Excavator SOP Authorised by:

Document #: Version #: 1 Issue Date: Revision Date:
© SafetyCulture All Rights Reserved Page 2 of 2