Who needs a spotter?

AGENDA
• Role of a Spotter
• Circle of Safety
• Parking Practices
 The Role of a Spotter
• To minimize potential backing and equipment
incidents by communicating the hazards
present with the driver.

• To expand the driver’s sense for right, left,

front, and rear space cushions.
 A Spotter Is Required…
• When backing any vehicle
• Where negotiating forward or backward turns
with tight side clearances
• Where overhead clearances are low or
uncertain
• When driver’s view is obstructed
• When objects in the area are within
equipment's blind spots
 Hazards of Spotting Equipment
• Pinch points / line of fire
• Limited visibility
• Cold weather will create large exhaust plumes
• Blowing snow
• Inadequate lighting
• Blind spots (all sizes of equipment)
• Slick or uneven working surfaces, etc
 Blind Spot Recognition
A blind spot is:
• An area around a vehicle that cannot be
directly observed by the driver while at the
controls, under existing circumstances.
• Any area a spotter is not looking or cannot
see.
• Created by obstructions, lighting conditions,
weather conditions, and vehicle design.
 Blind Spot Recognition
By recognizing the size and area of blind spots we
can decide:

– what is relevant to negotiating a vehicles placement

– where to stand if we are spotting another driver
– if a spotter is required for the operation that will be
performed
Recommended Spotting Signals
 Driver Responsibilities
• Establish the need for a spotter prior to backing
• Determine training level of the spotter
• Determine location where spotter should stand
• Determine the best method for signals and the appropriate device for signaling
(flashlight may be necessary)
• Identify final vehicle position to the spotter
• Determine any obstructions that may be hazards and communicate them to
spotter
• Ensure there is nothing to impede safe operation of vehicle (Traction Devices)
• Be able to pivot right foot from accelerator to brake without lifting your heel
• Never lose site of the spotter while backing
– STOP BACKING IMMEDIATELY IF VISUAL/VERBAL CONTACT WITH THE SPOTTER IS LOST
• Ensure vehicle is secured (IN PARK or BRAKES SET) after final placement
• Stop the backing procedure and re-evaluate the scene if unsafe conditions
develop.
 Spotter Responsibilities
• Communicate with driver prior to spotting the vehicle or
equipment.
• Help the driver to identify hazards or important information.
• Use standardized signals.
• Do not spot equipment from vehicles blind areas.
• Ensure contact with the driver at all times during the spotting
procedure. (check the mirror)
• Ensure signals are visible during dark conditions.
• If using flashlights never point them at the driver’s mirror
• Never walk into the line of fire of the moving vehicle.
• Always verify with driver the vehicle is secured (in PARK or Brakes
Set) before entering the line of fire.
 Before we start backing……
• Be aware of the surroundings
• Don’t let ourselves be distracted
• LOOK UP for overhead hazards
• Plan the route from start to finish
• Identify the obstacles
• Pre-determine communication method
• Agree on the location of the spotter
 While backing ….
• Maintain eye contact with the driver
• Keep the driver in the line of sight of the
mirrors.
• Look for vehicles or people that may enter the
path of the vehicle.
• STOP the driver until all is clear.
• Do not place yourself in the line of fire
 Unusual situations…..
• At night, use flashlight/wands to help the
driver see you.
• In congested or tight areas, use more than one
spotter if necessary.
• Stop the backing process and regroup if
required.
According to statistics nearly a quarter of all
deaths involving vehicles at work happen
when the vehicle is reversing … USUALLY
BECAUSE THE DRIVER OR PEDESTRIAN DID
NOT PAY ATTENTION
 Walk-around inspections
• Perform a pre-trip safety check
– Check fuel
– Check fluid levels
– Check tire pressure
– Check mirrors
– Check windshield wipers
– Check lights
– Check brakes
 Take a stroll ~ Before you roll
• “Walk Around” magnet to be on drivers door below handle
• Magnet will adhere better to a clean surface
• Walk completely around vehicle before entering
• Identify hazards during the walk
• Avoid hazards during backing/pulling out
Parking Practices
Look further ahead
Achieve a circle of awareness
Are your eyes moving?
Surround yourself with space
Can they see you?
• Choose the safest location possible
• Search for all potential hazards
• Scan, don’t fixate
• Surround yourself with space
• Use warning devices – Seek eye contact