Loader/Backhoe Safety

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components
Three basic components of a loader/backhoe

1. The tractor
2. The loader – attached to the
front of the tractor
3. The backhoe – attached to the
rear of the tractor by a hinge
arrangement which allows the
boom and bucket assembly to
swing to the right and left

Stabilizers are attached to each side of the backhoe to provide

stability when the boom swings side to side.
Pre-Operation Checklist
 Engine, coolant and hydraulic fluid levels.
 Broken and/or dirty windows
 All functions for smooth operations
 Transmission for smooth operation
 Brakes
 Safety devices and guards are in place and functional
 Rollover protective structure
 Seat belt
 Tires for condition, inflation, and missing valve caps
 All lights, gauges, horns and alarms
 Engine compartment for leaks and trash build up

Each operator should perform their own pre-

operation inspection.
Pre-Operation Checklist

 Damaged lift arm

 Bent or damaged hydraulic
cylinders
 Worn hinge pins and bushings
 Damaged and leaking hydraulic
lines
 Damaged or cracked bucket
 Bent or damaged bucket links
 Smooth operation through all
functions
Operator Safety Awareness
Factors

 Working conditions
 Weather
 Other workers on jobsite
 Emotional stress
 Fatigue
 Medications
 Working alone

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 Safe Operation

 Never take anything for granted

 Plan ahead
 Look and survey the worksite
 Face machine and use three points of
contact
 Always use the seat belt
 Be alert with your eyes and ears

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 Safe Operation

 Clean grease and mud from shoes

 Avoid loose clothing and jewelry
 Wear personal protective equipment
 Never operate machine without
protective guards
 Know the height, width, and weight
restrictions
 Keep all safety devices in place
and in working order

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Climbing On And Off
The Machine

• Use the three point

contact method. This
method is simply keeping
two hands and a foot or
one hand and two feet in
contact with the machine
when climbing.
Inspecting the Tractor
•Engine oil & coolant
•Hydraulic fluid levels
•Glass for dirt & damage
•Transmission for smooth
operation
•Brakes
•Safety devices
•Seat belt
•Tires for condition & inflation
•Lights, gauges, horn &
alarms
•Cab cleanliness
•All controls for proper labels
Inspecting the Backhoe
•Damaged stabilizer arms & pads
•Bent or damaged hydraulic
cylinders
•Worn hinge pins & bushings
•Damaged & leaking hydraulic
lines
•Smooth operation through all
functions
•Damaged or loose teeth on
bucket
•Worn stick extension slide pads
•All welds for cracks
Inspecting the Loader
•Damaged lift arms
•Bent or damaged hydraulic
cylinders
•Worn hinge pins & bushings
•Damage & leaking hydraulic
lines
•Smooth operation through all
functions
•Damaged or loose teeth on
bucket
•Bent or damaged bucket links
•All welds for cracks
Danger Zone of the
Loader/Backhoe Boom
1. When the boom is in operation, no one
should be within the swing area of the
backhoe.

2. If a worker has to enter the danger zone

they MUST make eye contact with the
operator before entering.

3. The operator must stop the backhoe and

signal that it is safe to enter.

4. The operator should not move the

backhoe until the worker is out of the
danger zone. 12
Hazards
Excavation Hazards
1. Always determine the location of all
underground utilities and buried hazards.
2. Avoid setting stabilizer or spoil too close
to the edge of a trench.

Controlling Worksite Access

Worksites need to have proper
barriers/barricades to prevent
unauthorized personnel and
vehicles from entering the
work area.
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 Do’s
• Remember to inspect the tractor, loader and
backhoe
• Operator safety awareness factors consist of the
working conditions, jobsite, weather, etc.
• Know the danger zones of the loader/backhoe
along with the excavation hazards
• Control access to the worksite
• Remember the safety points for transporting the
loader/backhoe safely

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