Cert III Mobile Plant cheat sheet

Hierarchy of control, highest to lowest: eliminate the hazard, substitute it, engineer isolation, administrative control, then PPE as the last line of defence.

Hazard report sequence: stop the task, isolate or make safe, report to the supervisor, record in the hazard log, then await direction before resuming.

Emergency response order: raise the alarm, move personnel to the muster point, account for all names, then assist only if trained and it is safe to do so.

Isolation for maintenance requires lock-out, tag-out, test for dead, and where stored energy exists, release or block it before work starts.

Manual handling limit guide: keep the load close, below shoulder and above knee height, and use two people or mechanical aid when the load is awkward or heavy.

Incident notification: any injury, near miss, or equipment damage is reported to the supervisor and logged before the shift ends; notifiable incidents go to the regulator immediately.

Communication signals: stop hand signal is a raised flat hand; radio calls use the site channel, identify the caller, state location, then the message.

Daily pre-start inspection covers fluid levels, leaks, tyre or track condition, guards, seat belt, horn, lights, and fire extinguisher charge.

Personal protective equipment minimum on plant sites: helmet, high-visibility garment, safety boots, eye protection, and hearing protection in designated zones.

Pre-start check sequence: walk-around inspection, fluids and leaks, tyres or tracks, attachment pins and hoses, then controls and alarms before starting.

Load chart limits are absolute: rated capacity falls as radius and boom length increase; never exceed the chart for the configuration in use.

Stability rule: keep the load low and uphill when travelling, and never travel with a raised load on rough or sloping ground unless the machine is designed for it.

Ground bearing check: use bearers or mats on soft ground; outriggers must be fully extended on firm level footing with the machine level before lifting.

Travelling on grades: drive up and down the fall line, not across the slope; keep the heavier end of the machine uphill where the design allows.

Exclusion zone: keep bystanders outside the slew or swing radius; a spotter is required when operating near people, services, or blind corners.

Parking and shutdown: lower attachments to the ground, apply the park brake, neutralise controls, isolate the battery, and remove the key.

Refuelling: engine off, no ignition sources, bonding where required, and clean up spills before restarting the machine.

Stability triangle joins the centre of each front wheel to the steer axle pivot; the combined centre of gravity of truck and load must stay inside it.

Rated capacity is stated at a given load centre, usually 600 mm; every increase in load centre reduces the safe capacity.

Load centre is measured from the vertical face of the forks to the centre of gravity of the load; long or irregular loads shift it outward.

Capacity plate data: read the model, rated capacity, load centre, lift height, and any attachment derating before lifting an unfamiliar load.

Travelling loaded: forks low, about 100 to 150 mm above the floor, mast tilted back, load uphill on ramps, and travel in reverse when the load blocks the view.

Grade limit: travel up and down slopes with the load uphill; never turn on a ramp, and never travel across a slope.

Pedestrian rule: sound the horn at blind corners and doorways, keep a safe following distance, and stop when a pedestrian enters the operating area.

Parking a forklift: forks flat on the floor, mast tilted slightly forward, park brake applied, controls neutral, key removed.

Refuelling or charging: no smoking or open flame, ventilate battery charging areas, and wear eye protection when handling electrolyte.

Platform types: scissor lifts are vertical-only and must be used on firm level ground; boom lifts reach over obstacles but have a smaller working envelope.

Fall protection: a full body harness with a short lanyard anchored to the designated platform anchor point is required in boom-type platforms.

Ground conditions: check bearing capacity and slope; outriggers or spreader pads are used where the manufacturer specifies them, and the machine must be level.

Wind limit: stop operation when wind exceeds the manufacturer's rated limit; the platform acts as a sail and the limit is lower for large deck areas.

Emergency lowering: know the auxiliary descent procedure before elevating; it is operated from the ground station or a manual pump.

Exclusion zone: barricade the area below and around the platform; never climb or lean over the rails, and never use ladders or planks inside the basket.

Pre-use check: rails, gates, harness anchor, tyres, battery charge, controls, horn, tilt alarm, and overload sensor function before elevating.

Travel with boom platforms: only travel with the platform lowered and stowed unless the manufacturer permits otherwise; never drive elevated over rough ground.

Risk score equals likelihood multiplied by consequence; controls are applied to bring the score to the lowest reasonably practicable level.

Duty of care: the person conducting the business has primary duty to eliminate or minimise risk; workers must follow procedures and report hazards.

Safe work method statement is required for high-risk construction work and must be reviewed when the task, plant, or site conditions change.

Competency evidence for plant operation: current licence or ticket, logbook or verification of experience, and site-specific induction.

Fitness for work: fatigue, alcohol, drugs, and some medications impair reaction time; declare impairment and stand down from operating plant.

Traffic management on site separates pedestrians and plant with barriers, marked walkways, speed limits, and designated parking.

Emergency plan elements: alarms, escape routes, muster points, first aid, firefighting equipment, and the name of the site controller.

Hazardous substances on plant sites: check the safety data sheet, use the specified PPE, and store fuels and oils in bunded areas.

Attachment change: lower to the ground, isolate and release hydraulic pressure, fit the locking pins, and check hose routing before operating.

Hydraulic safety: never search for a leak with a bare hand; escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate skin and cause serious injury.

Greasing points and torque checks follow the service schedule; record each service in the machine logbook with hours and date.

Fault reporting: tag out the machine, describe the fault and symptoms, record the hour meter reading, and notify the supervisor.

Tyres and tracks: check pressure cold, look for cuts and embedded objects, and check track tension against the manufacturer specification.

Cooling system: do not open the radiator cap on a hot engine; allow it to cool, then release pressure slowly with protection.

Battery and electrical: disconnect the earth lead first, check terminal condition, and never bypass a fuse or safety switch.

Fire extinguisher: check the pressure gauge, pin, and seal at each pre-start; know the location of the nearest unit and the emergency stop.

Pre-start check items: forks and heels for cracks, mast chains for tension and wear, hydraulic hoses, tyres, seat belt, horn, lights, and brakes.

Function test before work: service brake, park brake, steering, horn, lights, and tilt and lift hydraulics through full travel.

Load check: confirm weight from the documentation or weigh it; never estimate an unknown load and never exceed the capacity plate figure.

Stacking rule: place the load squarely, spread the forks as wide as the load allows, and tilt back before lifting clear.

Speed and distance: travel at a speed that allows a stop within the visible clear distance; keep at least three truck lengths behind another forklift.

Overhead hazards: check for powerlines, sprinklers, door frames, and racking height before raising the mast.

Racking work: enter and leave square, check the beam load rating, and never push or drag a pallet with the fork tips.

Container and truck loading: check the deck condition and rating, apply the vehicle's brakes or chocks, and confirm the dock plate is secure.

Crush and entrapment: keep hands and body inside the rails and check overhead clearance before elevating; the platform controls include an emergency stop.

Tilt and overload alarms indicate an unsafe condition; lower the platform, reduce the load, and reposition before continuing.

Powerline clearance: maintain the legislated safe distance, use a spotter, and treat all lines as live unless the supply authority confirms isolation.

Rescue plan: a person in the platform must be recoverable without delay; trained rescuers and the auxiliary lowering method are confirmed before work starts.

Harness inspection: check webbing, stitching, buckles, and the anchor point for damage or expiry before each use; remove damaged equipment from service.

Battery charging: charge in a ventilated area, no open flame, connect and disconnect with the charger off, and top up only with distilled water.

Post-use: lower the platform, switch off and isolate, remove the key, and report any defect found during the shift.

Logbook and records: record pre-start checks, faults, and servicing; an out-of-service tag must not be removed except by an authorised person.

Two-way radio protocol: listen before transmitting, use the site call sign, keep messages short, and repeat critical instructions back for confirmation.

Hand signals must be agreed before the lift; only one person directs the operator, and the operator stops on any stop signal from anyone.

Shift handover content: machine condition, open faults, task status, hazards identified, and any isolation or tag currently in place.

Records kept for plant: pre-start checklist, logbook hours, service history, defect reports, and operator competency evidence.

Toolbox talk covers the task, the hazards, the controls, and who is responsible; attendance is recorded.

Housekeeping: keep walkways clear, store gear and slings off the ground, and clean up spills immediately to prevent slips.

Environmental controls: bunded fuel storage, spill kits on hand, and correct disposal of used oil, filters, and batteries.

Sling tension for a two-leg sling at angle θ from horizontal: tension in each leg equals load divided by (2 × sin θ).

As the sling angle from horizontal decreases, leg tension increases; at 30 degrees each leg carries the full load.

Working load limit is the maximum mass a sling or fitting may carry; the rated capacity of the assembly is limited by the weakest component.

Load weight estimate for steel: mass in kilograms equals volume in cubic metres multiplied by about 7850 for steel.

Centre of gravity check: an off-centre load tilts and shifts; use a spreader beam or adjust the sling points to keep the hook over the centre of gravity.

Tag lines control rotation and swing; they are used where the load is long or has a large surface area.

Shock loading from rapid hoisting or snatching can exceed the static load several times; start and stop smoothly.

Combined centre of gravity shifts toward the load as load centre increases; capacity falls in proportion to the increase in load centre distance.

Capacity at a new load centre can be estimated as rated capacity multiplied by rated load centre divided by actual load centre.

Attachments such as clamps, rotators, and extensions add weight and move the centre of gravity forward; use the attachment's derated capacity plate.

Counterbalance principle: the load on the forks is balanced by the machine's own weight behind the front axle; the rear wheels stay loaded.

A rear wheel lifting off the ground indicates the centre of gravity has passed the stability triangle limit; lower the load immediately.

Load weight estimate: a standard pallet of bagged product is checked against the delivery docket rather than judged by appearance.

Tyre and floor limits: check the floor or racking load rating for heavy loads, and never exceed the axle or floor capacity.

Scissor lift: vertical rise only, larger platform area, must not be driven elevated on uneven ground or with the platform raised near edges.

Boom lift categories: articulated booms reach around obstacles; telescopic booms give greater height and horizontal reach.

Platform controls include enable switch, joystick, emergency stop, horn, and tilt or overload indicators; the enable switch must be held for any movement.

Ground controls take priority for emergency lowering and must be accessible to a person on the ground at all times.

Positioning: set the machine so the work is reachable without leaning over the rails; the platform floor must stay level and within the tilt limit.

Overhead work: secure tools and materials, use tethers, and never rest materials on the rails or use the rails as a workbench.

Traffic and public protection: use barriers, cones, and a spotter where the platform overhangs a walkway or roadway.

Weather: stop in high wind, lightning, or poor visibility, and never operate during an electrical storm.

Hazard types on plant sites: gravity, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, chemical, thermal, noise, and environmental.

Energy sources to isolate: electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, stored spring, gravity, and thermal; verify isolation by test before work.

Control verification: after applying a control, confirm it works; a control that is not checked is not a control.

Permit systems apply to hot work, confined space, excavation, and work near live services; the permit defines the conditions and the sign-off.

Spot the change: new plant, new crew, changed ground conditions, or a different attachment invalidates the previous risk assessment.

Near miss reporting is treated the same as an incident because it identifies a control failure before harm occurs.

Emergency drills are recorded with date, scenario, participants, and any corrective action identified.

Machine ratings define maximum slope, lift capacity, reach, and travel speed; operating outside them is a breach of the safe operating procedure.

Side slope limit is generally much lower than the fore-and-aft limit; check the operator manual for the specific model.

Soft ground: reduce speed, avoid sharp turns, and use the correct gear range; spinning wheels or tracks can cause loss of control.

Visibility: use mirrors, cameras, and a spotter; if you cannot see the spotter, stop immediately.

Overhead and underground services: locate and mark services before digging or tracking, and maintain the required clearance from powerlines.

Load security during travel: secure attachments and carried items so they cannot shift and alter the centre of gravity.

Machine recovery: use rated recovery points and a rated sling; never use a person as a counterweight or stand in the line of a tensioned line.

Tip-over response: hold the wheel, brace feet, stay in the seat with the seat belt on; do not jump, as the overhead guard protects the operator.

Rear-end swing: the counterweight swings outward in a turn; allow clearance at corners and racking ends.

Fork hazards: keep forks tilted back and low, never let anyone stand on the forks, and never use the forks to lift people.

Blind spots: the mast and load block forward view; travel in reverse on ramps and where forward vision is obstructed.

Pedestrian strikes are the most common forklift incident; use barriers, mirrors, and speed limits in shared areas.

Load shift: a shifting load changes the centre of gravity; stop, lower, and restack rather than correcting while moving.

Wet or oily floors reduce traction and braking; slow down and check the surface before entering a wash bay or loading dock.

Battery and LPG hazards: hydrogen gas from charging and LPG leaks are flammable; ventilate, check for leaks, and know the isolation point.

Harness and lanyard in a boom platform: attach to the designated anchor, keep the lanyard short enough to prevent ejection over the rail.

Anchor points are rated and marked by the manufacturer; never clip to a rail, gate, or unmarked fitting.

Platform gate must be closed and latched before elevating; the gate is a fall protection element, not just an access point.

Emergency descent: if the platform stops elevated, use the auxiliary lowering valve or pump; a trained person on the ground operates the ground controls.

Entrapment risk: keep clear of overhead structures and check the descent path before raising the platform.

Injury response: call emergency services, lower the platform if safe, provide first aid, and preserve the scene for investigation.

Inspection frequency: pre-start check each shift, periodic inspection at the interval set by the manufacturer, and after any incident or repair.

Defect tagging: attach an out-of-service tag, remove the key, and record the fault before leaving the machine.

Site induction covers layout, traffic rules, emergency procedures, PPE requirements, and the reporting chain; it is completed before starting work.

High-risk work licensing applies to specified plant classes; the licence class must match the machine being operated.

Verification of competency includes the licence, the logbook of operating hours, and a practical assessment by a competent person.

Site speed limits and traffic flow are set by the site traffic management plan; the plan overrides personal preference.

Exclusion zones are marked by barriers, signage, or both; entry requires authorisation from the person controlling the area.

Stop-work authority: any worker may stop work they believe is unsafe and must not be penalised for doing so.

Mobile phone and headphone use while operating plant is prohibited; concentration is a control measure.

Pre-use sling inspection: check for cuts, broken wires, heat damage, chemical damage, stretched links, and a legible tag.

Discard criteria for wire rope slings include broken wires in a strand, kinking, crushing, and corrosion; follow the manufacturer's discard table.

Shackles: the pin must be fully engaged, the shackle must not be side-loaded, and the safe working load marking must be legible.

Hooks require a functioning safety latch; a hook with a spread or distorted throat is removed from service.

Sling protection: use softeners or packers on sharp edges and corners to prevent cutting the sling.

Angle effects: two-leg slings at 90 degrees carry about 0.71 of the load per leg; at 60 degrees about 0.58; at 30 degrees the full load per leg.

Storage: hang slings to prevent kinking and keep them away from heat, chemicals, and sunlight.

LPG forklift: change cylinders in a ventilated area with the engine off, check the seal and hose connection, and leak-test the joint.

Diesel refuelling: engine off, no ignition source, and a drip tray or bund under the fill point.

Battery charging: open the battery cover, ventilate, connect the charger before switching on, and switch off before disconnecting.

Electrolyte handling: wear eye protection and gloves; rinse skin or eyes with water and seek first aid.

Shutdown sequence: forks flat on the floor, mast tilted slightly forward, park brake applied, controls neutral, key removed.

Wheel chocks are used when parking on a slope or when the machine could roll.

Fire response: use the correct extinguisher class, raise the alarm, and evacuate if the fire is not immediately controllable.

Post-shift report: record any defect, low fluid, or damage found and hand over to the next operator or the supervisor.

Platform load limit includes people, tools, and materials; the rated capacity is stated on the platform plate and must not be exceeded.

Point loading matters: a heavy tool concentrated on a small area can exceed the deck rating even when total mass is within the limit.

Reach limit: the horizontal reach of a boom decreases as the platform is loaded and the boom deflects; confirm the working envelope from the chart.

Ground pressure from outriggers or tyres must be checked against the slab or ground rating; use spreader pads to reduce pressure.

Basement and suspended slab work requires an engineer's confirmation of the slab capacity before positioning the machine.

Wind and sail area: large panels or signage carried in the platform increase the wind load; stop when the manufacturer limit is reached.

Battery state affects drive and lift speed and can trigger a low-voltage cut-out; charge between shifts rather than mid-task.

DRSABCD response order: danger, response, send for help, airway, breathing, CPR, defibrillation.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure, use a dressing, and call emergency services; do not remove an embedded object.

Crush injury to a limb requires urgent medical treatment; keep the casualty still and monitor for shock.

Fire classes: A for solids, B for flammable liquids, C for gases, E for electrical, F for cooking oils; select the matching extinguisher.

Electrical fire: isolate the supply before using an extinguisher; never use water on live electrical equipment.

Spill response: stop the source, contain with a bund or absorbent, clean up, and dispose of the waste correctly.

Noise exposure is controlled at the source first, then by isolation, then by hearing protection; hearing damage is permanent.

Dust and silica: use water suppression or extraction and wear the specified respiratory protection.

The operator is responsible for the pre-start check, the safe operation, and the reporting of defects found during the shift.

Logbook entries include date, hour meter, check result, faults, and the operator's name and signature.

A defect that affects safe operation means the machine is tagged out and not operated until repaired and cleared.

Never operate a machine you are not licensed or assessed for, even for a short move.

Modifications and attachments must be approved by the manufacturer or an engineer; unapproved changes void the rating.

Seat belts and operator presence systems must function; bypassing an interlock is a serious breach.

Refuelling, servicing, and cleaning are done with the machine stopped, isolated, and on level ground.

Attachment capacity is always lower than the bare machine capacity; use the plate fitted to the attachment.

Clamp attachments reduce the load centre advantage; the clamp adds weight forward of the carriage.

Long loads such as pipes or timber require a wider fork spread, a spotter, and slow travel with the load low.

Liquid loads shift during travel and braking; keep speed low and avoid sudden changes of direction.

Unstable or irregular loads are secured or strapped to the pallet or carriage before lifting.

Racking aisle width determines the maximum machine size and load length that can be handled safely.

Never lift a load with one fork or with the load resting on the fork tips only.

Overhead powerlines: confirm the safe approach distance, use a spotter, and request isolation from the supply authority where the distance cannot be maintained.

Bridge and ceiling work: check the platform height limit and the overhead clearance before raising.

Glass and facade work: secure the platform against wind and avoid applying leverage to the rails.

Confined or restricted areas: confirm the machine fits, the escape route is clear, and the ground supports the wheel or outrigger loads.

Working over water or traffic requires a rescue plan and barriers below the platform.

Public areas: fence the drop zone, use signage, and keep the platform and tools from overhanging unprotected walkways.

Communication with ground crew: agree signals and keep visual or radio contact at all times.

Fatigue impairs reaction time and judgement comparably to alcohol; long shifts and night work require planned breaks.

Heat stress signs include headache, nausea, confusion, and stopped sweating; move to shade, cool, and seek first aid.

Dehydration reduces concentration; drink water regularly and avoid excessive caffeine.

Noise above the site limit requires hearing protection and rotation of tasks to limit exposure duration.

Vibration exposure from plant is limited by duration; report tingling or numbness in fingers.

Drug and alcohol testing may apply on site; a positive result means standing down from plant operation.

Distraction from phones, music, and conversation is a hazard; the operator's attention stays on the task.

Slew zone control: the operator confirms the area is clear before slewing, and a spotter signals when visibility is restricted.

Exclusion zone radius is set by the risk assessment and the machine's maximum reach plus a margin.

Working near trenches or excavations requires the edge distance set by the engineer to prevent collapse under the machine.

Overhead structures, bridges, and door frames are checked for clearance before raising a boom or mast.

Ground personnel must never stand under a suspended load or within the slew radius.

Signalling: only one designated signaller directs the operator; anyone may give a stop signal.

Parking near traffic lanes requires barriers, lighting, and a clear escape route for the operator.

One-way traffic flow and marked pedestrian walkways reduce conflict between forklifts and people.

Speed limits in warehouses are typically walking pace; the limit is set by the site and enforced.

At blind corners, stop, sound the horn, and proceed only when clear.

Racking impact: report any strike to the racking immediately and tag the bay until inspected.

Load placement: check the beam rating, place the load evenly, and do not exceed the bay capacity.

Dock work: check the dock leveller and trailer restraint, and confirm the trailer deck can carry the forklift and load.

Mirrors and convex mirrors at intersections improve visibility; they supplement but do not replace slowing down.

Pre-start inspection is recorded with date, machine ID, hour meter, and the operator's signature.

Periodic inspection intervals are set by the manufacturer and by the applicable standard; the record is kept with the machine.

Structural inspection covers welds, pins, boom wear pads, and the platform deck for cracks or corrosion.

Hydraulic system checks include hose condition, cylinder seals, and fluid level; leaks are repaired before use.

Safety devices such as tilt sensors, overload sensors, and the emergency stop are function-tested and never bypassed.

After any repair affecting a safety device, the machine is inspected and cleared before returning to service.

Records of inspection and repair are retained for the period required by the site and the regulator.

Incident investigation aims to find the cause, not the blame; findings feed back into the risk assessment.

Evidence to preserve: the scene, the machine, the records, photographs, and witness statements.

Root cause analysis asks why the control failed and whether the control was suitable in the first place.

Corrective actions are assigned an owner and a due date, and their completion is verified.

Regulator notification applies to serious injury, dangerous incident, and death; the site is preserved until released.

Lessons learned are shared at toolbox talks and recorded in the site safety system.

Trends in near-miss reports identify recurring hazards before they cause harm.

Rated capacity depends on radius, boom length, and counterweight configuration; read the chart for the exact setup in use.

Radius is measured from the centre of rotation to the centre of gravity of the load, not to the boom tip.

Boom deflection increases radius under load; the chart accounts for it, so never interpolate beyond the tabulated values.

Outrigger configuration changes capacity; a machine on tyres has a lower rating than one on fully extended outriggers.

Pick-and-carry is only permitted where the load chart and the manufacturer allow it, with the load low and the route surveyed.

Multiple crane lifts require a documented plan with one person in control and matched load sharing.

Wind load on a large surface area load reduces the permitted capacity; check the chart note for the limit.

A forklift operator must hold the correct licence or be assessed as competent for the machine class.

Refresher training and reassessment occur at the interval set by the site, and after any incident.

Fitness for work includes vision, hearing, and the absence of impairing medication or fatigue.

Operators must know the capacity plate, the stability triangle, and the location of the emergency isolation.

New operators work under supervision until the assessment is complete.

Reporting a near miss is part of the operator's duty, not an admission of fault.

Site induction is completed for each new site before operating plant there.

Traffic control: use cones, barriers, and signage to separate the platform and drop zone from vehicles and pedestrians.

High-visibility clothing and flashing lights are used where the machine works near moving traffic.

The spotter maintains contact with the operator and warns of approaching traffic or overhead hazards.

Never extend the platform over a live traffic lane without a traffic management plan and approval.

Working near rail or tram lines requires the operator to follow the network's specific permit conditions.

Public protection includes preventing tools and materials from falling from the platform.

Emergency egress from the platform is planned for each position, including the route to the ground.

The chain of responsibility extends safety duties to designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and site controllers.

Plant registration and design registration apply to specified items; the registration must be current.

Maintenance records demonstrate that the plant has been maintained to the manufacturer's requirements.

Operator manuals and load charts are kept with the machine and must be legible.

Safe operating procedures are site-specific and reviewed when the task or conditions change.

Records must be accurate; falsifying a pre-start check or logbook entry is a serious breach.

Audit trails link the hazard report, the corrective action, and the verification of the fix.

Machine fire: stop the machine, shut down the engine, isolate the battery, evacuate, and raise the alarm.

Hydraulic failure: lower the attachment to the ground, apply the brake, and isolate before leaving the cab.

Rollover: stay in the seat with the belt on, brace, and do not jump; the ROPS protects the operator.

Contact with a powerline: stay in the cab, warn others away, and do not touch the machine and the ground at once; wait for the supply authority.

If evacuation from a live machine is essential, jump clear with feet together and shuffle away without touching the machine.

Injury: stop work, provide first aid, call emergency services, and preserve the scene.

Report the event to the supervisor and record it before the end of the shift.

Approach the load square and centred; spread the forks to suit the pallet width.

Insert the forks fully so the load sits against the carriage backrest.

Lift clear, tilt back, and lower to travel height before moving off.

When placing a load, stop square, raise to height, level the forks, and lower slowly onto the racking.

Withdraw the forks straight back before lowering the mast.

Never drag or push a load with the fork tips; it damages the load and the racking.

Check the load is stable and within capacity before every lift.

Check the platform deck, rails, gates, and anchor points for cracks, corrosion, and secure fastenings.

Check the boom or scissor structure for damaged pins, worn pads, and hydraulic leaks.

Test the emergency stop, horn, tilt alarm, and overload indicator.

Check the battery charge, charger lead, and electrolyte level where applicable.

Check tyres or wheels for damage and correct pressure, and confirm the wheel nuts are tight.

Confirm the fire extinguisher and first aid kit are present and in date where the site requires them.

Record the inspection and tag out any defect before use.

Workers must be consulted on matters that affect their health and safety, including changes to plant and procedures.

A safety committee or elected representative provides a formal channel for consultation.

Toolbox talks and pre-start meetings are consultation points, and the outcomes are recorded.

Reporting is encouraged when near misses are acted on and feedback is given to the reporter.

Supervisors verify that controls are used in practice, not just documented.

A stop-work decision is supported by the site and reviewed afterwards to confirm the concern was valid.

Lessons from incidents are shared across crews to prevent repetition.

Fuel storage is bunded to contain at least the volume of the largest container plus rainfall allowance.

Spill kits are kept near refuelling points and checked for absorbent condition.

Used oil, filters, and batteries are segregated and disposed of through the licensed waste stream.

Hydraulic oil leaks are repaired promptly; oil on the ground is a slip and pollution hazard.

Washing plant is done in a designated area with a washdown system, not near stormwater drains.

Dust suppression is used during earthmoving to protect workers and neighbours.

Noise and vibration from plant are managed by scheduling and by maintaining silencing equipment.

Dynamic loads from braking, turning, and raising the load shift the centre of gravity and reduce stability.

Turning with a raised load greatly increases the risk of tip-over; lower the load before turning.

Braking with a raised load pitches the machine forward; travel with the load low and tilt back.

Speed on a turn produces lateral force that can push the centre of gravity outside the stability triangle.

Loads that are long or high raise the centre of gravity and reduce the safe speed and capacity.

The stability triangle applies to a three-point counterbalance machine; four-wheel designs have an equivalent stability area.

Rear wheel lift is the warning sign; stop and lower the load immediately.

A rescue plan is prepared before work starts and includes the method, the rescuers, and the equipment.

A person in the platform can be lowered using the auxiliary descent system operated from the ground.

If a person is suspended in a harness, urgent medical help is required; suspension trauma can develop quickly.

Call emergency services early and give the site address, the machine type, and the casualty's condition.

Do not attempt a rescue that puts the rescuer at risk; use trained personnel and the machine's controls.

Preserve the scene after the casualty is removed and report the incident to the supervisor.

Review the rescue plan after any incident or drill and update it as needed.