Red Seal HEO key terms

An individual who, by training and experience, can identify existing and predictable hazards and has authority to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them.

A systematic process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks before and during work tasks to prevent injury or damage.

A safety procedure that isolates energy sources and locks them out to prevent accidental startup or release of hazardous energy during maintenance or repair.

Provincial or federal legislation that sets out the rights and duties of employers and workers to ensure workplace health and safety.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System; a Canada-wide system providing information about hazardous products through labels, safety data sheets, and worker training.

The planned actions taken to contain, control, and clean up a release of fuel, oil, or other hazardous materials to protect the environment.

Adherence to laws, regulations, and permits governing air, water, soil, and waste management during equipment operation and site work.

Measures such as silt fences, berms, or vegetation used to prevent soil loss from wind or water during and after earthmoving activities.

Practices and structures designed to capture and retain soil particles that would otherwise be carried off-site by runoff.

A heavy machine with a boom, stick, and bucket mounted on a rotating upper structure, used for digging, lifting, and loading.

A tracked or wheeled machine with a front-mounted blade used for pushing soil, clearing debris, and rough grading.

A machine with a front-mounted bucket used for scooping, lifting, and transporting loose materials such as soil, gravel, or snow.

A machine, often tractor-mounted, with a digging bucket on an articulated arm at the rear and a loader bucket at the front.

The horizontal distance from the center of rotation to the outermost point of the machine's upper structure or attachment during swinging.

The function that controls the rotation of an excavator's upper structure, allowing the operator to position the bucket for digging or dumping.

Hand-operated levers that control the hydraulic functions of a machine, such as boom, stick, bucket, and swing.

The process of excavating a narrow, deep cut in the ground for utilities, drainage, or foundations, requiring attention to soil stability and shoring.

A system of supports, such as hydraulic jacks or timber, used to prevent the collapse of trench walls and protect workers.

Excavated material placed alongside a trench or excavation; it must be set back to prevent cave-ins and avoid overloading trench edges.

The process of leveling or shaping the ground surface to a specified slope or elevation using equipment such as dozers or graders.

The densification of soil by removing air voids, typically achieved with rollers or vibratory equipment to increase load-bearing capacity.

The depth of a layer of soil or aggregate placed before compaction; it must be controlled to achieve required density.

The amount of water present in soil, which affects how easily it can be compacted to reach specified density.

A systematic check of a machine's fluids, tires or tracks, safety devices, and structural components before starting work.

The quantities of engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, and fuel, which must be checked and maintained to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.

The application of grease or oil to moving parts to reduce friction, wear, and heat, extending component life.

Scheduled servicing tasks, such as filter changes and adjustments, performed to prevent breakdowns and prolong equipment life.

A written record documenting the results of a pre-operational inspection, including any defects found and actions taken.

The process of identifying and marking underground utilities, such as gas, water, and electrical lines, before excavation begins.

A notification service that must be contacted before excavation so that underground utilities can be located and marked.

Any activity that disrupts the ground surface, such as digging, trenching, or drilling, and requires prior utility locating and approval.

A marker placed in the ground to indicate a specific elevation or alignment for grading or excavation work.

A fixed reference point with a known elevation or position used as a basis for surveying and construction layout.

A document or decal that specifies the safe lifting capacity of a machine or attachment at various radii and configurations.

The use of slings, shackles, and hardware to connect a load to a lifting device safely.

The angle between a sling leg and the horizontal, which affects the tension in the sling and the load's stability.

The point at which the weight of an object is considered to act; lifting below or off-center can cause instability.

A U-shaped piece of hardware with a pin or bolt, used to connect slings or other rigging components to a load.

The use of chains, straps, and binders to prevent cargo from shifting or falling during transport.

A device such as a chain, strap, or cable used to secure equipment or cargo to a trailer or truck bed.

The arrangement of weight on a trailer or truck to maintain stability, proper tongue weight, and axle loads within limits.

The process of driving or winching equipment onto a trailer, ensuring proper alignment, weight distribution, and securement.

The slope of a loading ramp, which must be appropriate for the equipment to avoid tipping or bottoming out.

The completion of records such as inspection reports, logbooks, and incident forms to ensure accountability and regulatory compliance.

Standardized arm and hand movements used to communicate directions to equipment operators when verbal communication is not possible.

A worker positioned to guide an operator by signaling, especially when visibility is limited or during backing maneuvers.

The use of two-way radios to convey instructions and safety information between operators and ground personnel.

A formal record of an accident, near miss, or property damage, used to investigate causes and prevent recurrence.

A system that uses pressurized fluid to transmit power for machine functions such as lifting, digging, and steering.

Low-pressure hydraulic fluid used to control the main valves in a hydraulic system, often supplying joystick controls.

A component that converts hydraulic pressure into linear force to move booms, sticks, buckets, or blades.

A systematic process of identifying the cause of a malfunction, often using symptoms, gauges, and diagnostic codes.

A small corrective action, such as tightening a loose bolt or replacing a light bulb, that can be performed safely by the operator.