Parking on a Slope at End of Shift
It is the end of the shift. You are on a 10° slope of firm ground, with the machine facing downhill. The bucket is on the ground, the boom is lowered, the engine is running, and the parking brake is applied. The key is in the ignition. The site is fenced but there is a public footpath 15 m away, and the machine will be unattended overnight. A colleague says to just leave it running to keep the battery up.
1. Describe the correct shutdown and parking procedure for this situation.
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Slew the machine to a safe position, lower the bucket and any attachment to the ground, apply the parking brake, and put the controls in neutral/lockout. Idle the engine to cool, then shut down. Remove the key and secure it. On a slope, the machine should be parked with the bucket/attachment on the ground and, where appropriate, chocked or positioned so it cannot roll; facing downhill with the bucket on the ground is acceptable if the parking brake holds and the bucket is dug in lightly as a restraint. Do not leave the engine running unattended. Complete the post-operational checks and record any defects.
2. Why is leaving it running unattended unacceptable, and what are the specific risks here?
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An unattended running machine is a hazard: anyone (including the public 15 m away) could enter and operate it, it can move if the brake or controls are disturbed, it is a noise and emission nuisance, and it can overheat or develop a fault with no one present. The key in the ignition makes unauthorised operation easier. The specific risks are unauthorised use, movement on the 10° slope, and fire/fuel risk. The correct action is shutdown, key removal, and securing the machine.
3. What post-operational checks and securing actions do you complete before leaving?
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Walk around the machine: check for leaks, damage, loose or missing parts, track condition, and security of the bucket/quick-hitch; check fluid levels and note any that need topping up; check the fire extinguisher is present and charged; ensure the machine is locked and the key secured; check the bucket is on the ground and the brake is applied; and record the parking position and any defects in the handover. Confirm the machine cannot be accessed by the public and that the footpath is not endangered by the parked machine. Report defects so the next shift knows.