Shutdown, Parking, Securing and End-of-Shift Procedures
What this domain tests
The closing sequence at the end of a shift: parking safely, securing the machine, handing over information and leaving the next operator a safe machine.
Parking and securing
Park in the designated plant area on firm, level ground, clear of haul routes and pedestrian walkways. Lower the body fully and confirm it is seated. Put the transmission in neutral, apply the park brake, stop the engine and remove the key. If you must park on a slope, chock the wheels and apply the park brake, but treat this as an exception to be reported. Apply the battery isolator where the site requires it, lock the cab, and secure the fuel cap and any lockers.
End-of-shift routine
Walk around the machine as you would at the start of the shift - leaks, tyres, damage, anything loose. Clean mud and debris from walkways, steps and the articulation area. Refuel with the engine off and no ignition sources nearby, following the site's spill procedure, and use the spill kit if you do. Record the hours and any defects, complete the check sheet and hand over verbally to the next operator or supervisor. Leave the machine with the fire extinguisher, first aid kit and spill kit in place.
Worked example
You finish a shift with the machine part-way down a ramp because the tip area is blocked. Rather than leaving it there overnight, you drive it to the designated plant park on level ground, lower the body, apply the park brake, isolate and lock it, then report the blocked tip area so the next shift plans around it. Parking on a gradient overnight risks creep, battery drain and an unsecured machine.
Traps
- Leaving the body raised so it can drain - the prop is not a parking device.
- Leaving the key in the cab because 'everyone does'.
- Going home without recording a defect found during the walk-around.