Hazards, Exclusion Zones and Working Near Others
Hazards, exclusion zones and working near others tests pedestrian segregation, blind spots and service strikes.
Exclusion zone
- Establish a zone based on machine reach, blade or ripper movement, towed equipment and foreseeable travel.
- Use barriers and signage; only an authorised banksman enters the zone.
- Keep pedestrians out of the reversing area, stockpile edges and the path of towed plant.
Blind spots and services
- Dozer blades obscure forward view; use mirrors, cameras and spotters.
- Treat overhead lines as live; keep clear and consult the operator before working near them.
- Use cable avoidance and drawings before any ground penetration.
Worked example: A labourer walks behind a reversing dozer. Reasoning: stop immediately; the exclusion zone was not controlled. Reinstate barriers, brief the team and use a banksman for reversing. The operator's mirrors may not show a person close to the tracks.
Traps: assuming the operator can see you, crossing behind a machine, and working under a raised blade.
Key points
- Set the exclusion zone from machine reach and movement.
- Use barriers, signage and an authorised banksman.
- Never enter a blind spot without permission.
- Treat overhead and underground services as live.
- Stop work if the zone is breached.