Emergency Procedures and Hazard Awareness
What this domain covers
Emergency Procedures and Hazard Awareness tests recognition of electrical, fire, hydraulic, rigging, and weather hazards and the correct immediate response.
Emergency actions
- Know the emergency stop, shutdown, fire extinguisher, first-aid, and rescue plan before operation.
- For power-line contact, keep everyone away and call the utility. If in the cab and not in danger, stay put until the line is de-energized. If fire forces exit, jump clear and shuffle away without touching the machine and ground at the same time.
- For a hydraulic hose burst, stop the equipment, relieve pressure, contain the spill, and keep ignition sources away.
- For a rigging or pile failure, stop work, establish an exclusion zone, account for personnel, and do not re-enter until the area is made safe.
- Stop for lightning, high wind, or loss of visibility. Secure the hammer and pile before leaving the controls.
Worked example
The boom contacts an overhead line and the operator sees smoke. The operator should not climb down normally. After calling for help and confirming the line is not being re-energized, the operator jumps clear, lands with feet together, and shuffles away. Ground personnel stay outside the energized zone and call the utility.
Traps
Touching the machine and ground at once; approaching to help before de-energization; restarting after a hydraulic leak without inspection; and treating a sudden ground movement as normal.