Safety Tips When Using Excavator Lifting Attachments

By Patricia Reed


Excavators are large machines used to remove soil from the ground specially on constructions sites of buildings and other structures. These are sometimes called power shovels by mistake because their functions are achieved using hydraulic technology which is an improvement from steam shovels. But this is not their only functions though.

The bucket attached could be changed with others depending on which task is needed for them to perform such as breaker, auger or grapple. There are available excavator lifting attachments that carries heavy and large objects. This helps in saving you some money and time though remembering these safety tips is important as well when operating them.

Ensure your machine is capable to handle that particular material and its load so tipping over could be avoided. Overloading the excavator would result to damages and injuries in the site, the load and workers which would consume time and money. It should be capable of handling the item and reaching the target while stability and control is maintained.

Your operators should have proper training in reading the lift charts of these machines they are operating because they could be confusing. Usually, the capacity changes depending on different factors such as lift height, boom angle and swing radii. The position your equipment has when carry the object will affect the capacity so the chart should be placed somewhere the operator can immediately notice.

Before using it, check for any nearby obstacles, hazards and damages including the overhead ones which are harder to notice than others. Be certain regarding the work surface stability and position it far away from any nearby excavation edge. When in doubt of the work surface stability underneath it, perform some test lifts.

Clear the area of workers and ensure no one is near the swing radius when lifting a material so they would be protected from falling objects. The spotter is the only person allowed in there and should stand somewhere clear to give vital information to the operator. And when swinging, keep the load closer and only extend it when placing on the desire location to have more stability.

Make sure the chosen rigging is capable of lifting the weight attached to it and is compatible with the materials being lifted. Nylon web slings are not advisable for picking up sharp objects which may damage it. And chains are not advisable for picking up bundles of rebar as it does not provide the needed slip resistance compared to double basket hitch.

Ensure the load is properly secured by using the proper equipment like latching hooks for ensuring safety. There are different methods of securing it depending on how many available lift points are there and all of these points should be locked then connected. This prevents wobbling, tipping or spinning from happening as well as coming them apart and shifting.

Take precautions when needed in minimizing the risk of shifts suddenly happening when the load is being moved. These are some of the things which will help your working place safe. Remember these to avoid accidents from happening.




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