Safe Backing Safe Spotting

The purpose of the training is to protect people, company and customer assets, and reduce vehicle backing incidents

BACKING Accidents and injuries can result from improper backing practices. Backing large vehicles of all types particularly with trailers, pumps, and Frac tanks are especially hazardous because of the many blind spots.

General Guidelines for Backing Driver Responsibilities If you can avoid backing, don’t do it! Never be in a hurry when backing Roll windows down completely Turn off the radio/music – no cellphones Give your task 100% attention Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

Driver Responsibilities Get out and walk the area with your spotter to identify hazards. Remove hazards if possible Formulate a plan of action Communicate to spotter to stays in the driver’s side mirror Maintain visual and verbal contact with the spotter at all times “If you cannot see or hear the spotter, STOP-do not backup!” Sound horn 2-3 times before starting backward

Driver’s View

NO SPOTTER? If there is no spotter available; Reconsider backing up. Is there another alternative? Make a reasonable attempt to get someone to act as a spotter. If a spotter cannot be obtained, get out of the vehicle and walk around completing a "circle of safety" and survey the backing area, being sure to also check overhead clearance. If its just too risky, STOP and call your supervisor.

Spotter Responsibility Conduct a "circle of safety" with the driver and survey the backing area and all other sides of the vehicle, checking for hazards. Be sure to check overhead clearances. Remove hazards if possible Place yourself eight to ten feet to the left rear of the vehicle More then one spotter may be necessary ONLY ONE spotter gives signals to the driver

Spotter Responsibilities Maintain visual and verbal contact with the driver and continue eye contact in the left rear view mirror at all times. Be familiar with hand signals before allowing backing maneuvers to begin Stop the driver if any hazards are observed or if you are uncertain of the direction that the driver is maneuvering If spotter must move behind vehicle or otherwise leave visual contact with driver’s mirror. STOP the driver.

Spotter’s view

HAND SIGNALS STRAIGHT BACK

HAND SIGNALS BACK AND LEFT

HAND SIGNALS BACK AND RIGHT

HAND SIGNALS DISTANCE TO STOP

HAND SIGNALS ALL STOP OR

HAND SIGNALS EMERGENCY STOP

CONCLUSION Some hand signals may also be performed one-handed, so long as the driver understands the signals. When in doubt – STOP If spotter & driver lose eye contact-STOP Eliminate hazards whenever possible Think of alternatives to backing in tight areas; another area? move other vehicles? Go around the block? better planning? Place frac tanks on spill guards BEFORE standing up the sides? IF IT JUST DOESN’T LOOK RIGHT… STOP AND REASSESS