1. Backhoe Operation and Safety

2. Codes, Standards, Policies
29 CFR Material Handling Equipment
29 CFR Mechanical Equipment
29 CFR Electric Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution-(p) Mechanical Equipment
These are the standards (code of federal regulations) this course is based on today.
OSHA REGULATIONS ARE MINIMUM THEY DON’T ALWAYS REFLECT BEST PRACTICES

3. SAFE BACKHOE
OPERATIONS

4. Heinrich’s Safety Pyramid
Fatality
Lost Work Day
Recordable Injury
HEINRICH WAS A WORLD RENOUN SAFETY ENGINEER. HIS WORK VALIDATED ACCIDENT RATIO’S
WHO’S BEEN INVOLVED IN ONE OF THESE?
WHAT HAPPENED?
NOTE: ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION
1st Aid Case
Near Miss

5. Accidents % Accidents Cause
40% Operating too close to the edge of a road or embankment.
20% Operating on steep or uneven terrain.
11% Equipment defect or malfunction.
10% Operating on unstable ground.
8% Operating with excess speed.
6% Improper loading or unloading on the trailer.
5% Other.

6. Accident Causes Backhoe injuries are often caused by:
Turning uphill on a steep slope.
Loaded bucket raised too high (especially on uneven ground or while turning).
Poor equipment maintenance.
Inattention of workers around machinery.
Review these bullets along with student’s list

7. Accident Causes (cont.)
Hitting obstructions while moving (i.e. stump, hole, ditch, etc.).
Starting backhoe in gear.
Excavating unstable soil or undercutting a bank.
Operating too close to steep banks/excavations.
Improper equipment transport.

8. Doyle Peeks’ letter can be found at www.craneaccidents.com
Instructor reads this letter to the class and says nothing. (give them at least 10 seconds to think about the content before speaking)

10. PRE-TRIP FOR BACKHOE Visual checks Operating control checks
Ensure equipment is greased
When do you do it?

11. Pre-Operation Checklist
Check engine, coolant & Hydraulic fluid levels
Check for broken or dirty windows
Check all functions for smooth operation
Check transmission for smooth operation
Check Brakes
Inspect Hydraulic hoses
Check that all safety devices & guards in place, functional
Inspect Bolts, welds & pins for proper condition
Inspect Rollover protective structure
Inspect Seat belt
Check Tires for condition, inflation
Inspect All lights, gauges, horn and alarms
Inspect Engine compartment for leaks and trash buildup
Refer to the machine’s Operation and Maintenance manual for a complete list of inspection items

12. Three Basic Components
Tractor
Backhoe
Loader

13. Inspect the Tractor Check the following Engine oil & coolant
Hydraulic fluid level
Glass for dirt, damage
trans. for smooth operation
Brakes
Safety devices
Seat belt
Tires for condition
Lights, gauges, horn
All controls for proper operation
Control linkages and valves can become worn, fouled, or damaged. Investigate any abnormal functions to prevent loss of control

14. Inspect the Backhoe Check for the following
Damaged stabilizer arms & pads
Bent or damaged hydraulic cylinders
Worn hinge pins & bushings
Damaged & leaking hydraulic lines
Smooth operation thru all functions damaged or loose teeth on bucket
Worn stick extension slide pads
All welds for cracks

15. Inspect the Loader Check for the following Damaged lift arms
Bent or damaged hydraulic cylinders
Worn hinge pins & bushings
Damaged & leaking hydraulic lines
Smooth operation thru all functions
Damaged or loose teeth on bucket
Bent or damaged bucket links
All welds for cracks

16. Operators Manual
The operator’s manual is required to be on the machine at all times

17. Operator Responsibilities
People around the machine
Property
The machine

18. For Safe Operation Never take anything for granted
Face the machine when climbing on and off
Keep the machine clean
Clean mud and grease from shoes
Avoid loose clothing and jewelry
Wear protective equipment
Never operate machine without protective guards
Always check height, width and weight restrictions
Keep all safety devices in place and in working order
Plan ahead
Learn beforehand about the work area

19. Operator Awareness Factors
Fatigue & Hunger
Weather: Heat, Cold
Emotional Level
Physical Health
Working Conditions
Other People

20. Climbing on and off
When climbing on and off the machine the operator should always:
Face the machine
Use the three point of contact method
Two hands and a foot or
Two feet and a hand

21. Seat Belts
Inspect each day
Must be worn when operating the machine

22. Job Site Safety OPERATOR WORKER
EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIMSELF AND THE OTHER PERSON

23. MOVING STABILIZERS AND BUCKET
Danger Area
WARNING
STAY CLEAR OF
MOVING STABILIZERS AND BUCKET
WARNING
Stay Out
of the
Swing
Area

24. with the operator before
DANGER AREA
Establish eye contact
with the operator before
entering a danger area
Always work Facing
the machine

25. Typical Weights of Components
A typical loader/backhoe found on a job site can weigh from 12,000 to 24,000 pounds.
Size can help or hinder in the operation and potential damage a machine can do.
Always follow the manufactures guidelines and use proper equipment for handling these components.
Backhoe
4,000 to 6,000 lbs
Tractor
6,000 to 12,000 lbs
Loader
2,000 to 3,000 lbs

26. Machine Stability
As the backhoe is raised and extended, the machines Center of Gravity, moves to the rear and upward. This decreases the stability of the machine
Center of Gravity

27. Machine Stability Stability decreases as slope increases.
The distance from C.G. and tire is decreasing
Stability decreases as slope increases.
Increase in ground pressure

28. Machine Stability
To increase stability when traversing a hill, a backhoe can be swung uphill to move the machine’s center of gravity
C.G. is moved for better stability
Stabilizer can be partially deployed for added assurance against a rollover. Deploy only with great care.

29. Machine Stability
Stability decreases as a backhoe is swung to the side
Ground pressure increase’s when swung over the side
Stability decreases as center of gravity moves closer to stabilizer pad

30. Machine Stability
When leveling the machine on a slope, one stabilizer is lower than the other.
This decreases the down slope stability and when working over the down slope, the machines lifting capacity is decreased

31. Machine Stability
When working in soft material, a machine’s stability can be compromised by loss of
- footing
Traction
Sliding
or sudden changes in the machines motion

32. Machine Stability
When driving forward, the forward driving torque transfers weight from the front wheels to the rear wheels.
The machine attempts to rotate front upward as it accelerates.

33. Machine Stability
Center of Gravity moves closer to the rear wheels as the machines angle of climb increases

34. Machine Stability
The combination of center of gravity moving toward the rear axle, and backward rotation caused by acceleration results in the front end rising off the ground.
A bucket of material moves the center of gravity toward the front, helping to keep the front wheels on the ground.

35. Machine Stability
When driving backwards, reverse driving torque will transfer weight from rear wheels to front wheels

36. Machine Stability
Center of Gravity moves further from the rear wheels as the machines angle of decline increases.
This change results in loss of traction on the rear wheels, allowing the machine to slide.

37. Machine Stability
Descending a slope can result in a loss of braking due to the load transfer to the front of the machine.
Braking can be improved by extending the backhoe out to increase weight on the rear wheels.
Use caution when extending and retract the backhoe to its travel position at the base of the slope.

38. Machine Stability
When the loader bucket is used to raise front wheels off the ground, traction on the rear wheels increases

39. Lifting Loads
When lifting a load with a backhoe, refer to the operators manual for specific load ratings at different radii and boom positions

40. Load Capacity Chart Load capacity chart for lifting has two parts
Backhoe Straight back, Standard Stick
Lift Point Radius
Rated Capacity
5.9 ft
8624 lbs
9.8 ft
5170 lbs
12.5 ft
4103 lbs
14.1 ft
3520 lbs
15.4 ft
3058 lbs
Load capacity chart for lifting has two parts
Straight back
Swung to the side
When a backhoe is swung to the side, the load capacity decreases because of increased instability
Backhoe Swung to side
30% reduction
5.9 ft
7370 lbs
9.8 ft
3861 lbs
12.5 ft
2915 lbs
14.1 ft
2442 lbs
15.4 ft
2145 lbs

41. Attaching the Load
For buckets with lifting eyes locating on the back, use a shackle to attach slings
Because of the sharp edges, chain slings are recommended.
For buckets without lifting eyes
Never make a lift with a chain attached solely to the teeth.

42. Attaching the Load To the loader
Attach the sling with a shackle to the eye on the backside of the bucket.
Bring the sling over the top of the bucket.
Use padding to protect the rigging from sharp edges

43. Controlling Worksite Access
Worksites need to have proper barriers and barricades in place to prevent unauthorized personnel and vehicles from entering the work area

44. Inspect the Site: Recent excavations & depressions.
Nearby causes of ground vibration that could destabilize excavation walls.
Overhead wires & obstructions.
GET EXAMPLES OF U-DIG INCIDENTS

45. Inspect the Site (Cont.)
Barricades & signaling.
Location of spoil pile.
Routing of trucks.
LOCATION
GET EXAMPLES OF WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

46. Excavating Hazards
Before excavating, determine the location of all underground utilities and other buried hazards.
Avoid setting stabilizer close to the edge of the trench
Placing the stabilizer pads or traveling too close to trench walls can result in a trench collapse or machine can fall into trench.

47. Safety Considerations
Ensure reverse alarm works.
Use signal person if rear view is obstructed.
Clear bystanders before operation begins.
Use seatbelt and always operate at a safe speed.

48. Backhoe Operation An operator must be able to:
Demonstrate techniques using front bucket.
Operate rear bucket in a smooth and safe manner.
This slide is beginning to set expectations for afternoon hands-on activities.

49. PRE-TRIP FOR TOWING VEHICLE
Visual inspection
Trailer hook-up
Communications between workers
Cross chains (Safety chains)
Pendal hitch down
Glad hands are clean

50. Transporting the Machine
Loading and unloading the machine should be done by an experienced operator.
Transport vehicle’s wheels should be blocked on both sides to prevent it from moving during the loading process.
Tie-downs need to be attached to the machine so as not to cause damage and prevent the machine from moving in all directions.

51. Loading Backhoe Park trailer in a level, unobstructed area.
Set brakes on towing vehicle.
Chock trailer wheels.
Remove ice & snow from ramps & deck.
Lock both backhoe brakes together (for vehicles with individual rear brakes)
Encourage students to comment on these elements. Discuss reasons. Highlight safe practices, etc.

52. Preparing backhoe and trailer/truck for travel
Set parking brake
Secure backhoe w/ chains & chain binders
Use softeners where needed
Lower all attachments to trailer deck

53. Unloading Unload on level ground Stow boom/Lift bucket Back slowly
Be mindful front bucket may need to be adjusted while backing down ramps
Keep bucket as low as possible

54. Special Attachments
Operating instructions for using special attachments should be kept with the operators manual.
i.e.
tampers
jackhammers

55. Safe Backhoe Operations
There is always a lot more than we have covered.
These are some things to consider.
Have a Good Day