1. Safe Backing Safe Spotting

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Driver’s View

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Spotter’s view

11. HAND SIGNALS
STRAIGHT BACK

12. HAND SIGNALS
BACK AND LEFT

13. HAND SIGNALS
BACK AND RIGHT

14. HAND SIGNALS
DISTANCE TO STOP

15. HAND SIGNALS
ALL STOP OR

16. HAND SIGNALS
EMERGENCY STOP

17. 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