Best Practices for Avoiding Repairs with Operator Training
Conduct daily walk around inspections
It is essential that operators perform daily walk around inspections for any equipment that is used on a jobsite. A careful inspection will allow small issues to be addressed before they become larger, more expensive and potentially dangerous problems. If any issues are noticed, operators should report them immediately and should not use the machine.
Examinations should include
- Looking for any fluids on the ground around a parked machine
- Fluid and battery levels
- Tire condition and inflation level
- Horns and lights
- Safety gear including seat belt and backup alarms
Look and Listen for Equipment Irregularities
It's important for operators to be alert for potential equipment malfunctions on the jobsite. Things to look for include intermittent electrical failures, inappropriate noises, cracks or other signs of impending breakage, and any damage to a machine.
Wait for the machine to reach operating temperature
To combat pressure fluctuations, consider using Nitrogen to fill your tires. There's no added risk of combustion or fire and it prevents ice crystals from forming that could hold open the tire's valve stem. When inflating your tires with Nitrogen, continue to fill the tire to the manufacturer's recommended psi.
Know what situations increase the risk of tipping or overturning
Fast swings of a load put machines at risk. Be sure operators are moving loads carefully and not exceeding prudent speed limits. Never exceed the working range or lifting capacity of a piece of equipment and keep the machine as level as possible when operating.