Dig This Las Vegas “Piles & Piles of Dirt” A Bulldozer Safety Briefing

Safe Use of Bulldozers

If you are a guest at Dig This Las Vegas operating a bulldozer, you are required to be responsible for your own safety and that of others who are nearby.

Common sense plays a major part in the safe operation and working of a bulldozer.  All operators should be aware of dangers and hazards, which could injure them or other site workers, nearby, or cause damage to the machine. This applies both individuals and to groups of people as well who may be looking for fun group activities in Las Vegas.

Operators of bulldozers are responsible at all times for the safety of their machine and its load. 


Simple measures taken by yourself & your friends will ensure maximum FUN & SAFETY! By simply following some basic rules you and your group can reduce the possibility of risks and incidents.

For example:


DO IT RIGHT-

• Comply fully with instructions given by site managers and supervisors
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions (operator manuals) for the specific bulldozer you are operating
• Take safety precautions when using your machine prior to, during and after work
• Operate within the machines capabilities

DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT-

• Operate any machine unless you have received appropriate training and are authorized to do so
• Ignore hazards
• Misuse tamper or interfere with your machine and any associated safety equipment provided to you
• Endanger your own health and safety, or that of anyone else, through being negligent

BEFORE USE

• Always check that the bulldozer is serviceable and safe to use
• Carry out daily checks and maintenance and walking around procedures (refer to the Daily Maintenance Tasks tab)
• Check working areas for hazards and obstacles, which could affect he operation of the bulldozer

Personal Safety While Operating and Maintaining a Bulldozer


Dozer safety begins with awareness. At a minimum, the following precautions should be taken when working on or near a dozer:

• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from power-driven parts. Clothing worn by the operator should be relatively tight and belted.
• Perform proper pre-operational, start-up and shutdown procedures (refer to Start Up and Shut Down tab)
• Apply the 3-point rule for entering and exiting a dozer - face the machine and use handholds and steps
• Prevent slips and falls - keep hands, floors, and controls free from water, grease, and mud
• Keep the dozer in gear when negotiating steep hills or grades
• Operate at a safe distance from the edge of a ditch or excavation
• Shut down the engine while making adjustments or repairs unless the procedure specifically requires the engine to be running
• Be aware of the stability of the materials and surfaces you are working on - the outer edges of roadways and fresh 'fills' tend to give way under the weight of a machine
• Watch for overhead wires and buried utilities. Never touch wires with any part of the dozer
• Never allow anyone to work under a raised blade or other attachment
• Always lower blades or attachments to the ground when vehicle is shut down
• Be sure bystanders are clear of the dozer before lowering or moving the blade

Wear personal protective equipment - hard hat, highly visible vest, ear protection, steel-toed boots

You are responsible for performing you work safely and for protecting the public and your co-workers from injury. Read, understand and follow your employer's safety rules and procedures. In road construction or maintenance work, the jobsite may be close to pedestrians and/or vehicles. Be aware of the activity nearby and remember - whenever possible, use a spotter and a radio in crowded conditions.


Before beginning work in an unfamiliar location, walk the site and note the location of cliffs, steep banks, depressions or holes, utilities, stakes, survey markers, monuments or other obstacles.


When working in traffic, be sure you understand applicable hand signals, signs, and markers.


Above all, know your equipment! Learn your equipment's limitations and the purpose and use of all gauges and controls.