10 Mobile Plant Safety Tips - Minimise the Risk of Injury

When working around mobile plant, there are a number of dangers that can pose a risk to your safety. It is important to identify and recognise the risks involved so you can put measures in place to minimise the risk of injury.

Here are the top ten dangers to be aware of:

1. Moving parts: Many mobile plant devices have moving parts that can cause injury if you come into contact with them. Be sure to stay well clear of these areas when working around the equipment.
2. Falling objects: Equipment such as buckets or tools can fall from height and injure bystanders or workers below. Always be aware of what is being lifted and take care when positioning yourself around mobile plant.
3. Burns: Mobile plant can generate a great deal of heat, which can easily cause burns if you are not careful. Make sure you keep a safe distance from any hot surfaces and always wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
4. Electric shocks: High voltage equipment can be extremely dangerous and can cause severe electric shocks if touched inappropriately. Be sure to read all safety information thoroughly before working with any electrical equipment.
5. Toxic fumes: Many mobile plant devices produce harmful fumes, which can be dangerous if inhaled. Always make sure you are wearing the correct respiratory protection before working with any machinery that emits fumes.
6. Noise: Loud noises can cause permanent hearing damage if exposure is sustained over a period of time. Make sure you wear earplugs or other forms of hearing protection when working around noisy machinery.
7. Entrapment: Mobile plant can easily trap and crush people if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Always be aware of your surroundings when working near moving equipment, and never enter an area where it is unsafe to do so.
8. Slips, trips and falls: Uneven surfaces or wet floors can easily lead to slips, trips and falls, which can result in serious injury. Make sure you are aware of potential hazards in the work area and take precautions to avoid them wherever possible.
9. Vehicle accidents: Mobile plant can be involved in accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians, which can cause serious injury or even death. Always take care when working around mobile plant and be aware of the potential hazards.
10. Fires: Mobile plant can easily catch fire if not used correctly, so it is important to be aware of the fire hazards associated with your equipment. Ensure you know how to operate the machinery safely and where the fire extinguisher is located.

Mobile plant can pose a number of hazards to workers, which is why it's so important to have a comprehensive safety management system in place.

Our content library contains a range of documents that can help you identify and control mobile plant risks. By using these resources, you can help to ensure that your workplace is safe for everyone.

Check out our collection of mobile plant SWMS, SOPS and Checklists.:

• Mobile Plant SWMS Templates
• Powered Mobile Plant SOP's
• Plant Hazard Checklist
• Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) - Powered Mobile Plant

Author - Craig Cruickshank is the HSEQ Advisor and Senior Technical Writer at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture

Available for instant download and supplied in fully editable MS Word format for use in your business.

Please note that the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.