Spotters Spotters Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Spotters I'm sure everyone here is aware of the dangers of blind backing. Not only is there the possibility of injuring someone, but of causing property damage. Today we're going to review safety measures necessary to avoid such accidents. SPOTTERS -AN IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT The first requirement for safe backing is to have a spotter, someone to direct the driver. A spotter is necessary when the driver or operator does not have a full view of the backing path. This holds true for any vehicle or piece of equipment, whether it's a rough terrain forklift, a rack truck or a bucket truck. This is the important rule for drivers and operators: "Don't back up unless you have a spotter directing your movement." It's an easy rule to remember. The important thing is to obey it. THE SPOTTER'S RESPONSIBILITIES Let's talk about the spotter. This person has to watch out for others as well as for himself, and make sure the vehicle doesn't damage property. This may appear easy. It seems that all the spotter has to do is to direct a vehicle to back up when the path is clear of persons and objects. But there are dangers involved. Sometimes when you're a spotter, you may have to pass behind a vehicle. If so, stop the vehicle first. As you're passing behind it, extend your hand at arm's length and place it against the back of the vehicle. Then if the vehicle starts to move because the driver's foot slips off the brake or clutch pedal, you’ll be able to feel the movement and get out of the way. When directing the driver, stand at the rear but well to the driver's side of the vehicle. This gives you an unobstructed view of the entire backing path. And the driver can see you clearly. It's important that the driver understands your signals. So get together with the driver before any backing and explain the signals you will use. In this way you can be reasonably sure there will be no misunderstanding. Always be sure to use the same signals for the same moves. Hand signals are much better than vocal signals. Because of noise, a shouted signal may not be heard or may be misunderstood. BE SURE YOU'RE SEEN Always be sure that you can be seen. In addition to standing well to the driver's side of the vehicle, wear a fluorescent vest. At night, don't blind the driver by shining your flashlight in the rearview mirror. Avoid walking backwards. Be sure that the driver knows that if he ever loses sight of the spotter, the vehicle must be stopped until he sees the spotter again. Most of the vehicle related fatalities associated with roadside work come from vehicles within the worksite running over workers while backing. SPOTTERS AND DRIVERS WORK TOGETHER Togetherness was never as important as when it comes to spotters and drivers of heavy equipment. Working as a team, they not only protect property but the lives of their fellow workers as well. Additional Comments Foreman Name * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) reCAPTCHA Submit Δ
