1. Alabama Home Builders Self Insurers Fund
Skid Steer Operator Training Program
Presented by the AHBSIF Loss Control Department

2. Course Outline Introduction General Safety Precautions
Safe Operating Procedures
Emergency Situations
Driving Test

3. I. Introduction

4. Introduction
This presentation will provide participants with the following:
General description
General safety precautions
Safe operating procedures
Emergency Situations

5. Components of a Skid Steer
Warning Lights
Roll Over Protection System (ROPS)
Lift Arm
Safe Entry Aids, Grab Rail and Non-Slip Step
Hydraulic Block
Bucket Attachment
All-Wheel Steer

6. Common Safety Devices Roll Over Protection System
Overhead Protection
Seatbelt
Protective cage
Pedestrian Warning Devices
Lights
Horn
Operator’s Manual

7. Attachments

8. II. General Safety Precautions

9. Signage Alerts operators to special messages regarding: Operation
Maintenance
Safety Precautions

11. Recognition of emphasized messages:
NOTE
This message is used when special information, instructions, or identification is required relating to procedures, equipment, tools, pressures, capacities, and other special data.
IMPORTANT
This message is used when special precautions should be taken to ensure a correct action or to avoid damage to, or malfunction of, the truck or a component.
CAUTION
This message is for proper precautions which, if not followed, can result in personal injury.
WARNING
This message is used when a hazard exists which can result in injury or death if proper precautions are not taken.
DANGER
This message is used when an extreme hazard exists which will result in death or serious injury if proper precautions are not taken immediately.

12. Benefits of Operator Training
It improves safety for the operator and others
It Improves morale
Increased employee responsibility
The operator learns how to perform a pre-shift inspection
Reduce down time
Increase productivity
Reduce maintenance costs
Improve safety
The equipment is better cared for
Employees understand the value of the equipment and how to use it efficiently
Operator training and progress is documented
OSHA requirements are fulfilled

13. Operate only if qualified
Do not operate unless you have been trained to do so and are familiar with the operator's manual
Familiarize yourself with the job site and your surroundings before operating.
Try all controls and machine functions with the machine in an open area before starting to work.
Know and observe all jobsite specific safety rules

14. Protective Equipment Safety Glasses and Face Shield Proper Attire
Guard against injury from flying pieces of metal or debris; wear face shield or safety glasses.
Proper Attire
Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate to the job.
Ear Plugs and/or Muffs
Wear suitable hearing protection to protect against loud or prolonged noises.

15. Machine Modifications
Always contact an authorized dealer before making machine modifications
Changes can effect the following:
Intended use of skid steer
Weight or balance of the machine
Can alter machine controls, performance or reliability

16. Pre-shift Inspection
Inspect machine carefully each day by walking around it before starting.
Keep all guards and shields in good condition and properly installed.
Fix damage and replace worn or broken parts immediately.
Pay special attention to hydraulic hoses and electrical wiring.

17. Stay Clear of Moving Parts
Entanglements in moving parts can cause serious injury.
Maintenance procedures require the following
Engine off
Controls in neutral
Parking brake set
Park on level surface, wheel chocks if needed
Hydraulics blocked
If any guard or shield has been removed for access, replace when complete.

18. Potential Hazard Exposures
High Pressure Oils
Most machines use a high-pressure hydraulic system. Escaping oil under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury.
Hydraulic oil that penetrates the skin must be treated immediately.
Use the “cardboard test” to locate potential hydraulic fluid leaks.

19. Potential Hazard Exposures
Exhaust Fumes
Engine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death.
If you must operate in a building provide adequate ventilation.
Use an exhaust pipe extension to remove the exhaust fumes.
Open doors and windows to bring outside air into the area.

20. Potential Hazard Exposures
Battery Explosions
Battery gas can explode. Keep sparks, flames, and other ignition sources away from the top of the battery.
Never check battery charge by placing a metal object across the posts, use a voltmeter.
Never charge a frozen battery; it may explode. Warm battery to 16°C (60°F).

21. Potential Hazard Exposures
Fire Prevention
Handle Fuel Safely: Store flammable fluids away from fire hazards. Never refuel machine while smoking or when near sparks or flame.
Clean Machine Regularly: Keep trash, debris, grease and oil from accumulating in engine compartment, around fuel lines, hydraulic lines and electrical wiring. Never store oily rags or flammable materials inside a machine compartment.
Maintain Hoses and Wiring: Replace hydraulic hoses immediately if they begin to leak, and clean up any oil spills. Examine electrical wiring and connectors frequently for damage.

22. Ordinary Combustibles
Extinguishers
Ordinary Combustibles
Includes materials such as wood and paper
Flammable Liquids
Includes fuels, grease, other liquids
Electrical Fires
Contains non-conductive smothering agent

23. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
P-A-S-S
Pull -- Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being activated
Aim -- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze -- Maintain a distance of eight to ten feet away from the fire and squeeze the handle. Discharge will only occur if the handle is being squeezed.
Sweep -- Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire until it appears to be out.

24. Potential Hazard Exposures
Chemical Hazard Communication
Exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause serious injury.
Lubricants, coolants, paints and adhesives used with this machine may be hazardous.
If uncertain about safe handling or use of these chemical products, contact your authorized dealer for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

25. Waste Disposal
Fuel, oils, coolants, filters and batteries used with the machine may be harmful to the environment.
Never pour waste onto the ground, down a drain, or into any water source.
Material must be disposed of in accordance with the rules and regulations of federal and state agencies.
ADEM (Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management)
Office of General Council; (334) (

26. Potential Spill Exposures
Fuel dispensing areas
Maintenance areas
Equipment Failure
Improper Storage vessels
Drums
Buckets
Unapproved containers

27. III. Safe Operating Procedures

28. General Safety Procedures
Face the machine when getting on and off, maintain 3-point contact at all times.
Never use machine controls as handholds.
Use extra care in poor weather conditions.
Keep steps clean and free of grease or oil.

29. General Safety Procedures
Never jump when exiting machine or exit while the machine is moving.
Start the engine only while sitting in operator's seat.
Always wear your safety belt.
The complete seat belt assembly should be replaced every three years, regardless of appearance.

30. General Safety Procedures
Be careful not to accidentally actuate controls when co-workers are present.
Lower all equipment to the ground during work interruptions. Engage park brake before allowing anyone to approach the machine.
Follow these same precautions before standing up, leaving the operator's seat, or exiting the machine.

31. Potential Site Hazards
Buried utilities, i.e. water, cable, electrical
Adjacent structures or objects that could fall onto the machine.
Poor housekeeping, excessive debris.
Overhead power lines.

32. Potential Site Hazards
Awareness of bystanders and fellow workers.
Use barricades or a signal person to keep vehicles and pedestrians away.
Travel path conditions.
Steep terrain
Soft soil
Loose gravel
Rutting
Uneven transitions

33. Operator Fundamentals
Keep Riders Off the Machine
Only allow operator on machine.
Riders are subject to injury. They may fall from machine, be caught between machine parts, or struck by foreign objects.
Riders may obstruct operator's view or impair his ability to operate machine safely.

34. Operator Fundamentals
Avoid Back-over Accidents
Before moving machine, be sure all persons or vehicles are clear of machine path.
Be certain reverse warning alarm is working properly.
Use a signal person when backing if view is obstructed or when in close quarters.

35. Operator Fundamentals
Avoid Machine Tip Over
Use seat belt at all times.
Never jump from a tipping machine. You will be unlikely to jump clear and the machine may crush you.
Load and unload from trucks or trailers carefully. Be sure truck is wide enough and on a firm level surface. Use loading ramps and attach them properly to truck bed.

36. Operator Fundamentals
Avoid Machine Tip Over
Use caution on slopes and avoid sharp turns.
Balance loads so weight is evenly distributed and load is stable.
Carry tools and loads close to the ground to aid visibility and lower center of gravity.
Avoid overloading, know your machines capacity.

37. Operator Fundamentals
Operating or Traveling On Public Roads
For work near vehicle traffic you must have proper lighting and markings to assure visibility.
Additional lights, beacons, slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems, or other devices may require installation.
Check state and local regulations to assure compliance. Keep these devices clean and in working condition.

38. Operator Fundamentals
Attachment Hook-Up and Operation
Attachments must be compatible.
Installation must handled by a competent person.
Verify that all connections are secure and attachment responds properly to controls.
Carefully read attachment manual and follow all instructions and warnings.
Test the attachment in an open area to insure proper operation.

39. Refueling Gasoline and Diesel
The difference between these two fuels is their ignition temperatures.
Gasoline
Extremely flammable
Colorless
Distinctive odor
Diesel
Has higher ignition point than gas
Slight odor, harder to detect than gas

40. Refueling
Most skid steer filler caps are equipped with a venting device and a fuel screen.
The screen serves as a fire retardant device by keeping fire out of the fuel tank.
Check when refueling to make sure the screen is in place.

41. Refueling Safe refueling checklist:
Refuel in designated areas with good ventilation
Smoking and open flames are prohibited
Shut off the skid steer, lower the attachment, controls in neutral, and set the parking brake before beginning
Don’t overfill the tank
Clean up any spills
Use only clean, properly marked fuel cans

42. Batteries
A lead-acid battery is a portable power source for supplying direct current electricity.
The most common voltages include 12, 24, 36, and 48 volts.
Discharging a battery below 80% of its total capacity can result in shortened battery and truck component life.

43. Battery Hazards
Sulfuric Acid – Small amounts can cause severe contact burns to the skin.
Gasses – Batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen mixture continuously. Keep all ignition sources away.
Electricity – Batteries are capable of producing very high discharge rates. Avoid direct shorting situations.
Battery Weight – Use care when handling, charging, and using batteries in the truck.

44. IV. Emergency Situations

45. Are you prepared?
Does the facility/jobsite have an evacuation procedure?
Are emergency contact numbers readily available?
Do any of your employees/co-workers have CPR or First Aid training?
Does the facility/jobsite have a first aid kit?

46. Handling an Emergency
The three C’s, Check, Call, Care help us remember what to do in an emergency situation.
Check – check the area for your own safety first, then the victim's
Call – for help, 911 or whom ever is in the immediate area that can provide assistance
Care - administer care to the victim, this may be first aid or at least stabilization

47. Pre-operation Inspection Familiarization with operating controls
V. Driving Test
Pre-operation Inspection
Familiarization with operating controls
Driver’s Test