SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT Part 1 EXCAVATOR AUGER ATTACHMENT Personal Protective Equipment Foot Hearing High Visibility Head Eye Day Operations Normal Requirements: Safety footwear, hearing protection, high visibility shirt or vest, hard hat and eye/face protection (goggles) Ensure all PPE meets relevant Australian Standards. Inspect, and replace PPE as needed. Provide UV sun protection where required, (broad brimmed hat, UV rated clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, tinted safety glasses with adequate UV protection). Safety Notes This SWMS covers the use of an Auger when attached to an excavator. This SWMS must be used in conjunction with Safety Culture s Excavator SWMS. Main hazards: - Loss of attachment - Noise - Excavator roll-over - Ejected materials and flying debris Page 1 of 6
NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented. Task Breakdown Planning - fatality roll over of plant - electric shock - Hit by moving - Hit by ejected - Crushed by falling 4A Ensure equipment suitable for task (know the capabilities/limitations of excavator model, example: SWL and gradient of acceptable slopes). Inspect intended work area. Ensure: - ground surface is suitable - no steep slopes, unprotected drop offs, pits or trenches - work is not conducted in close proximity to underground utilities (dial before you dig) - work is not conducted in close proximity to electrical power lines - sufficient room to operate equipment - remove any debris or equipment (wire, shovels, etc) Ensure excavator, quick-hitch device (if used) and attachment are compatible and within required SWL. Pre-Operational Inspection - Crushing from falling 4A Inspect Auger attachment. Ensure: - Safety decals are attached and legible - Correct level of hydraulic oil for proper operation - Hydraulic oil is not contaminated or discoloured - No leaks - Hoses and fittings are free of damage - All fasteners are in good working order and tightened as required - Teeth are sharp and undamaged - Guards are in place and functional - No damage to unit or cracked welds. - Maintained as per manufacturer s instructions Page 2 of 6
Task Breakdown Pre-Operational Inspection continued - Crushing from falling 4A Inspect quick-hitch device (if applicable). Ensure: - Designed for use with attachment - Maintained and in good working order - Safety pins and locks available, in good working order - Marked with the following o Manufacturer s name, make, model and serial number o Quick hitch weight o Maximum rated capacity o Capacity of each lifting point If damage or faults detected, do not use. Follow tag-out/lockout procedures and report to supervisor immediately. Connecting Attachment - Manual Handling - Crushed by falling Attach per manufacturer s instructions. Example: - Ensure attachment is on a flat, level surface - With tool facing excavator, operate the excavator into proper position - Connect hydraulic hoses as required. Tighten bolts/cap to proper torque. - Ensure all locking pins are secured in place. - Check correct flow and pressure (as per manufacturer). - Remove non-essential persons from area - Operator to raise excavator arm slowly and test attachment is secured for use - Check for oil leaks. Operation - Noise - Crushed from falling Ensure no persons are working within 15m (or distance specified by manufacturer) during operation. Place barricades/signs. Work must cease is person enters designated work area. Operation must be single-person. Operator to remain in cabin, sitting on the excavator seat with hands and feet on controls at all times during shear operation. Attachment must only be used as specified by manufacturer. Page 3 of 6
Task Breakdown Operation (continued ) - Noise - Crushed from falling Follow manufacturers operation manual and site/task specific SWMS Ensure excavator in Neutral with park brake engaged. Align auger point to intended dig site. As auger penetrates, lower using hydraulic systems; do not let itself screw into the ground. Refer manufacturers instructions for recommended revs/rpm (do not exceed). If auger does not dig: - Disengage hydraulics, lift auger from hole (not more than 12 inches above ground) and inspect teeth for damage, blockage by grass etc. NEVER: - assist machine by hand when in operation - use tools (such as shovels) to help move dirt from around the hole during operation - use persons as counterweights, hang counterweights off assembly or rock auger from side to side - move excavator when auger in operation - walk under raised auger (unless blocked) - operate on steep ground (In hilly terrain, position excavator with post hole digger uphill) - position by hand or tools with excavator running Never leave excavator running. When completed, apply hand brake, lower the boom and turn off engine. No repairs or inspection with excavator running or boom lifted. Secure in position as specified by manufacturer for transport. Page 4 of 6
Task Breakdown On completion - Manual handling - Burns (hot fluid). Lower boom down so that auger is laying flat on ground. Follow manufacturer s instructions for detaching. Check whether hose pressure needs to be relived before detaching. Use caution, fluid is and hot. Clean unit and inspect for any damage, leaks or faults. Report as required. Use lifting equipment to transport unit for storage. Maintenance - Manual handling Follow manufacturer s instructions for maintenance schedule. Ensure all maintenance is performed by competent Persons. Keep log book of service and maintenance history. Emergency Procedures - fatality roll over of plant - electric shock - Hit by moving - Crushed by falling Develop and implement an emergency response plan for the site. Include - assembly points - communication - responsible persons - emergency contacts (including nearest medical facility) Page 5 of 6
RISK ASSESSMENT Risk Management Code of Practice 2007, AS/NZS 31000-2009 Risk Management Principles and guidelines Step 1 Determine Likelihood What is the possibility that the effect will occur? Step 2 Determine Consequence - What will be the expected effect? Criteria Description Level of Effect Example of each level Almost certain Likely Expected in most circumstances. Will probably occur in most circumstances. Effect is a common result Effect is known to have occurred at this site or it has happened Possible Might occur at some time Effect could occur at the site or I ve heard of it happening Unlikely Rare Almost certain Could occur at some time May occur only in exceptional circumstances Effect is not likely to occur at the site or I have not heard of it happening Effect is practically impossible. 3 High 3 High 4 Acute 4 Acute 4 Acute Likely 2 Medium 3 High 3 High 4 Acute 4 Acute Possible 1 Low 2 Medium 3 High 4 Acute 4 Acute Unlikely 1 Low 1 Low 2 Medium 3 High 4 Acute Rare 1 Low 1 Low 2 Medium 3 High 3 High Insignificant/Acceptable Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic No effect or so minor that effect is acceptable First aid treatment only; spillage contained at site. Medical treatment; spillage contained but with outside help. Extensive injuries; loss of production Death; toxic release of chemicals Step 3 Determine the risk score Step 4 Record risk score on worksheet (Note Risk scores have no absolute value and should only be used for comparison and to engender discussion.) CONSEQUENCE Score Action LIKELIHOOD Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic 4 ACT NOW Urgent - do something about the risks A: Acute immediately. Requires immediate attention. 3 H: High Highest management decision is required urgently. 2 M: Moderate Follow management instructions. 1 L: Low OK for now. Record and review regularly, and if any equipment/ people/ materials/ work processes or procedures change. Page 6 of 6