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Raising The Bar Guidance - 180° Excavator/Backhoe Equipment Requirements

16 March 2024
Raising The Bar - 1.01 - 180° Excavator/Loader

Raising The Bar Guidance - 180° Excavator/Backhoe Equipment Requirements

The 180° Excavator / Backhoe is a crucial piece of equipment for construction and excavation work, commonly used on National Highways sites for various tasks such as digging, lifting, and material handling. The following outlines the key specifications, safety protocols, and operational requirements as stipulated in the National Highways Raising the Bar 1 Plant and Equipment guidance document.

General Minimum Requirements

The 180° Excavator / Backhoe must adhere to the General Minimum Requirements (GMR) for safe operation. This includes inspection protocols, legal compliance, and visibility standards to ensure the machine is fit for use in any operational environment. These general requirements are mandatory across all equipment types, with specific conditions adapted to the 180° Excavator's functions.

Plant Specifications

  • Road Compliance: For on-road use, the excavator must be insured, registered, and compliant with the UK's Construction and Use (C&U) regulations. This includes displaying working lights, indicators, and registration plates on the front and rear of the machine.
  • Safety Lighting: A flashing amber beacon must be installed for visibility, with an external green light indicating seat belt usage (site-only usage for green light due to road regulations).
  • 360° Visibility: To prevent blind spots, the excavator should have 360° visibility using mirrors or camera systems, enabling a clear view of 1-meter-high objects within 1 meter of the machine.
  • Reversing Alarm: A functional and audible reversing alarm is mandatory for safety around the machine.
  • Structural Protection: The machine must have a Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) and, when necessary, a Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS).
  • Additional Equipment Controls:
    • Use axle locks for wheeled duties, and deploy stabilizers as needed for additional stability.
    • Quick hitch attachments must be fully automatic with in-cab alarms for safety during attachment changes.
    • Height restrictors must be installed if the machine operates near overhead hazards like power lines.

Lifting Requirements

While the excavator is not primarily a lifting machine, certain protocols are required if lifting operations are anticipated:

  • Certified Lifting Points: Each lifting point must have a Safe Working Load (SWL) clearly marked.
  • Audible/Visual Overload System: An alarm system must be installed to alert the operator in case of an overload.
  • Risk Assessment and Lift Plan: For any lifting, a machine-specific lift plan and risk assessment are essential.
  • Regular Examinations: Accessories for lifting must undergo a six-monthly examination, and certified lifting points must be inspected to ensure compliance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).

Operator Requirements

Operators of the 180° Excavator must meet competency standards and be briefed on all safety protocols.

  • Licensing: Operators must hold a valid Category B driving license for any on-road usage.
  • Quick Hitch Safety Training: Operators should be trained in quick hitch attachments, including daily inspection sign-offs.
  • Lifting Training: If lifting is required, operators must have specific training to handle the excavator's crane functionality and attachments.
  • Ground Permit: Operators must have a permit for ground-breaking activities and be briefed on ground conditions and safety measures.

Desirable Features

For enhanced safety and operational efficiency, the following features are recommended:

  • Camera System: A 360° camera system to provide visibility in all directions and detect pedestrian proximity within a 5-meter radius.
  • Exclusion Zone: A defined people exclusion zone around the excavator.
  • Slew Restrictors and Emission Compliance: Emission standards compliant with EU Stage V and slew restrictors for operation in confined spaces.

Hazards and Risk Management

Significant hazards associated with the 180° Excavator include overturning, underground service interference, and inadvertent contact with controls. The machine's structural stability and proximity to power lines or other high-risk areas must be constantly monitored.

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