You do not always get to run your excavator on a smooth, straight, and consistent terrain. Sometimes, you find yourself dealing with hills, holes, steep edges, or dirt piles on construction sites. Operating an excavator (on any other machine) in that situation can be a different experience. But not to worry, you can get some helpful tips in this article.

Why Is Slope Important When Operating An Excavator?

The slope is crucial n excavation operations for two primary reasons: the center of gravity and lubrication. The center of gravity is not always constant; it shifts as the machine turns sideways. The risk of tipping is even higher for steeper slopes. You want to avoid the extreme dangers of tipping a machine as large as an excavator down a hill.

Lubrication also plays a vital role in an excavation operation—oil, fuel, and lubrication all shift as the excavator engine shifts and turns on a slope. The holding containers for lubrication differ across excavator models. The engine may struggle to use the liquids if the tilt is too much, leading to failure or damage.

But you can avoid these situations with these five things you should know when operating an excavator on a slope or incline.

1. Assess the physical features of the hill.

The integrity of a hill depends on many things, including loose rocks, mud, ice, melting snow, and even rain. Despite passing the 70% rule assessment, a large machine like an excavator may be at the risk of slipping or shifting under its weight when operated on unstable terrain. You can wait a few days for bad weather to clear out and only proceed to work when the conditions are better. Alternatively, if you are dealing with loose debris, you can clear the space to ensure safety.

2. Use the right excavator.

You must always use the right machine when working on a slope. Interestingly, there are different models and designs of excavators; all made for specific use. For example, it is best to use a long-reach excavator for slopes and angled digging. This ensures the stability of the main machine while the extra-long digging arm deals with the hill. You do not have to buy a long-reach excavator – they are available for short-term leases. You may also consider spider excavators if you want to get into odd spaces in very unusual terrains.

3. Always use the 70% rule.

Do not use an excavator on a slope of over 70%. The 70% slope grade is the same as a 35-degree angle. If you are unsure of the slope of a hill, you can consult the surveyor on your team or hire one for that purpose. The surveyor can use the hill’s top and bottom elevation to determine the rise of the hill. In some cases, the hill may be too steep for consideration. In that case, look for the site plans or measure the slope to ensure it is safe to work on the site.

4. Pay attention to equipment positioning

The front attachment of your machine must always be out and low to the ground when driving up a slope. That is the only way to maintain a low center of gravity. In the case of an excavator, the boom can help with balanced weight distribution. Balancing the weight of an excavator is easier when driving up a slope compared to sideways across it.

5. Only operate when you are comfortable.

Ultimately, you must be knowledgeable and experienced to use an excavator on a slope. Whenever you are uncertain or uncomfortable about operations, do not proceed. Instead, reassess the situation or seek experts’ advice before trying out something new. You are dealing with a 20-ton machine – that’s three elephants, a whale shark, and a loaded coach bus. Imagine what it would be like to have a whale shark falling on top of you. Disastrous, right? So, you must be careful to prevent an excavator from tipping over you.

Operating An Excavator Safely On A Slope

You cannot always avoid operating on slopes. That said, you must ensure due diligence and safety at all times. Assess the terrain you want to work on, use the right equipment, stick to the 70% rule, and pay attention to the positioning. With these, you can make your slope operations safe and smooth. Remember, you can always say no when you have even the slightest doubt. It is safety before anything else.

The heavy equipment fleet and the construction industry are inseparable. One depends on the other. The heavy equipment set is the only reason most construction tasks are possible today. When it comes to accessing construction equipment, it is either you buy outrightly or hire one. The latter is preferred because it helps to save cost, considering how scarcely the equipment is used.

Every machine, either rented or owned, is prone to malfunctions. The ownership title doesn’t affect the downtime. So, it is important to understand the common malfunctions your machines may be prone to and how you can prevent them. This is the simplest way to ensure your project keeps going.

Without wasting time, let’s get to it!

Use operators who are familiar with the equipment.

Most rental equipment malfunctions are due to machines being handled by inexperienced or untrained operators. Asides from the potential issues this may cause to the equipment, such individuals are at a high risk of on-the-job injuries and accidents.

Operators are required to have the right skills, training, and knowledge to use heavy machinery correctly and safely. While it can be difficult to commit resources to the training of operators for each new piece of equipment on the job site, the investment is worth it in the long run. It helps prevent malfunctions and accidents while preserving value and profit.

Bottom Line – Training machine operators is a proven way of guaranteeing safety and preventing machinery malfunctions.

Do a circle check on every delivery.

A circle check is compulsory for every piece of machinery delivered to your site. You can use a circle check form to document issues or problems (if any) before proceeding to use the machine. While a circle check can be time-consuming, it makes up for this by ensuring you do not miss out on any pre-delivery damage the machine may have. It also protects you from potential issues that may develop while using the machine.

Stick to the maintenance schedule of the rental company.

Rental equipment will most likely be subjected to scheduled maintenance, especially if the rental is for a long period. It is best to adhere to the letter of schedule to avoid breakdowns. While you may be expected to handle some easy tasks, the complicated aspects of the maintenance will most likely be done by the renter.

For instance, you may be able to do undercarriage maintenance, but send the piece of equipment over to the renter for a timing belt replacement or a full engine service. This can be compared to sticking to the maintenance schedule in your car’s owner’s manual. Your non-compliance may lead to you taking responsibility for the repair costs if a problem that regular maintenance could have prevented happens.

Observe weather reports and equipment tolerances.

As much as you want to meet your project deadlines, you should not put your construction crew as well as your machinery through the hassles of harsh weather. It is better to stop work when it starts to rain, snow, or the weather becomes extreme. Most construction equipment out there has varying temperature tolerances. If you do not adhere to those tolerance levels, it could lead to equipment failure and repairs, all of which would be your responsibility.

So, it is best to know and adhere to the weather and temperature tolerance of your equipment and use them only within those limits. Yes, you may be forced to work slightly behind schedule, but you can rest assured your equipment will be ready for work whenever you need it.

Do not ignore the warning signals.

“Idiot lights” as these signals are usually called are not as idiotic as the name suggests. Each of these lights is warning you about something whenever they show up on the dashboard of your equipment.

Every piece of equipment has a wide range of sensors designed to monitor everything, including oil pressure, electrical current, temperature, and others. Once they sense something unusual, they inform you immediately in the form of warning signals.

Ignoring these warnings will only lead to the failure of your equipment when you need it most, as well as outrageous repair costs and extended downtime. So, instead of ignoring these signals and signs, you should find out what they are warning you about and act on it.

You will most likely find instructions on how to approach such situations in your rental agreement. If you cannot find them, speak to the rental company about these developments.

Use equipment only for their intended purpose.

It is common to see site supervisors and/or operators push equipment to their limits. This can be a good thing – having trained and experienced operators get the best out of your equipment will improve its operational efficiency and lifespan.

However, it becomes a bad thing if this level of familiarity leads to improper equipment use. It is advisable to use the equipment in your fleet for only the purposes they are made for. Likewise, there is no justification whatsoever for using the machinery outside of working hours or for non-work purposes.

It doesn’t matter if you have insurance coverage for your equipment – they do not cover the misuse of a piece of equipment. Also, when you push your fleet of equipment to their limits or have them serve the wrong purposes, you are putting the renter (you) at the risk of liability if these reckless moves end up in damages.

So, when you protect the equipment, you are indirectly protecting yourself.

Storing your equipment correctly after use.

There is no way your equipment will work every day – it is not feasible even on construction sites that operate 24 hours a day. Storing your equipment properly when not in use will prevent equipment malfunction and failure.

There is no one way to do this: you may install tarps and equipment covers to protect your prized assets. Alternatively, you can ensure they are parked under a carport or under similar covers. You can also park them in garages or warehouses to protect the elements.

Irrespective of the protective measure you have chosen, adequate protection of your rental equipment from the elements can be a simple but effective means of preventing failures and malfunctions when they are used on the job site.

You remain responsible for rental equipment, despite being a renter.

Renters tend to think they are less responsible or not responsible for rental equipment. This is false. While renting equipment is more cost-effective than outright purchase, since you are not responsible for the purchase, insurance, or maintenance costs, you are still responsible for taking care of the machinery you have rented.

So, you must acquaint yourself with the possible risks and equipment malfunctions you may experience, and understand how to properly prevent them.

Technology has been entirely instrumental in various aspects of our everyday life. The construction world is not left out. Thanks to technological advancements, construction sites now enjoy better safety and improved efficiency. Communications are now much better and remote. Hence, employers and work crews can keep in touch and stay safe with little effort.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the construction equipment with the latest safety features and arrangements.

Why is safety important in construction sites?

Workers in the construction sector are one of the most exposed. According to statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, about 1/5 of workplace fatalities are attributed to construction accidents annually, with 60% of these resulting from falls, electrocution, and getting stricken and caught by objects.

Breaking the figures down, 5.1% of death was due to construction workers and crew members getting compressed by objects or getting caught between them. The casualty figure rose to 8.2% in cases of getting hit by objects flying through the air or from falling from a height. 7.3% of deaths are attributed to electrocution-related injuries.

Reports have indicated that injuries and deaths on construction sites are mostly due to violations of safety regulations across different sectors. These include:

• Failure to use safety ladders according to OSHA regulations.
• Failure to set up safe and stable scaffolding, according to OSHA standards, to prevent the fall of objects and people.
• Failure of employers to protect workers from falls.
• Inadequate training of employers for fall protection and hazardous energy control.
• Absence of proper respiratory and eye protection gears or failure to wear them properly.
• Inadequate guarding of machinery and industrial trucks, among others.

Safety should be a top cause for concern in any construction site. Before now, technologies have been relatively powerless in solving fatigue issues, risky work positions, and equipment-related problems. Fortunately, most of the new technological innovations are safety-centered. They quickly and consistently track not only the productivity but also the safety of construction workers.

Technology vs. Construction

Contrary to popular opinion, most of the activities on construction sites are still handled by heavy mechanical equipment sets. Despite being older, some of the foundational ideas of these machinery types have become mainstream and infused in most of the equipment we used today. In addition to these, other innovations currently in the pipeline. They are expected to be available for use as soon as testing is complete.

Jobsite safety problems are top concerns for manufacturing companies. This is why newer inventions have focused on the protection of operators and other jobsite workers. Despite being relatively more significant investments, the worthy returns are evident in the reduction in the number of injuries, improved productivity, and lesser accident-related downtimes.

Construction Safety Technology

The integration of technology into construction sites has been long considered as a viable method to improve safety. This encompasses the introduction of tracked equipment, wearable technology, and drones, among others. While all of these safety features may appear attractive and ideal for your jobsite, it is essential to work with the findings of your site’s safety evaluation. This will ensure that you invest wisely by going for only techs that meet or contribute to your specific safety needs.

With that said, below are some of these techs, described extensively:

Drones

One of the most significant advantages of a camera-equipped drone is that it helps to monitor the jobsite remotely. From ensuring safety protocols to assessing progress at different angles, drones come handy in almost all construction sites. Drones are also used to move light tools and equipment, although only heavy-duty drones with extra lift can do this. This will come really handy in very extensive or multi-story jobsites, where it offers more efficiency than a human.

With camera-fitted drones, workers can check tight angles, which may be inaccessible with ordinary eyes. For instance, bridge inspection and pre-demolition assessment are two assignments machines like drones will handle better than humans, without taking unnecessary health risks.

Perhaps, the best part of this tech is its accessibility. Drones are readily available in electronic stores around you, and available in various models.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Construction sites are quick to turn new operators over to heavy and complex machinery. A better and more efficient alternative to this will be the integration of augmented reality or virtual reality into the training program. By throwing virtual reality into the mix, the user will learn how to interact and communicate with a complete computer-based system, to understand the safety and operational protocols.

As an advancement, augmented reality introduces a computerized overlay that serves as a bigger and clearer window to monitor and understand the interactions in the immediate environment. Augmented reality training programs are designed to allow operators to control the machine based on the response from different virtual situations built around real-life situations while just sitting at the controls. Every operator that undergoes an augmented reality training, including the licensed ones, can use heavy equipment to execute actions risking the safety of others.

Augmented reality is pivotal to the detection of hazards in a jobsite. For instance, there are special AR helmets that notify wearers of a potentially hazardous situation. Such systems also sieve through tons of information to provide workers precisely with what they need to stay safe and maximize productivity.

Smart Clothing

What prevents the body from getting in contact with the hazards of a construction site is the PPE – Personal Protective Equipment. Technology has found its way into the protective outfits of jobsite workers. For instance, there are now hardhats with inbuilt carbon monoxide detectors, which informs a worker of the presence of this dangerous gas in the atmosphere.

Other forms of smart clothing are closely linked to a robust information grid. One of these is a geofence – a virtual barrier made from electricity. It works by informing supervisors or sound alarms of a worker trespassing on a prohibited area. There are also special garments that assess the physical signs of a jobsite worker wearing them, including skin temperature, heart rate, and breathing.

They send an alert to the supervisors once they sense an elevation in the measurements, usually due to illnesses that require quick medical attention or a break (to relieve fatigue).

Mobile Reporting

Supervisors can now easily track employees’ locations and activities, thanks to GPS-equipped mobile devices. These devices also come handy in recording safety violation instances or issues on the jobsite for future references. Therefore, it is easier to identify, trace, and resolve jobsite problems while preventing future occurrences.

Another perk of mobile reporting is that it is instant and anonymous. The reporter does not have to wait until post-working hours to file a report or worry about getting snitched on, especially for shy workers. With problems identified and accurately reported, it is easier to transition into safety technology integration.

However, mobile reporting will only work where there is a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. Without one of these, it will be impossible to do real-time employee monitoring or make or receive reports. In situations like these, the next best option will be the monitoring of local sensors.

Site Monitoring

The health and safety of jobsite workers also depend on the environmental conditions on such sites. This is why a robust site monitoring system must be in place, i.e., the strategic distribution of sensors that can keep track of temperature, noise, chemical levels, and dust. With these in place, it is easier to notify the worker of impending dangers or identify unsafe operational conditions that may necessitate mitigation or evacuation, such as exposure to higher chemical exposure levels.

Trust Caterpillar® Tech to keep your jobsite safety!

The Caterpillar® brand is one of the biggest jobsite safety advocates in the industry. It has continuously integrated safety-centered technology into its vehicles, which will not only guarantee the safety of the operators but also other jobsite workers. Caterpillar® safety tech comprises devices worn by workers as well as those installed on machines. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Remote-Controlled Equipment

The idea here is similar to what is obtainable in drones, although on a larger scale. Cat remote control feature of cat connect allows an operator to control heavy equipment remotely. This comes handy in hazardous conditions that may put the operators at risk.

This tech offers two options – one of which must be integrated into a new machine. It is best to order new Cat equipment with the Cat Command remote operation hardware fitted from the factory.

The first of the options is the Line-of-sight, which allows the operator to control the vehicle from a distance not too far from it, using the portable controller. This option works without a high-speed or fast data connection on site. All the operator has to do is be within sight of the vehicle. It is a short-term, emergency remote control solution.

The second is the Remote Location option, which requires a high-speed and consistent data connection, as well as a centralized control station. With these, the operators can control the vehicles from the command center, which does not have to be within sight of the equipment. This system will only work flawlessly with a stable, high-speed wireless data connection. Delay in the execution of the operator’s controls can lead to serious problems.

Cat Connect

The Cat Connect tech is targeted at boosting the productivity and safety of Cat heavy equipment. Infused with both software and hardware components, this tech works hand-in-hand with existing machinery to keep workers safe while on the line of duty. This ultimately reduces injury and fatality rates, as well as downtime significantly.

Worker Detection Systems

Also known as the Cat Detect, this system helps to keep track of the location of jobsite workers. It runs on the RFID – Radio Frequency Identification technology. Hence, it provides only accurate and dependable readings. This means that the driver is always aware of the position of others relative to his when operating a vehicle. This awareness helps to reduce jobsite accidents significantly.

The early stages of the Cat Detect system include small RFID sensors infused into the reflective vests and hard hats of workers. These sensors are washable and work without power. The difference between the active RFID and these smaller sensors is that the latter do not emit radio waves.

There is a corresponding detector sensor on the vehicle. It attempts to locate any nearby sensors by sending out radio waves, including those on workers that are not active or on break, provided they are on site. On detecting a sensor, the detector sends a visual and audio feed to the driver via the in-cab display.

Built-in Operator Monitoring

Construction sites are not immune to fatigue and driver distractions. Unlike cars that have no inbuilt preventive measures, Cat vehicles come with factory fitted operator monitoring systems designed to prevent reckless driving.

The cabs have individual sensors that monitor the eye and head movement of drivers. These sensors identify distractions by checking variances in movements. The process is sunglass-proof and works even in the dark. Once the system detects a variation, it activates an in-car alarm, and the driver’s seat vibrates. This alerts the distracted driver and most likely bring them back to reality. The Caterpillar Safety Advisor keeps track of this and logs it for an onward report to the supervisor.

There is also an in-cab sensor that monitors the fatigue levels of the driver. It does this by tracking the nodding or eye closing frequency of the driver. If either or both appears too long, the seat vibrates, and the alarm sounds. These will restore the attention of the driver. However, instead of logging the incident, the Caterpillar Safety Advisor informs the supervisor immediately. Fatigue means the driver is tired. Hence, it is only logical that they relieved of their roles and allowed to rest.

Cat driver safety systems are flexible – they work with almost all heavy equipment on the site, including new and old models. So, if you are looking to make an existing fleet of machinery safer, they come handy.

Wearables for detecting fatigue

These sensors are designed for fishing out workers that try to fight or hide fatigue. The human body is designed to ask for rests at intervals, without which it gets less efficient. Every construction worker on-site needs to be alert. Tiredness deprives workers of alertness, putting them at risk of injuries and counter-productivity.

The Caterpillar Smartband is a wearable tech that keeps track of the fatigue level of workers. It does this by retrieving information about the circadian rhythms and the sleep patterns of the user. It processes the data to predict and detect fatigue. The hardware is backed by a bio-mathematical science-based software that predicts whether a worker will get tired or sleepy on the job, even before they resume. This is relayed in the form of a numerical value – the fatigue score.

Every worker clocks a fatigue score when they arrive on site. The fatigue score is generated from their recent sleep patterns retrieved from their Smartband. The combination of this score and the ratings of other users is converted into a report. Supervisors rely on the reports from all the workers to choose a worker that is refreshed enough to handle a task safely. It also offers insights on which workers to excuse from the jobsite for sufficient rest.

A fatigue score of below 70 will return a fatigue pattern similar to that of a drunk driver. This means that a tired driver is as dangerous as a drunk driver. Thanks to the Smartband technology, such situations can be identified and prevented beforehand. Mistakes and errors are the leading causes of underproductivity, and they are primarily due to fatigue. So, with fatigue and fatigued workers out of the way, downtime is significantly reduced, and productivity increased.

Safe Construction Equipment from CAT

The flexibility of CAT safe construction equipment makes them compatible with almost all construction equipment. You can get in touch with us to know more about how you can integrate these into your existing fleet or ask to have them included in your new fleet. This will be a bold step in the right direction of reducing risks and maximizing safety.

 

If not immediately extinguished, there is no limit to the havoc a fire in construction equipment can cause. This KEP Services expert guide on fire will discuss the causes of a fire, preventing it, and the right steps in the case of emergencies.

What are the repeating causes of machine fire outbreaks?

There are three leading recurring causes

• Source of the spark causing the triggers
• The oil in the engine
• The engine heating the oil

Construction machines and engine oils are inseparable, especially when hydraulic cylinders are present. The engines eventually overheat due to continuous use, perhaps in the quarry or on construction sites. This subsequently heats the oil to a very high temperature. If the hydraulic hose fails, it may lead to a fire outbreak.

Most fires are due to internal complications, for instance, a spark triggered by a bare electrical wire or a short circuit. If the engine-heated oil comes in contact with a bare electrical wire or a short circuit, it will trigger a large fire. Also, there are a few cases of complications originating from external sources.

Another set of fire victims are dumpers.

How can you prevent fires?

Here are some proven fire prevention tips;

• Always have functional fire extinguishers close to you. The fire brigade must be your first port of a call in the case of a fire, even when it seems you can control it.
• Train and educate your machine operator on how to prevent and handle fire situations. An operator must leave the cab immediately once they sense or see a potential fire outbreak.
• Industrial and construction materials are best stored in an enclosed space, and far away from flammable sources.
• Proper storage of battery boxes is important. They are best kept where they cannot come into contact with the terminals.
• Remove flammable trash from construction equipment. Green waste, fuel tanks, and grease tanks accumulate waste after continuous use.
• Your engine oil level control cloths must never be in your diesel engine compartment.
• Your machine must be well-maintained and regularly inspected, so that you can detect faulty or poorly connected electrical circuits.

The driver’s cab is most susceptible to fire

A driver cab must be very observant. He will most likely be the first to detect a sign or smell of a fire, considering his exposure to flames. Hence, you must warn and train your teams on the dangers that come with using public works machinery.

It is common for machines intended for deconstruction to remove spare parts being gutted. In most of these cases, the cabin was completely razed. If your machine falls into this category, reach out to us to get a cabin that complies with the necessary regulations.

Fire Protection System for Machines

We have seen manufacturers include a special fire protection system in their most recent models. This protects the machine and the driver in the case of a fire outbreak. These systems are usually similar to the one in rally cars – a pressure sprinkler system linked to a fire extinguisher tank. The other option is to add a piece of fire-fighting equipment procurable from specialized companies.

Let us take a look at Caterpillar as a case study for fire machine protection. The company included a fire safety device on the 777G dumper and bull D10T2. This device can detect and smother the fire. It works by triggering a fire extinguishing system, which in turn cools the overheated parts and smothers the fuel to cut down on oxygen supply.

We can also have a system that replaces the hydraulic oil from base oil with a water-soap mix that works by limiting firing when there is a contact with burning foundry residues. This is seen in a few applications, including steel mills.