A safety training program for spotters should include hazard identification and risk mitigation procedures to ensure they can effectively perform their task. Spotters are often used when operators have blind spots or when operating near power lines.

Key components of a spotter training program should include:

• Understanding blind areas and the importance of avoiding the need to back up.
• Performing walk-around inspections to identify potential hazards.
• Maintaining continuous communication with equipment operators, especially when operating near power lines.
• Using visual aids to gauge clearance distances, such as painted lines, stanchions, or landmarks.
• Understanding and adhering to applicable safety requirements, such as those in 1926.1408.
• Implementing internal traffic control plans to keep workers out of traffic zones.
• Knowing the procedures to follow in the event of electrical contact with a power line.

[4] [1] [5] Specific training elements for spotters working around cranes and derricks include:

• Reviewing the location of power lines and steps to prevent encroachment/electrocution in a planning meeting.
• Understanding hazards associated with their tasks.
• Understanding the requirements of §1926.1408(g), 1926.1409, and 1926.1410(m) regarding power line safety.
• Knowing the safest means for evacuating equipment that has been energized from contact with a power line.
• Describing how contact with power lines is being prevented on the worksite.
• Describing the hazards that most affect crew members around the equipment or those who handle the load in the event the equipment contacts a power line.

[2] [3] [3] Risk mitigation procedures for spotters include:

• Using hand-free radios to communicate with operators.
• Positioning themselves between truck traffic and the paver to maintain a complete view and control of truck movement.
• Organizing truck arrival times to minimize backing and avoid bottlenecks.
• Staying away from the paving train and notifying the spotter before obtaining samples, if acting as an inspector.
• Ensuring tag lines are nonconductive.
• Erecting and maintaining warning lines with high-visibility markings at the required distance from power lines.
• Using proximity alarms to provide warnings.
• Using devices that automatically warn the operator or limit the range of movement.

[5] [7] [4] [6]