Safe Work Procedure: Hauling Dirt with Rock Trucks and Berm Topdressing

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work procedure (SWP) outlines the steps and safety precautions for hauling dirt with rock trucks through an active construction site at an existing and active wastewater treatment plant, crossing over an active CP rail line, and driving out to a large irrigation pond. The dirt will be dumped on top of the pond berm to topdress and increase the height of the berm. The berm is currently 60ft high, and dirt will be spread and placed with a bulldozer and roller-packer. The pond is roughly 1/3 full of water.

This procedure applies to all workers involved in the hauling and placement of dirt, including truck drivers, equipment operators, signallers, and supervisors. It covers all activities from loading the dirt to final placement and compaction on the berm.

Related procedures include: Traffic Control Plan, Confined Space Entry Procedure (if applicable), Heavy Equipment Operation Procedures, and Emergency Response Plan.

2. Definitions

Berm: An engineered mound or barrier of soil or other material.

Haul Road: A temporary road constructed for the purpose of transporting materials [1].

Signaller: A worker designated to direct traffic or equipment movement [2].

Competent Person: A person who is adequately qualified, suitably trained, and with sufficient experience to safely perform the specific task [2].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks.
• Conduct pre-job briefings to review the SWP and identify potential hazards.
• Ensure that all equipment is in good working order and properly maintained [3].
• Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with this SWP and other relevant safety procedures.
• Take corrective action to address any unsafe conditions or practices.

3.2 Workers

• Follow all instructions and procedures outlined in this SWP.
• Participate in pre-job briefings and ask questions if unsure about any aspect of the work.
• Inspect equipment before use and report any defects to the supervisor.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Report any hazards, near misses, or incidents to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
• Conduct regular site inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide guidance and support to workers and supervisors on health and safety matters.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Vehicle collisions	Injury or death	Implement a traffic management plan, use signallers, maintain safe speeds, ensure good visibility [4].
Equipment rollovers	Injury or death	Use equipment with rollover protective structures (ROPS), ensure operators are trained, avoid steep slopes [5].
Falls from height	Injury or death	Use fall protection when working near the edge of the berm, install guardrails or barriers [1].
Entrapment/crushing	Injury or death	Establish exclusion zones around operating equipment, use spotters, ensure clear communication [6].
Unstable ground	Equipment tip-over, landslides	Inspect the berm for stability, avoid working on saturated soil, implement ground stabilization measures [2].
Dust exposure	Respiratory irritation, long-term health effects	Use water suppression, provide respiratory protection, monitor air quality [1].
Railway crossing incidents	Injury or death	Follow railway crossing procedures, use a signaller, ensure clear visibility, communicate with railway authorities [2].
Drowning	Injury or death	Ensure equipment is a safe distance from the edge of the water, use spotters, have emergency rescue equipment available [7].
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries	Maintain good housekeeping, clear pathways, wear appropriate footwear [8].
Underground Utilities	Electrocution, explosion, service disruption	Identify and locate all underground utilities before digging. Follow safe digging procedures [1].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times to minimize the risk of injury [8].

• High-visibility safety apparel: To ensure workers are visible to equipment operators and other vehicles [4].
• Hard hat: To protect against head injuries from falling objects [8].
• Safety glasses: To protect eyes from dust and debris [8].
• Steel-toed boots: To protect feet from crushing injuries [8].
• Gloves: To protect hands from abrasions and cuts [8].
• Respiratory protection (dust mask or respirator): To protect against dust inhalation, as needed [1].
• Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs): If noise levels exceed acceptable limits [7].

Inspect all PPE before use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Only use equipment and tools that are in good working order and that workers are trained to use [3].

• Rock Trucks: For hauling dirt from the source to the berm [9].
• Bulldozer: For spreading and grading dirt on the berm [10].
• Roller-Packer: For compacting the dirt on the berm [10].
• Hand tools (shovels, rakes): For minor grading and cleanup [11].
• Communication devices (two-way radios): For coordinating activities and maintaining communication between workers [8].

Inspect all equipment daily before use. Check fluid levels, tires, brakes, and safety devices. Report any defects to the supervisor immediately. Do not operate defective equipment.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• All workers must be trained and competent in the safe operation of the equipment they will be using.
• Training must include: Equipment operation, traffic control procedures, fall protection, emergency response, and this SWP.
• Operators of heavy equipment must have valid certifications, as required.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing at the start of each shift to review the SWP, identify potential hazards, and discuss control measures.
• The briefing must include: Weather conditions, equipment status, traffic patterns, communication protocols, and emergency procedures.
• Document the briefing and ensure all workers understand the plan.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Inspect the haul route for hazards such as potholes, debris, and overhead obstructions.
• Ensure that the railway crossing is clear and safe for crossing.
• Establish a traffic management plan with designated routes, speed limits, and signage [4].
• Delineate exclusion zones around operating equipment.
• Inspect the berm for stability and identify any areas of concern.
• Ensure adequate lighting is provided if work is performed at night or in low-light conditions.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Loading Dirt

• Ensure the loading area is level and stable.
• Position the rock truck safely under the loading equipment.
• Follow the loader operator's instructions and maintain clear communication.
• Do not exceed the truck's load capacity.
• Secure the load if necessary to prevent spillage during transport.

Safety considerations: Maintain a safe distance from loading equipment, wear high-visibility apparel, and be aware of surroundings.

8.2 Hauling Dirt

• Follow the designated haul route and obey all traffic control signs and signals [1].
• Maintain a safe speed and be aware of other vehicles and workers on the site [4].
• Use two-way radios to communicate with other drivers and the signaller.
• Approach the railway crossing with caution and follow the railway's crossing procedures [2].
• Ensure the truck is in good working order, including brakes, lights, and tires.

Safety considerations: Be aware of blind spots, avoid distractions, and adjust speed for weather conditions.

8.3 Dumping Dirt on Berm

• Approach the berm slowly and cautiously.
• Follow the signaller's instructions for positioning the truck.
• Ensure the truck is stable before dumping the load.
• Dump the load in a controlled manner to avoid creating unstable conditions.
• Do not approach the edge of the berm too closely.

Safety considerations: Use a spotter if visibility is limited, be aware of the slope of the berm, and avoid dumping near the water's edge.

8.4 Spreading and Compacting Dirt

• The bulldozer operator will spread the dirt evenly over the berm.
• The roller-packer operator will compact the dirt to the required density.
• Maintain clear communication between the bulldozer and roller-packer operators.
• Avoid creating unstable conditions on the berm.

Safety considerations: Be aware of the equipment's blind spots, maintain a safe distance from the edge of the berm, and avoid operating equipment on steep slopes.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Traffic Control: Implement a comprehensive traffic control plan to minimize the risk of collisions [4].
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment to ensure it is in safe working order [3].
• Fall Protection: Use fall protection equipment when working near the edge of the berm [1].
• Communication: Maintain clear communication between all workers using two-way radios or hand signals [8].
• Ground Stability: Regularly inspect the berm for signs of instability and take corrective action as needed [2].
• Railway Crossing Safety: Follow all railway crossing procedures and communicate with railway authorities as required [2].
• Weather Conditions: Monitor weather conditions and adjust work activities as needed to ensure safety [7].
• Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency response plan in place and ensure all workers are familiar with it [8].
• Housekeeping: Maintain a clean and organized work area to minimize slip, trip, and fall hazards [8].
• Underground Utilities: Identify and locate all underground utilities before digging. Follow safe digging procedures [1].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation.
• Activate the emergency alarm and notify the supervisor.
• Evacuate the area if necessary and follow the designated evacuation route.
• Provide first aid to injured workers, if trained to do so.
• Contact emergency services (911) if needed.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Equipment Rollover: Stop work, assess injuries, stabilize the equipment, and contact emergency services if needed.
• Vehicle Collision: Stop work, assess injuries, secure the scene, and contact emergency services and the supervisor.
• Fall from Height: Stop work, assess injuries, provide first aid, and contact emergency services if needed.
• Railway Incident: Stop work, immediately notify the railway authorities, assess injuries, and contact emergency services if needed.
• Drowning: Immediately attempt rescue, if safe to do so. Call emergency services (911).

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
• Health and Safety Representative: [PHONE NUMBER]
• Project Manager: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately.

An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

The incident report must include: Date, time, location, description of the incident, names of those involved, and any injuries or damage that occurred.

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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