Safe Work Procedure: Bulldozers Arriving and Creating Berms

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 the arrival of bulldozers on the job site, the dumping of soil, and the use of bulldozers to create a berm with a sloped side and a flat top. This procedure applies to all personnel involved in these activities, including bulldozer operators, supervisors, and ground personnel. It covers the safe operation of bulldozers, traffic management, and environmental considerations during berm construction.

2. Definitions

Berm: An earthen barrier or mound used for containing materials, diverting water, or providing a safety barrier.

Bulldozer: A tracked vehicle equipped with a blade, used for pushing soil and other materials.

Spotter: A person designated to observe and guide equipment operators, especially when operating in reverse or in congested areas.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all personnel involved in the operation are properly trained and competent.
Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss the SWP, potential hazards, and control measures.
Inspect the work area to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
Monitor the work progress to ensure compliance with the SWP and safety regulations.

3.2 Workers

Participate in pre-job briefings and understand the SWP.
Inspect equipment and tools before use and report any defects.
Operate equipment safely and according to training and the SWP.
Use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Report any hazards, incidents, or near-misses to the supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of the SWP.
Conduct regular site inspections to identify and address safety concerns.
Investigate incidents and near-misses and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Bulldozer Arrival and Movement	Collision with other vehicles or personnel	- Establish designated routes and traffic control measures.

Use spotters to guide bulldozer movement, especially in reverse.
Ensure clear communication between operators and ground personnel. | | Dumping Soil | - Dust exposure
Instability of dumping area | - Use water sprays to suppress dust.
Inspect dumping area for stability before dumping.
Ensure the dumping area is free of underground utilities or obstructions. | | Operating on Slopes | - Tipping or sideslipping of bulldozer | - Operate the machine up slopes and down slopes with the final drive sprockets facing down the slope 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Avoid operating the machine across the slope 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Place the heaviest end of the machine uphill when you are working on an incline 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Reduce speed and avoid sudden changes in direction. | | Equipment Malfunction | Loss of control, injury | - Conduct daily equipment inspections.
Ensure regular maintenance and repairs.
Remove faulty equipment from service. | | Underground Utilities | Damage to utilities, electrocution, explosion | - Check with local utilities for the locations of underground pipes and for the locations of buried cables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Use ground-penetrating radar to identify underground utilities.
Establish a safe digging zone around marked utilities. | | Slips, Trips, and Falls | Injuries to personnel | - Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Use designated walkways and access points.
Wear appropriate footwear with good traction. | | Dust Exposure | Respiratory irritation or illness | - Use water sprays or dust suppression systems.
Provide workers with respirators if dust levels are high. |

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts.
Safety Glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and projectiles.
Hearing Protection - Protects against noise exposure from equipment operation.
High-Visibility Vest - Ensures visibility to other workers and equipment operators.
Steel-Toed Boots - Protects feet from crushing injuries.
Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and vibrations.
Respirator - Protects against dust inhalation, especially in demolition applications 14, 15, 17, 18, 20.

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

6. Equipment and Tools

Bulldozer - Used for pushing soil and creating the berm.
Water Truck - Used for dust suppression.
Hand Tools - Shovels, rakes, and measuring tools for shaping the berm.
Communication Devices - Two-way radios for communication between operators and ground personnel.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance. Remove any faulty equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel must be trained and competent in the safe operation of bulldozers and related equipment.
Operators must have valid licenses or certifications for operating bulldozers.
Workers must be trained in hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the SWP, potential hazards, and control measures.
Review the work plan, including the location of the berm, dumping areas, and traffic routes.
Ensure that all personnel understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Inspect the work area for underground utilities, obstructions, and unstable ground conditions.
Establish designated traffic routes and pedestrian walkways.
Install warning signs and barricades to alert workers and the public to the construction activity.
Ensure adequate lighting for nighttime operations.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Arrival of Bulldozers

Ensure that the receiving area is clear of personnel and obstructions.
Use a spotter to guide the bulldozer during unloading and movement to the work area.
Inspect the bulldozer for any damage or defects before operation.

8.2 Dumping Soil

Position the bulldozer in the designated dumping area.
Ensure that the dumping area is stable and free of underground utilities.
Use water sprays to suppress dust during dumping.
Avoid dumping soil on steep slopes or unstable ground.

8.3 Creating the Berm

Start by pushing soil to form the base of the berm.
Shape the berm to the desired dimensions, ensuring a sloped side and a flat top.
Compact the soil using the bulldozer to increase stability.
Monitor the slope and stability of the berm during construction.
Avoid over-steepening the slope, which could lead to collapse.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Equipment Operation: Only operate the machine while you are in a seat. The seat belt must be fastened while you operate the machine 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Slope Operation: Be careful to avoid any ground condition which could cause the machine to tip. Tipping can occur when you work on hills, on banks, or on slopes. Tipping can also occur when you cross ditches, ridges, or other unexpected obstructions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Travel on Wet Surfaces: Use caution when travelling on an incline over wet surfaces, including wood, steel, and piles of wet leaves and branches. The machine could slide or skid and result in serious injury, death or property damage [1].
Underground Utilities: Before you operate the machine, check with local utilities for the locations of underground pipes and for the locations of buried cables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Machine Stability: Avoid changing the direction of travel on a slope. Changing the direction of travel on a slope could result in tipping or side slipping of the machine 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation.
Evacuate the area if necessary and account for all personnel.
Provide first aid to injured personnel and call for medical assistance if needed.
Report the incident to the supervisor and health and safety representative.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Equipment Fire: Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Evacuate the area and call the fire department.
Utility Strike: Evacuate the area and call the utility company to assess the damage.
Bulldozer Tipping: Stay clear of the bulldozer and call for assistance to stabilize the machine.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
Site Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
Health and Safety Representative: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor as soon as possible. The supervisor and health and safety representative will investigate the incident to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

Company Safety Policy
Equipment Operation Manuals
Local and Federal Safety Regulations

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