Safe Work Procedure: Spotters

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 necessary safety precautions and procedures for personnel acting as spotters during tasks involving potential hazards, such as operating machinery, moving equipment, or working in confined spaces. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who are designated as spotters. This procedure aims to minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, and property damage by providing clear guidelines for effective spotting.

2. Definitions

Spotter: An individual trained and designated to observe and warn equipment operators or workers of potential hazards.

Hazard: Any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions at or near the workplace [1].

Risk: The chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all personnel assigned as spotters are adequately trained and competent.
Provide spotters with the necessary equipment and resources to perform their duties effectively.
Enforce adherence to this SWP and address any safety concerns raised by spotters.

3.2 Workers

Follow the instructions and guidance provided by the spotter.
Immediately report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the spotter and supervisor.
Cooperatively work with the spotter to ensure a safe working environment.

3.3 Spotters

Maintain constant vigilance and awareness of the surrounding environment.
Clearly communicate potential hazards to the equipment operator or worker.
Use established hand signals or communication methods to guide the operator or worker.
Immediately stop the operation if a critical hazard is identified.
Never perform other tasks while acting as a spotter.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Moving equipment	Collision, struck-by injuries	Use spotters to guide equipment, establish clear communication signals, maintain safe distances.
Limited visibility	Blind spots, misjudgment of distances	Position spotters in optimal locations, use mirrors or cameras to enhance visibility.
Environmental conditions (noise, weather)	Reduced communication effectiveness	Use visual signals, radios, or other communication aids; adjust work schedule based on weather conditions.
Unguarded flames and heat sources	Burns	Keep away from unguarded flame and heat sources [1].
Vapors and mists	Inhalation, irritation	Avoid contact with skin and eyes, inhalation of vapours and mists 6, 9, 12, 13, 17.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use appropriate personal protective equipment 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 17.

High-visibility vest - To ensure the spotter is easily seen by equipment operators and other workers.
Safety glasses - To protect eyes from dust, debris, or splashes 7, 10, 12, 18.
Hard hat - To protect against head injuries from falling objects or collisions.
Steel-toe boots - To protect feet from crushing or impact hazards.
Gloves - Wear protective gloves [2] and clothing 7, 12, 18.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Hand signals chart - To ensure clear and consistent communication.
Two-way radios - For effective communication in noisy environments.
Whistle - To signal immediate danger or the need to stop.
Warning signs/barricades - To alert others to potential hazards in the area.
Flashlight/spotlight - For use in low-light conditions.

Inspect all equipment before each use to ensure it is in good working condition. Report any defects or malfunctions immediately.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Spotters must complete a formal training program on spotting techniques, hazard identification, and communication protocols.
Spotters must demonstrate competency in performing their duties through practical assessment.
Equipment operators must be trained on the hand signals and communication methods used by spotters.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all involved personnel, including the spotter, equipment operator, and other workers.
Discuss the scope of the task, potential hazards, and control measures.
Review the communication plan and hand signals to be used.
Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Inspect the work area for potential hazards, such as obstructions, uneven surfaces, or overhead power lines.
Establish a clear and safe path for equipment movement.
Set up warning signs and barricades to alert others to the work area.
Ensure adequate lighting is available, especially in low-light conditions.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Positioning the Spotter

Position the spotter in a location that provides a clear and unobstructed view of the equipment and surrounding area.
Ensure the spotter is visible to the equipment operator at all times.
Consider potential blind spots and position additional spotters if necessary.

Step 2: Establishing Communication

Establish clear and consistent communication with the equipment operator before starting the task.
Review the hand signals or communication methods to be used.
Ensure the equipment operator understands the spotter's instructions.

Step 3: Guiding Equipment Movement

Use established hand signals or communication methods to guide the equipment operator.
Provide clear and concise instructions, such as "move forward slowly," "stop," or "turn left."
Anticipate potential hazards and provide timely warnings.
Maintain constant vigilance and adjust instructions as needed.

Step 4: Monitoring the Surroundings

Continuously monitor the surrounding area for potential hazards, such as pedestrians, other equipment, or changes in the environment.
Immediately alert the equipment operator to any hazards.
Stop the operation if a critical hazard is identified.

Step 5: Maintaining Safe Distances

Ensure that equipment maintains a safe distance from workers, other equipment, and structures.
Use hand signals or communication methods to guide the equipment operator in maintaining safe distances.
Stop the operation if safe distances cannot be maintained.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never perform other tasks while acting as a spotter - The spotter's sole focus should be on observing and guiding the equipment operator.
Avoid distractions - Minimize distractions, such as cell phones or conversations, while spotting.
Use appropriate communication methods - Select communication methods that are effective in the given environment (e.g., hand signals, radios).
Stop the operation if unsure - If the spotter is unsure about the safety of the operation, they should immediately stop the operation and consult with the supervisor.
Report all incidents and near-misses - Report any incidents or near-misses to the supervisor for investigation and corrective action.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop the operation and activate the emergency alarm.
Evacuate the area and proceed to the designated assembly point.
Provide first aid to any injured personnel.
Contact emergency services if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Equipment collision - Stop the operation, assess the damage, and report the incident.
Injury to personnel - Provide first aid, contact emergency services, and report the incident.
Fire - Activate the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and contact the fire department.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[Project Manager]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report any incidents, near misses, or hazards to the supervisor immediately 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 17.

Investigate all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

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

spotters