Patient Transport Loading

Generated on: June 11, 2025

Safe Work Procedure: Patient Transport Loading

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 the loading of machinery, such as excavators, onto trailers for transportation. It applies to all personnel involved in the loading process, including operators, supervisors, and any other workers present during the operation. This procedure covers the use of ramps, platforms, and embankments for loading, as well as the proper securing of the machine to the trailer. It is applicable in various work environments where machinery needs to be transported, including construction sites, storage yards, and maintenance facilities.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the manufacturer's operation manual for the specific machine being loaded [1], [2], [3], [4], as well as any site-specific traffic management plans or transportation regulations.

2. Definitions

Ramp: A sloping surface used to provide access between two different levels.

Embankment: A raised area or platform used to provide a level surface for loading.

Chock: A wedge or block placed against a wheel or track to prevent movement.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers involved in the loading operation are properly trained and competent.
Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the SWP, potential hazards, and control measures.
Inspect the equipment and work area to ensure they are safe for the loading operation.
Monitor the loading operation to ensure that workers are following the SWP and using safe work practices.
Take immediate corrective action if any unsafe conditions or practices are observed.

3.2 Workers

Participate in pre-job briefings and understand the requirements of this SWP.
Inspect all equipment and tools before use and report any defects to the supervisor.
Follow the safe work procedure steps and use the correct PPE for the task.
Report any hazards, near-misses, or incidents to the supervisor immediately.
Do not proceed with the task if it is unsafe or if they are not confident in their ability to perform it safely.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify potential hazards.
Provide advice and support to supervisors and workers on health and safety matters.
Investigate incidents and near-misses to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Machine Tip-Over	Serious injury or death due to the machine becoming unstable during loading or unloading.	Ensure the embankment is wide enough and sturdy enough to hold the machine weight. The angle of the platform or embankment to the ground should be 15 degrees or less [1], [2], [3], [4]. Do not swing the machine during loading and unloading [1], [2], [3], [4].
Falling from Height	Injury due to falls from the trailer or ramp.	Use proper access and egress methods. Maintain three points of contact when climbing.
Crushing Hazard	Serious injury or death if caught between the machine and the trailer or other objects.	Maintain a safe distance from the machine during loading. Use spotters to guide the operator.
Equipment Failure	Injury or damage due to equipment malfunction.	Inspect ramps and trailers for structural integrity before use. Ensure equipment is rated to handle the weight of the machine.
Slips, Trips, and Falls	Injury due to slipping on ramps or trailer bed.	Keep ramps and trailer bed clean and free of debris. Use slip-resistant footwear.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the proper PPE for the task to minimize the risk of injury.

High-Visibility Clothing - To ensure the worker is visible to equipment operators and other personnel.
Steel-Toed Boots - To protect feet from crushing injuries.
Safety Glasses - To protect eyes from dust and debris.
Gloves - To provide grip and protect hands from cuts and abrasions.
Hard Hat - To protect the head from falling objects or impacts.

Inspect all PPE before use and replace any damaged or worn items. Clean and store PPE properly after use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use the proper equipment and tools for the task to ensure safety and efficiency.

Ramps - To provide a safe incline for loading and unloading the machine. Ensure ramps are of sufficient length, width, and strength [5], [6], [7], [8].
Trailer - To transport the machine. Ensure the trailer is properly rated for the weight of the machine.
Chocks - To prevent the trailer from moving during loading [5], [6], [7], [8].
Tie-Downs - To secure the machine to the trailer. Use rigging sufficient for safe transport [9].
Wood Blocks - To protect the bucket cylinder from damage during transport [10], [11], [12], [13], [14].

Inspect all equipment and tools before use and remove any defective items from service. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel involved in the loading operation must be trained and competent in the safe operation of the equipment and the procedures outlined in this SWP.
Operators must be certified to operate the specific type of machine being loaded.
Workers must be trained in proper lifting techniques, manual handling, and the use of PPE.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all personnel involved to discuss the following:
- The scope of the task and the steps involved.
- Potential hazards and risks associated with the task.
- Control measures to be implemented.
- Emergency procedures.
- Roles and responsibilities of each worker.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Inspect the loading area to ensure it is level, stable, and free of obstructions.
Ensure the embankment is wide enough to the machine width [1], [2], [3], [4].
Check that the embankment is sufficiently sturdy to hold the machine weight [1], [2], [3], [4].
The surface of the platform or embankment must be level to that of the trailer bed [1], [2], [3], [4].
Park the trailer properly at the required position [1], [2], [3], [4].
Ensure adequate lighting is available if the loading operation is performed at night or in low-light conditions.
Establish a clear communication system between the operator, spotter, and other workers.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Trailer and Ramps

Detailed description of step 1: Position the trailer on a level surface and chock the wheels to prevent movement [5], [6], [7], [8]. Inspect the ramps to ensure they are in good condition and rated for the weight of the machine. Align the ramps with the trailer bed, ensuring a secure and stable connection.

Sub-step 1.1: Position trailer on level ground.
Sub-step 1.2: Chock the trailer tires [5], [6], [7], [8].
Sub-step 1.3: Inspect ramps for damage and proper rating.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure the ramps are properly secured to prevent slippage during loading. The angle of the ramps should be 15 degrees or less [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8].

Step 2: Loading the Machine

Detailed description of step 2: Start the machine and move it slowly towards the ramps. Ensure the machine is aligned with the ramps before ascending. Drive the machine up the ramps slowly and steadily, maintaining a constant speed. Avoid sudden movements or changes in direction. Use a spotter to guide the operator and ensure safe clearance.

Sub-step 2.1: Start the machine and set travel speed to low [5], [6], [7], [8].
Sub-step 2.2: Align the machine with the ramps.
Sub-step 2.3: Drive the machine up the ramps slowly and steadily [10].

Safety considerations for this step: Do not swing the machine during loading [1], [2], [3], [4]. Be prepared for a change in the machine position as the machine travels up or down the ramp [10]. The machine may rock forward or rearward as the machine center of gravity changes when traveling on the ramp or on the border between the track/trailer and the ramp [10].

Step 3: Securing the Machine

Detailed description of step 3: Once the machine is on the trailer, position it according to transportation requirements. Lower the attachment/equipment slowly [5], [6], [7], [8]. Engage the machine's safety lock lever [10], [5], [6], [7], [8]. Chock the front and rear of the crawlers [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]. Secure the machine to the trailer using appropriate tie-downs [9]. Retract the radio antenna and remove mirrors if required [10], [11], [12], [13], [14].

Sub-step 3.1: Position the machine on the trailer.
Sub-step 3.2: Engage the safety lock lever [10], [5], [6], [7], [8].
Sub-step 3.3: Secure the machine with tie-downs [9].

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure the machine is properly secured to prevent movement during transport. Use the correct type and number of tie-downs for the weight and size of the machine. Do not directly apply the wire rope on the rubber crawler or the pad shoe [11], [12], [13].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Pre-Operational Checks - Always perform a thorough inspection of the machine, trailer, and ramps before starting the loading operation.
Communication - Maintain clear communication between the operator, spotter, and other workers throughout the loading process.
Slow and Steady - Operate the machine slowly and steadily during loading and unloading to prevent sudden movements or loss of control [10].
Load Distribution - Ensure the weight of the machine is evenly distributed on the trailer to maintain stability.
Weather Conditions - Avoid loading operations in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop the loading operation and assess the situation. Evacuate the area if necessary and contact emergency services. Provide first aid to any injured personnel.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Machine Tip-Over - Evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services. Do not attempt to right the machine without professional assistance.
Equipment Failure - Stop the loading operation and inspect the equipment. Do not use the equipment until it has been repaired and inspected by a qualified technician.
Personal Injury - Provide first aid and contact emergency services if necessary. Report the incident to the supervisor and complete an incident report.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[Site Supervisor]: [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 implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

Manufacturer's Operation Manual for the specific machine being loaded [1], [2], [3], [4].
Site-Specific Traffic Management Plan.
Transportation Regulations.

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

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