Safe Work Procedure: General Safety Procedures

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 general safety guidelines and practices to be followed by all personnel to ensure a safe working environment. It applies to all work activities conducted within the designated work areas and is designed to minimize risks and prevent accidents or injuries. This procedure covers pre-start safety, operation, inspection, and maintenance of machinery and equipment 2, 8, 9, 10.

2. Definitions

Safety Lock Lever: A lever that, when engaged, prevents the accidental operation of hydraulic controls 13, 14, 17, 18.

Flagman: A person designated to direct traffic and ensure the safety of workers in the area 2, 13.

Hot Work: Operations involving open flames, sparks, or other sources of ignition [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks [2].
• Conduct regular safety inspections of the work area and equipment 6, 7.
• Enforce all safety rules and procedures [2].

3.2 Workers

• Follow all safety rules and procedures [3].
• Use the correct tools and equipment for the job 8, 9, 10.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately [3].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of safety programs [2].
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections 6, 7.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions [2].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries ranging from minor bruises to fractures	Maintain good housekeeping, wear appropriate footwear, and use fall protection when working at heights [4].
Contact with moving machinery	Crushing injuries, amputations	Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning correctly. Never operate machinery without proper training and authorization 2, 13.
Exposure to hazardous substances	Skin irritation, respiratory problems, poisoning	Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, respirators, and eye protection. Ensure adequate ventilation and follow safe handling procedures 2, 5.
Fire hazards	Burns, smoke inhalation	Store flammable materials properly, maintain fire extinguishers, and follow hot work procedures 2, 7.
Unguarded machinery	Contact with moving parts	Ensure all machinery is properly guarded to prevent accidental contact with moving parts [5].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the proper PPE for the task being performed 2, 8, 9, 10.

• Safety glasses - Protect eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes 2, 19.
• Hard hat - Protect head from falling objects and impacts [3].
• Gloves - Protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure [3].
• Safety shoes - Protect feet from impacts, punctures, and slips [3].
• Hearing protection - Protect ears from excessive noise levels [3].

Inspect all PPE before use and replace any damaged or worn items [3]. Clean and store PPE properly after use [3].

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the right tool for the job and inspect all tools and equipment before use 8, 9, 10.

• Hand tools - Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. - Use for their intended purpose and maintain in good condition 8, 9, 10.
• Power tools - Drills, saws, grinders, etc. - Use with proper guards and safety devices in place 8, 9, 10.
• Lifting equipment - Cranes, hoists, slings, etc. - Inspect before use and use according to manufacturer's instructions 19, 20.
• Excavators - Use for digging and moving earth. Operate according to safety guidelines 2, 3, 4.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspecting and maintaining equipment and tools [1].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must be trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks [2].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and safety precautions [3].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is clean, organized, and free of hazards 8, 9, 10.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Pre-Start Inspection

Perform a thorough inspection of the equipment and work area before starting any work 2, 8, 9, 10.

• Check fluid levels, tire pressure, and overall condition of the machine [6].
• Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning correctly [5].
• Identify any potential hazards in the work area, such as overhead power lines or underground utilities [5].

Safety considerations: Never operate equipment that is not in safe working condition [3].

Step 2: Operation

Operate equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines [3].

• Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, hard hat, gloves, and safety shoes [3].
• Maintain a safe distance from other workers and equipment [5].
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards [5].

Safety considerations: Never operate equipment under the influence of drugs or alcohol [3].

Step 3: Post-Operation

Properly shut down and secure equipment at the end of each shift 14, 17, 18.

• Park the machine on a firm, level surface 14, 17, 18.
• Lower the attachment to the ground 14, 17, 18.
• Engage the safety lock lever 13, 14, 17, 18.
• Remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors and access panels 14, 17, 18.

Safety considerations: Always secure equipment to prevent unauthorized use or movement 14, 17, 18.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and free of clutter to prevent slips, trips, and falls 8, 9, 10.
• Communication: Use clear and concise communication methods, such as hand signals or two-way radios, to coordinate work activities 2, 8, 9, 10.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is in safe working condition [1].
• Weather Conditions: Be aware of weather conditions and take appropriate precautions, such as postponing work during severe weather [3].
• Emergency Preparedness: Know the location of emergency equipment, such as first aid kits and fire extinguishers, and be familiar with emergency procedures [3].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

• Assess the situation and ensure your own safety [3].
• Call for help and provide accurate information about the location and nature of the emergency [3].
• Administer first aid if necessary [3].
• Follow the instructions of emergency responders [3].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Fire: Activate the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire if it is safe to do so [3].
• Medical Emergency: Provide first aid and call for medical assistance [3].
• Equipment Failure: Shut down the equipment and report the failure to the supervisor [3].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
• Health and Safety Department: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately [3].

An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence [2].

12. References and Related Documents

• Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA) 5, 6, 7
• Kobelco SK235SR-2, SK235SRLC-2 Operation Manual 2, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19
• Kobelco SK135SR-7, SK140SRLC-7, SK140SRL-7 Operation Manual (Excavators) 3, 8, 14
• Kobelco SK500XSLC-10, SK520XDLC-10 Operation Manual 4, 9, 18
• Kobelco SK200-10, SK210LC-10 Operation Manual 10, 17

---

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

Safety powered by SALUS