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Discover the Occupational Safety Document for Operating a Crawler Excavator: Detailed guidance and essential rules. Learn how to ensure the safety of everyone operating and working around a crawler excavator through the necessary instructions and measures to prevent accidents and dangers in this challenging work environment.

Table of Contents

PART I: CURRENT STATUS OF SAFETY WORK RELATED TO CRAWLER EXCAVATORS

I. General Situation

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs informs sectors and localities of the occupational accident situation in the first 6 months of 2024 and outlines key solutions to proactively prevent incidents and accidents in the last 6 months of 2024. According to reports from 61 out of 63 centrally governed provinces and cities, in the first 6 months of 2024, there were a total of 3,201 occupational accidents nationwide (a decrease of 227 cases, equivalent to 7.09% compared to the same period in 2023), resulting in 3,065 victims (a decrease of 197 people, equivalent to 6.04% compared to the first 6 months of 2023), including both employees under labor contracts and those working without labor contracts. Specifically:

Number of fatal occupational accidents: 320 cases, a decrease of 25 cases (7.25%) compared to the first 6 months of 2023 (including 245 cases in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 28 cases or 10.3%; and 75 cases in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 3 cases or 4.2% compared to the first 6 months of 2023);
Number of deaths due to occupational accidents: 346 people, a decrease of 7 people or 1.98% compared to the same period in 2023 (including 268 in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 13 people or 4.63%; and 78 in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 6 people or 8.33%).
Number of people seriously injured: 810 people, an increase of 26 people or 3.32% compared to the first 6 months of 2023 (including 710 in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 5 people or 0.7%; and 100 in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 31 people or 44.92%).

Download the PDF file Occupational Accident Report – First 6 Months of 2024 issued by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

The occupational accident situation in the first 6 months of 2024 in both sectors with and without labor relations saw a decrease in the number of deaths and fatal accidents compared to the same period in 2023.

II. Some occupational accidents when operating a crawler excavator

Operating a crawler excavator is a job that demands high skill and care due to the complexity of the machine and the work environment. However, many occupational accidents still occur during the use of crawler excavators, some typical examples of which can be mentioned as follows:

Falls from height: One of the main risks when working on a crawler excavator is the danger of falling from a height. Employees often have to work at heights on the platform or on unstable ground, and a moment of carelessness can lead to a serious accident.
Collision with obstacles or other people: Operating a crawler excavator in a crowded construction environment can create a risk of collision with obstacles such as other construction structures, workers, or other vehicles.
Mechanical failures: Crawler excavators often operate in harsh conditions, and therefore, mechanical problems can occur during operation, endangering the driver and surrounding personnel.
Risks from lifting and lowering operations: When using the lifting and lowering features of a crawler excavator, there can be a risk of losing control or dropping material from a height, threatening the safety of people working below or around the work area.
Incidents with the control or braking system: Problems with the control or braking system can lead to a loss of control or the inability to control the crawler excavator, posing a risk of serious accidents.
Toxic gases and explosions: In some cases, a crawler excavator may work in an environment containing toxic gases or with a risk of fire and explosion, which poses a great risk to the health and safety of the driver and surrounding personnel.

These accidents highlight the necessity of strict adherence to safety rules and training for crawler excavator operators to minimize risks and best protect all involved personnel.

PART II: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WHEN OPERATING A CRAWLER EXCAVATOR

I. Introduction

A. Overview of the importance of occupational safety when operating a crawler excavator

Occupational safety when operating a crawler excavator is extremely important in the construction and mining environment. Adhering to safety rules not only protects the health and lives of workers but also minimizes the risk of accidents and property damage. When operating a crawler excavator, the driver must have a deep knowledge of the machine’s operation and safety, as well as an awareness of the surrounding work environment.
Applying safety measures includes ensuring that the driver and surrounding personnel are fully trained, use personal protective equipment correctly, and follow safety rules when performing operational tasks. These measures not only minimize the risk of accidents but also create a safe and positive work environment, encouraging focus and higher work performance.
Occupational safety is also an indispensable part of maintaining a company’s reputation and image. An organization that operates in a safe work environment will attract and retain good employees, while also attracting the interest and support of the community and other stakeholders.

B. Important safety protocols and regulations when operating a crawler excavator

Training and certification: All crawler excavator operators must be fully trained on the safe operation of the machine. They also need to have appropriate certification to demonstrate their ability to operate safely and effectively.
Periodic inspection and maintenance: The crawler excavator needs to be inspected and maintained periodically to ensure that all systems and equipment are functioning correctly and safely.
Use of personal protective equipment: The operator and surrounding personnel need to be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes to protect against the risk of accidents and injuries.
Adherence to safe operating rules: The operator needs to follow safe operating rules such as not overloading the machine, not operating when tired or under the influence of stimulants, and always maintaining good visibility when operating.
Fire and explosion prevention measures: For work environments with a risk of fire or explosion, preventive measures must be applied such as checking the safety of the work area, using explosion-proof equipment, and complying with regulations on explosive materials and solutions.

II. Components and Functions of a Crawler Excavator

A. The different components of a crawler excavator

Cabin or operator’s compartment: This is where the operator controls and manages the vehicle’s operations. The cabin is usually designed with control panels, a driver’s seat, a steering system, and other equipment to assist the operator during operation.
Boom: The boom is the main part of the excavator, used to lift and move materials. It is usually attached to the main frame of the vehicle and can move up and down and rotate at different angles.
Dipper (Arm): The dipper is part of the boom system and is often used to dig and lower materials. The dipper can be connected to the boom through flexible joints.
Bucket: The bucket is part of the dipper system and is used to grab and move material. There are many different types of buckets designed to suit different tasks such as digging, scraping, or transporting material.
Movement system: The crawler excavator is equipped with a track system to move on the ground or uneven surfaces in a stable and flexible manner.
Engine and control system: The engine provides power for the vehicle’s operating functions, while the control system helps the operator control and manage the vehicle’s activities.

B. Structure and operating principle of a crawler excavator

A crawler excavator is designed to perform digging, moving, and transporting materials in construction and mining environments. The structure of the vehicle includes a boom and dipper system, attached to a main frame, as well as a track movement system that allows it to move on uneven ground.
The operating principle of a crawler excavator is primarily based on the movement of the boom and dipper. When controlled by the operator, the boom and dipper can be moved up, down, and rotated at various angles to dig, grab, and move material. The bucket is attached to the end of the dipper to grab and transport material.
The engine provides power for the operating functions of the crawler excavator. The control system allows the operator to control and manage the vehicle’s activities, including controlling the boom, dipper, and movement system.
The crawler excavator’s track system allows it to move on uneven ground stably and flexibly. The tracks are designed to provide the necessary stability and power to operate in the difficult environment of a construction site.

C. Applications in the construction industry of a crawler excavator

Excavation and backfilling: A crawler excavator is used to dig and backfill earth in construction projects such as building houses, digging foundations, or leveling land for urban areas.
Moving materials: Thanks to its ability to raise and lower the boom as well as transport the bucket, a crawler excavator can move materials such as dirt, sand, gravel, and other construction materials from one location to another on a project.
Demolition of structures: A crawler excavator can be used to demolish existing structures such as old houses, factories, or other structures to prepare for new construction projects.
Construction of sewer and drainage systems: In infrastructure projects, a crawler excavator is often used to dig trenches for sewers, drainage pipes, or other drainage systems to improve the drainage system.
Processing of recycled materials: On construction projects with environmental protection goals, a crawler excavator is often used to process and recycle materials such as concrete, bricks, and waste soil.

D. Risks associated with operating a crawler excavator

Risk of occupational accidents: Due to the complexity of the machinery and the work environment, the operator and surrounding personnel are always faced with the risk of occupational accidents such as falls from height, collisions with obstacles, or being struck.
Risk of mechanical failures: Crawler excavators often operate in harsh conditions, and therefore, mechanical problems can occur during operation, endangering the driver and surrounding personnel.
Risks from lifting and lowering operations: When using the lifting and lowering features of a crawler excavator, there may be a risk of losing control or dropping materials from a height, threatening the safety of workers below or around the work area.
Incidents with the control or braking system: Problems with the control or braking system can lead to a loss of control or the inability to control the crawler excavator, causing a risk of serious accidents.
Risks from the work environment: Crawler excavators often operate in diverse construction environments and may encounter risks from toxic gases, the danger of fire and explosion, or adverse weather conditions.

III. Safety Inspection and Maintenance Before Operating a Crawler Excavator

A. Safety inspection before operating a crawler excavator

Check tracks and suspension system: Ensure that the tracks of the crawler excavator are not damaged or worn and that the suspension system is working correctly to ensure stability when moving on the ground.
Check the braking system: Ensure that the vehicle’s braking system is working effectively to stop the vehicle safely when needed.
Check the control system: Check the control panels and other control devices to ensure they are working correctly and can control the vehicle safely.
Check oil and water levels: Check the oil and water levels in important systems such as the engine cooling system, hydraulic system, and control system to ensure they operate effectively.
Check hardware and additional equipment: Check hardware such as the exhaust pipe, fuel lines, and other additional equipment to ensure they are not damaged or malfunctioning.

B. Guide to periodic maintenance of a crawler excavator

Change oil periodically: Changing the oil periodically for the engine, gearbox, hydraulic system, and control system is very important to ensure lubrication and effective operation of these parts.
Check the cooling system: Check and clean the cooling system periodically to ensure that the vehicle does not overheat during operation.
Check and clean the filter system: Check and replace the oil filters, fuel filters, and air filters periodically to ensure the system operates effectively and to minimize the risk of failure.
Check and adjust the suspension and braking systems: Check and adjust the suspension and braking systems periodically to ensure that the vehicle can move and stop safely.
Check and replace damaged components: Check various components and parts of the vehicle such as belts, gears, and hoses to detect and replace damaged parts periodically.

IV. Safe Operating Procedure for a Crawler Excavator

A. Step-by-step guide on the safe operating procedure for a crawler excavator

Pre-operation check: Before starting operation, check the crawler excavator to ensure that all systems and parts are working correctly. This includes checking the tracks, braking system, control system, and other parts to ensure safety during operation.
Read and understand the user manual: Before operating, read and understand the user and safety manual for the crawler excavator. Knowing how to use the control panels and control devices correctly is important to ensure your own safety and that of the surrounding personnel.
Ensure the work area is safe: Before starting operation, ensure that the work area around the crawler excavator is safe. Remove any unnecessary objects and ensure that no personnel or passersby are within the vehicle’s operating range.
Adjust the seat and mirrors: Before starting operation, adjust the seat and mirrors to get the best visibility and ensure you can observe all activities around the vehicle clearly.
Operate carefully and with control: When operating the crawler excavator, do everything carefully and with control. Ensure that you adhere to a safe speed and always maintain good visibility when moving and performing other activities.

B. Emergency handling measures and incident response mechanisms when operating a crawler excavator

Stop the vehicle immediately: If you encounter any dangerous situation, stop the crawler excavator immediately and ensure that all operating systems have been disconnected.
Communicate and report the incident: Contact management or the safety team to report the incident and request help or guidance in the handling process.
Leave the dangerous area: If possible, move the crawler excavator out of the dangerous area to avoid potential risks to yourself and surrounding personnel.
Use safety equipment: Use safety equipment such as a life jacket, helmet, and safety harness if necessary to ensure safety during incident handling.
Monitor and re-check the vehicle: After the incident has been handled, re-check the crawler excavator to ensure that all systems and parts are still working correctly before resuming operation.

V. Risk Assessment and Hazard Management When Operating a Crawler Excavator

A. Identifying potential risks and hazards in operating a crawler excavator

Risk of collision and falls from height: A crawler excavator often operates in a diverse construction environment, with many materials and machines moving. Therefore, the risk of collision with other obstacles and the risk of falling from a height are potential hazards that need to be identified and addressed.
Risk of losing control of the vehicle: In some cases, losing control of the crawler excavator can occur for various reasons such as mechanical failure, incorrect control, or adverse environmental conditions.
Risks from lifting and lowering operations: When using the lifting and lowering features of a crawler excavator, the risk of losing control and dropping materials from a height can be a potential hazard that needs to be identified and minimized.
Risks from the work environment: The work environment in the construction industry can present many different risks such as the danger of fire and explosion, toxic gases, or adverse weather conditions, especially when operating a crawler excavator in difficult and narrow areas.

B. Effective hazard prevention strategies when operating a crawler excavator

1. Regular inspection and maintenance of the crawler excavator for safe operation

Check oil and water levels: Ensure that the oil and water levels in the engine system, hydraulic system, and other systems are sufficient to operate effectively. Replace oil or water as needed to maintain their quality.
Check the braking system: Check the braking system to ensure it operates effectively and can stop the vehicle safely when needed. Replace damaged or worn brake parts to maintain the system’s performance.
Check the suspension system: Check and adjust the suspension system to ensure the vehicle can move on all types of terrain stably and safely. Replace damaged or worn suspension parts if necessary.
Check the control system: Check the control panels and other control devices to ensure they are working correctly and can control the vehicle safely.
Replace damaged components: Replace damaged or worn components and parts to ensure the crawler excavator remains safe and efficient during operation.

2. Adherence to occupational safety regulations for the safe operation of a crawler excavator

Training and instruction: Before operating a crawler excavator, the operator must be trained and instructed on how to use the machinery safely, including reading and understanding the manufacturer’s user and safety manual.
Use of personal protective equipment: Equip and use full personal protective equipment such as helmets, life jackets, gloves, and safety glasses to protect yourself from the risk of accidents.
Periodic inspection and maintenance: Perform periodic inspection and maintenance on the crawler excavator to ensure the machinery operates safely and effectively.
Adherence to operating rules: Adhere to safe operating rules, including maintaining a safe speed, following the travel route, and ensuring good visibility when operating the vehicle.
Report incidents: Immediately report any incidents, accidents, or safety issues to management or the site’s safety department to receive support and resolve the issue in a timely manner.

3. Identifying and marking the safe zone when operating a crawler excavator

Identify hazardous zones: First, hazardous zones and potential risks in the work area must be identified. This may include materials being moved, unexpected obstacles, or areas that the vehicle should not approach.
Identify safe zones: Based on the identified hazardous zones, identify the safe zone around the crawler excavator. These are areas where the operator can operate safely without endangering themselves and others.
Mark the safe zone: Use marking measures such as stakes, signs, or warning tape to clearly mark the safe and hazardous zones. Ensure that the markings are placed in easily visible and understandable locations.
Guidance and education: Ensure that all personnel in the work area are guided and educated on the meaning of safe and hazardous zones, as well as how to operate safely around the crawler excavator.

4. Use of personal protective equipment when operating a crawler excavator

In the construction industry work environment, the use of personal protective equipment is extremely important to protect oneself from the risks and accidents that can occur during the operation of a crawler excavator. The personal protective equipment that needs to be used includes:

Helmet: A helmet is one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment, protecting the head and brain from the risk of impact and falling materials from a height.
Life jacket and heat-resistant clothing: In work environments near water or with a risk of fire, the use of a life jacket and heat-resistant clothing is necessary to protect the body from the risk of drowning and fire.
Gloves and safety glasses: Use gloves and safety glasses to protect hands and eyes from sharp materials and harmful UV rays during work.
Raincoat and waterproof boots: In adverse weather conditions or when working in a wet environment, the use of a raincoat and waterproof boots helps protect the body from moisture and related risks.
Safety harness and fall arrest system: When working at height, the use of a safety harness and fall arrest system is necessary to ensure safety when climbing and working on high foundations.

By using all of this personal protective equipment fully and correctly, the operator can minimize the risk of accidents and protect their health during the operation of the crawler excavator.

5. Emergency procedures and response in case of an incident when operating a crawler excavator

Stop the vehicle immediately: As soon as an incident is detected, the operator must stop the crawler excavator immediately to prevent the risk from spreading and to minimize damage.
Assess the situation: Identify and assess the incident situation to determine the cause and the level of danger of the situation.
Report the incident: Report the incident immediately to management or the site’s safety department to receive support and guidance in handling the incident.
Remain calm: In an emergency situation, remaining calm and not panicking is very important to be able to make correct and effective decisions.
Take necessary measures: Take the necessary measures to handle the incident and protect the safety of yourself and surrounding personnel, including using personal protective equipment and support vehicles.
Assist other personnel: If necessary, provide assistance to other personnel in the area and work together to resolve the situation.

6. Participate in occupational safety training courses when operating a crawler excavator

Occupational safety and health training is not only a legal requirement but also a commitment to the safety and health of workers. It helps employees recognize and deal with risks and hazardous situations, thereby reducing accidents, injuries, or fatalities in their daily work.
The risk of accidents is always present and can occur at any time in the work environment due to the possibility of human error and the unpredictability of all situations. This emphasizes the need for occupational safety training and continuous vigilance.
When participating in occupational safety training at Nam Viet Safety Center, workers will be systematically trained from theory to real-life risk scenarios. Accordingly, there will be measures to identify and prevent occupational accident risks that may occur during work. After the training course, trainees will take occupational safety tests to obtain an occupational safety certificate. From there, workers will have a clear understanding of safety knowledge as well as a valid certification for employment.

VI. Factors Affecting Occupational Safety When Operating a Crawler Excavator

A. How do weather conditions affect the operation of a crawler excavator?

Weather conditions can significantly affect the operation of a crawler excavator. Weather factors such as rain, snow, strong winds, extreme temperatures, and low light conditions can cause dangerous situations and reduce the work efficiency of the machinery. Here are some ways weather conditions can affect the operation of a crawler excavator:

Rain and snow: When the ground is wet or frozen due to rain or snow, the crawler excavator may lose traction, increasing the risk of slipping and losing control.
Strong winds: Strong winds can reduce the operator’s visibility and cause a risk of falling materials or pushing the machinery out of a stable position.
Extreme temperatures: Excessively high or low temperatures can cause problems with the engine, hydraulic system, and other components of the crawler excavator.
Low light: In low light conditions, identifying and assessing situations can become difficult, increasing the risk of accidents.

To cope with harsh weather conditions, operators must adhere to safety regulations, reduce operating speed, increase vigilance, and ensure that the vehicle is maintained and inspected periodically to deal with problems that may arise due to weather conditions.

B. How does the working environment affect the operation of a crawler excavator?

Terrain and soil type: The working environment can vary from flat terrain to hills and from sandy soil to rocky ground. This can affect the mobility and digging performance of the crawler excavator.
Climatic environment: Weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, and visibility can affect operation. For example, in high-temperature conditions, the vehicle may have difficulty cooling the engine, while in high-humidity conditions, there is a risk of condensation causing slipperiness.
Pollution level: The working environment may contain pollutants such as dust, chemicals, or toxic gases, which affect the operator’s health and the vehicle’s performance.
Ability to interact with the environment: The crawler excavator needs to be able to operate on many different types of soil and terrain, and therefore needs to be designed and operated to suit the working environment.

C. How does the technical condition of the crawler excavator affect its operation?

Reduced work performance: Technical faults can lead to a reduction in the machine’s performance, slowing down the process of digging or moving materials, and increasing operating time and costs.
Higher risk of accidents: When a crawler excavator operates in an unstable technical condition, there is a higher risk of accidents, including loss of control or mechanical failure during work.
Increased risk of serious damage: If technical problems are not detected and repaired in time, they can lead to serious damage or harm to important components of the vehicle, thereby increasing repair costs and downtime.

D. How do the safety knowledge and skills of the worker affect the operation of a crawler excavator?

Personal safety: Solid knowledge of safety principles and work procedures helps workers to recognize and avoid accident risks, protecting themselves from injury and danger during operation.
Work performance: The skills to operate and use equipment correctly help to increase the worker’s work performance and minimize machine downtime, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency at work.
Periodic maintenance and repair: Knowledge of basic maintenance and repair helps workers to identify and resolve minor technical issues before they become major problems, minimizing downtime and repair costs.
Compliance with regulations: Understanding and complying with the safety regulations and procedures issued by the facility or regulatory agency is necessary to ensure the safety of oneself and other employees in the work environment.

VII. Occupational Safety Training on Skills for Safe Operation of a Crawler Excavator

A. Why do crawler excavator operators need to be trained in occupational safety?

Training in occupational safety for crawler excavator operators is extremely important for many reasons. First and foremost, this training provides them with the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize, assess, and deal with risks and dangers during operation. This includes understanding and complying with safety regulations, accident prevention measures, and how to perform operating tasks safely and effectively.
Second, occupational safety training helps to raise awareness about protecting one’s own health and safety as well as that of colleagues. The operator will understand the importance of using personal protective equipment, following safe work procedures, and reporting hazardous situations. This helps to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries in the work environment.
Finally, occupational safety training also plays a role in improving the operator’s work performance and professionalism. When they have the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely and effectively, they can complete their tasks more accurately and efficiently, thereby creating a positive and productive work environment.

B. Where to get occupational safety training for operating a crawler excavator?

An Toan Nam Viet is a reputable and high-quality center specializing in occupational safety training in Vietnam today. With occupational safety training sessions held continuously at production workshops, factories, or construction sites across the country (63 provinces in Vietnam).
To ensure the effectiveness of the training, An Toan Nam Viet prepares carefully and meticulously, down to the smallest detail. From preparing tools, equipment, teaching aids to curriculum, materials, sound, and lighting.
The occupational safety training instructors at An Toan Nam Viet are experts with many years of experience in the field. They even have research works identifying hazards in all industries and how to prevent them.
The instructor’s lectures are drawn from practical experience and are conveyed in the most vivid and easy-to-understand way to the workers. These factors help workers feel comfortable during the learning period and absorb the taught knowledge well. Of course, the knowledge conveyed always adheres to Decree 44/2016/ND-CP. From there, they grasp many measures to prevent hazards and how to protect themselves. At the same time, they also apply it most appropriately in their actual work.

VIII. The Significance of Occupational Safety in Operating a Crawler Excavator

A. The importance of maintaining occupational safety in operating a crawler excavator

Maintaining occupational safety in the operation of a crawler excavator is a crucial factor for the success and sustainability of any construction project. First, it protects the health and safety of workers. A crawler excavator is a powerful machine that can cause serious accidents if not operated correctly. Ensuring that the operator is trained and follows safety rules helps to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
Second, maintaining occupational safety also helps to protect property and equipment. An accident can lead to damage or loss of the crawler excavator, increasing repair costs and downtime. By maintaining occupational safety and avoiding accidents, the equipment can be kept operating effectively and its lifespan can be extended.

B. Important safety measures to know before operating a crawler excavator

Before operating a crawler excavator, the operator needs to master some safety measures to ensure the work is carried out safely and effectively. The first is the periodic inspection and maintenance of the vehicle, including checking the braking system, hydraulic system, and other mechanical parts to ensure they are working correctly.
Second, the use of personal protective equipment is very important. The operator must ensure they are wearing adequate protective gear including a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes to protect themselves from the risk of accidents and injuries.

Complete the occupational safety training course to be issued an occupational safety card by the safety training center to complete the required documentation for work.
In addition, adhering to the safety regulations and manufacturer’s instructions is also essential. The operator must understand and correctly implement the safety procedures during the operation of the vehicle, including performing digging, lifting, and moving materials carefully and accurately.