Gravel Pits and Plant Sites

Job Description

This guideline describes the safe methods of working in and around Gravel Pits and Plant Sites.

Hazard Identification

Personal Injury

• Crushing, muscle pull/strain, pinch points, slip, trip and fall.

Vehicle/Equipment

• Equipment accidents/incidents, struck-by.

Environmental

• Visibility, weather.

Blind Spots

• Know the Blind Spots: (Blind Spots indicated in Shaded Areas)

Practices

1. 1. Pre-Job Planning
      1.1 Ensure that workers are properly trained, certified (where applicable) and competently supervised.
      1.2 Prepare the Traffic Control Plan and ensure that Traffic Control Plans are readily available and on site. (see attached example)
      1.3 Identify any special hazards and controls.
      1.4 Review emergency plan.

1. 1. Toolbox Meeting
      2.1 A pre-job toolbox meeting and documentation is required to ensure that workers understand work assignments, Traffic Control Plans, Traffic Accommodation Plans and hazards.
      2.2 Additional toolbox meetings and documentation will be necessary when hazards, conditions or activities change.

1. 1. Equipment Check
      3.1 Complete circle check and documentation.
      3.2 Each operator conducts a circle check on equipment being operated to detect equipment deficiencies and ensure that all horns, lights and back up alarms and other safety devices are in good working condition and turned on. The operators shall advise the supervisor/foreman of any repairs or deficiencies that need to be fixed or that the equipment needs to be removed from operation until repairs can be made.
      3.3 The operator should only perform repairs or adjustments that they can perform competently and have other repairs performed by a qualified/competent person.

1. 1. In the Work Area
      4.1 A sign should be placed at the entrance to the Work site stating: “All Visitors must report to Office or Control Van.”
      4.2 All restricted areas should be marked to keep workers and vehicles out of the area, only equipment that is needed should be in this area.
      4.3 Use only powered mobile equipment with rollover protective structures (ROPS) – as per OH&S Regulations, Section 161.
      4.4 When working in open pit make sure all loose material is trimmed from the side of the open pit where a worker is required or permitted. (Regulation 63 of Mine Regulations)
      4.5 Make sure all vehicles and equipment stay back from the open face to help prevent cave-ins or land slides.
      4.6 The operator must ensure that the height of the working face does not exceed the maximum height of the loading equipment used plus two metres. (Regulation 56 of Mine Regulations)
      4.7 Surge bins and sampling stands must be used when sample is taken. The sampling area must be well lit during night work.
      4.8 All conveyor belts must have a stop switch/cutoff switch so the belts can be stopped when taking samples. (Regulation 335 of Mine Regulations)
      4.9 Train equipment operators never to move equipment without making positive visual contact with any workers on foot near the equipment. Train workers on foot to also make visual contact.
      4.10 Whenever the operator leaves the cab of his vehicle or equipment all personal protective equipment must be worn.
      4.11 When entering and exiting the cabs of vehicles or equipment the three point contact method should be used.
      4.12 Use a drive thru process to drive under loading conveyors.

Personal Protective Equipment

• As required by Contractor Safety Policy

Tools / Equipment

• As required by Contractor Safety Policy.

Related Safe Operating Guidelines

• Backing Up
• Loading, Weighing and Delivery of Aggregate
• Working around Overhead Power Lines
• Working Around Ground Workers
• Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials