Safety Procedures & Hazard Prevention Flashcards

When working near an underground utility line, what is the minimum safe hand-digging clearance on each side of the marked line?

Answer: 18 inches

Most state regulations and best practices require hand-digging within 18 inches on each side of a marked underground utility.

A mini excavator is operating on a slope and begins to feel unstable. The FIRST action the operator should take is:

Answer: Lower the bucket to the ground to stabilize

Lowering the bucket to ground contact lowers the center of gravity and provides immediate stabilization.

Which condition makes an excavation MOST susceptible to cave-in without warning?

Answer: Sandy or gravelly soil with no cohesion

Sandy and gravelly soils have no cohesion and can collapse suddenly under their own weight.

Before starting a mini excavator at the beginning of a shift, the operator should:

Answer: Perform a walk-around inspection before starting the engine

A walk-around inspection before engine start catches visible hazards such as leaks, damage, or obstructions.

What does a BLUE utility locate mark indicate?

Answer: Potable water

Blue is the APWA uniform color code for potable water lines.

When lifting a load with a mini excavator equipped with a lifting hook, the operator must ensure the load is:

Answer: Balanced and within the machine's rated lift capacity chart

Exceeding the rated lift capacity or lifting an unbalanced load can tip the machine or damage structural components.

A co-worker enters the swing radius of a mini excavator while it is operating. The operator should IMMEDIATELY:

Answer: Stop all movement and wait until the worker is clear

Any person inside the swing radius is in immediate danger; all machine movement must stop until they are clear.