Backing & Spotter Safety
• This-self paced course has 23 slides. The training
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• At the last slide of this presentation you will be
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while completing your test.
• You will only receive credit after receiving 100%
on the test and clicking on the FINISH button.
Reverse the Trend!
Objectives
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Define the role of a vehicle or equipment spotter.
Discuss vehicle/equipment situations that may require
the use of a spotter.
Identify the hazards present during backing and
vehicle/equipment spotting.
Explain the significance of blind spot recognition.
Discuss the importance of effective communication
between driver and spotter.
Demonstrate AES standardized spotting signals.
Define the responsibilities of the driver and spotter
during equipment and vehicle spotting operations.
The Role of a Spotter
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To minimize potential backing and equipment locate incidents by
communicating with a driver the hazards present in their operating
environment.
The purpose of a spotter is to expand the driver’s sense for right,
left, front, and rear space cushions.
Spotter Situations
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When backing any vehicle.
Where negotiating forward or
backward turns with tight side
clearances.
Where overhead clearances
are low or uncertain.
When driver’s view is
obstructed.
When objects in the area are
within equipments blind spots.
Hazards of Spotting Equipment
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Pinch points / line of fire
Limited visibility
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Cold weather will create
large exhaust plumes
Blowing snow
Inadequate lighting
Blind spots (all sizes of
equipment)
Slick or uneven working
surfaces
Blind Spot Recognition
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A blind spot is:
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Any area a driver of a vehicle or piece of
equipment is not looking or cannot see.
Any area a spotter is not looking or cannot
see.
Created by obstructions, lighting conditions,
weather conditions, and vehicle design.
Blind Spot Recognition
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How important is it to know the size and location
vehicle/equipment blind spots?
Why?
By recognizing the size and area of blind spots we can
decide:
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What is relevant to negotiating a vehicles placement
Where to stand if we are spotting another driver
If a spotter is required for the operation that will be performed
Blind Spot Recognition
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Blind spots are determined for equipment
by walking them out prior to use, if the
driver can’t see your feet you are in the
blind spot
Learn to know…
The NO-ZONE
THE SHADED AREA SURROUNDING EACH VEHICLE
REPRESENTS THE DANGER ZONE or “NO-ZONE” IN
WHICH THE VEHICLE OPERATOR’S VIEW OF
PEDESTRAN TRAFFIC IS GREATLY REDUCED OR
OBSCURRED ALTOGETHER.
Operator sight distances
from eye level to ground
Operator sight distances
from eye level to ground
This area is fully obstructed
when the vehicle is full
Operator sight distances
from eye level to ground
Area of fully
obstructed view
Operator sight distances
from eye level to ground
28’11”
21’ 11”
Operator sight distances
from eye level to ground
Effective Communication
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Driver to spotter communication is
critical
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Allows driver to determine spotter
capability
Ensures both parties understand the
signals that will be used.
Discussion should take place pre-job
to identify hazards associated with
task.
ASRC Standardized Spotting Signals
Driver Responsibilities
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Establish the need for a spotter prior to backing
Determine capability of the spotter
Determine location where spotter should stand
Determine the best method for signals and the appropriate device for signaling
(flashlight may be necessary)
Identify final vehicle position to the spotter
Determine any obstructions that may be hazards and communicate them to spotter
Ensure there is nothing to impede safe operation of vehicle (Traction Devices)
Be able to pivot right foot from accelerator to brake without lifting your heel
Never lose site of the spotter while backing
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STOP BACKING IMMEDIATELY IF VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE SPOTTER IS LOST
Ensure vehicle is secured (IN PARK or BRAKES SET) after final placement
Stop the backing procedure and re-evaluate the scene if unsafe conditions develop.
Follow the procedures set forth in the Driving & Spotting SOP’s
Spotter Responsibilities
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Communicate with driver prior to spotting the vehicle or equipment.
Help the driver to identify hazards or important information.
Use standardized signals.
Do not spot equipment from vehicles blind areas.
Ensure contact with the driver at all times during the spotting
procedure. (check the mirror)
Ensure signals are visible during dark conditions.
If using flashlights never point them at the driver’s mirror
Never walk into the line of fire of the moving vehicle.
Always ensure vehicle is secured (in PARK or Brakes Set) before
entering the line of fire.
Follow the procedures set forth in the Driving & Spotting SOP’s
Before we start backing……
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Be aware of the surroundings
Don’t let ourselves be distracted
LOOK UP for overhead hazards.
What is our objective?
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Plan the route – start to finish.
Identify the obstacles - don’t get crushed.
How do we communicate – with hand signals?
Agree to where the spotter stands.
While backing ….
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Maintain eye contact with the driver
Keep the driver in the line of sight of the
mirrors.
Look for vehicles or people that enter the
path of the vehicle.
STOP the driver until all is clear.
Do not place yourself in the line of fire
Special situations…..
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At night, use flashlight/wands to help the
driver see you.
In congested or tight areas, use more
than one spotter if necessary.
Stop the backing process and regroup if
required.
Statistics show that nearly a quarter of all
deaths involving vehicles at work
happen when the vehicle is reversing …
USUALLY BECAUSE THE DRIVER OR
PEDESTRIAN DID NOT PAY ATTENTION
PROPERTIES
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