Alabama Home Builders Self
Insurers Fund
Skid Steer Operator Training Program
Presented by the AHBSIF Loss Control Department
Course Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Introduction
General Safety Precautions
Safe Operating Procedures
Emergency Situations
Driving Test
I. Introduction
Introduction
This presentation will provide
participants with the following:
General description
General safety precautions
Safe operating procedures
Emergency Situations
Components of a Skid Steer
Warning Lights
Lift Arm
Roll Over
Protection
System
(ROPS)
Safe Entry
Aids, Grab Rail
and Non-Slip
Step
Hydraulic
Block
All-Wheel Steer
Bucket
Attachment
Common Safety Devices
Roll Over Protection System
Overhead Protection
Seatbelt
Protective cage
Pedestrian Warning Devices
Lights
Horn
Operator’s Manual
Attachments
II. General Safety Precautions
Signage
 Alerts
operators to
special
messages
regarding:
 Operation
 Maintenance
 Safety
Precautions
Recognition of emphasized
messages:
 NOTE
• This message is used when special information, instructions, or identification
is required relating to procedures, equipment, tools, pressures, capacities,
and other special data.
 IMPORTANT
• This message is used when special precautions should be taken to ensure a
correct action or to avoid damage to, or malfunction of, the truck or a
component.
 CAUTION
• This message is for proper precautions which, if not followed, can result in
personal injury.
 WARNING
• This message is used when a hazard exists which can result in injury or
death if proper precautions are not taken.
 DANGER
• This message is used when an extreme hazard exists which will result in
death or serious injury if proper precautions are not taken immediately.
Benefits of Operator Training
 It improves safety for the operator and others
 It Improves morale
 Increased employee responsibility
 The operator learns how to perform a pre-shift inspection




Reduce down time
Increase productivity
Reduce maintenance costs
Improve safety
 The equipment is better cared for
 Employees understand the value of the equipment and how to
use it efficiently
 Operator training and progress is documented
 OSHA requirements are fulfilled
Operate only if qualified
 Do not operate unless you have been trained to
do so and are familiar with the operator's manual
 Familiarize yourself with the job site and your
surroundings before operating.
 Try all controls and machine functions with the
machine in an open area before starting to work.
 Know and observe all jobsite specific safety
rules
Protective Equipment
 Safety Glasses and Face Shield
 Guard against injury from flying pieces of metal or
debris; wear face shield or safety glasses.
 Proper Attire
 Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment
appropriate to the job.
 Ear Plugs and/or Muffs
 Wear suitable hearing protection to protect against
loud or prolonged noises.
Machine Modifications
Always contact an authorized dealer
before making machine modifications
Changes can effect the following:
Intended use of skid steer
Weight or balance of the machine
Can alter machine controls, performance or
reliability
Pre-shift Inspection
Inspect machine carefully each day by
walking around it before starting.
Keep all guards and shields in good
condition and properly installed.
Fix damage and replace worn or broken
parts immediately.
Pay special attention to hydraulic hoses
and electrical wiring.
Stay Clear of Moving Parts
 Entanglements in moving parts can cause
serious injury.
 Maintenance procedures require the following
 Engine off
 Controls in neutral
 Parking brake set
 Park on level surface, wheel chocks if needed
 Hydraulics blocked
 If any guard or shield has been removed for
access, replace when complete.
Potential Hazard Exposures
 High Pressure Oils
 Most machines use a highpressure hydraulic system.
Escaping oil under pressure can
penetrate the skin causing serious
injury.
 Hydraulic oil that penetrates the
skin must be treated immediately.
 Use the “cardboard test” to locate
potential hydraulic fluid leaks.
Potential Hazard Exposures
 Exhaust Fumes
 Engine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death.
 If you must operate in a building provide adequate
ventilation.
 Use an exhaust pipe extension to remove the exhaust
fumes.
 Open doors and windows to bring outside air into the
area.
Potential Hazard Exposures
 Battery Explosions
 Battery gas can explode. Keep sparks, flames, and
other ignition sources away from the top of the
battery.
 Never check battery charge by placing a metal object
across the posts, use a voltmeter.
 Never charge a frozen battery; it may explode. Warm
battery to 16°C (60°F).
Potential Hazard Exposures
 Fire Prevention
 Handle Fuel Safely: Store flammable fluids away
from fire hazards. Never refuel machine while
smoking or when near sparks or flame.
 Clean Machine Regularly: Keep trash, debris,
grease and oil from accumulating in engine
compartment, around fuel lines, hydraulic lines and
electrical wiring. Never store oily rags or flammable
materials inside a machine compartment.
 Maintain Hoses and Wiring: Replace hydraulic
hoses immediately if they begin to leak, and clean up
any oil spills. Examine electrical wiring and
connectors frequently for damage.
Extinguishers
Ordinary Combustibles
Includes materials such as wood and
paper
Flammable Liquids
Includes fuels, grease, other liquids
Electrical Fires
Contains non-conductive smothering
agent
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
P-A-S-S
Pull -- Pull the pin at the top of the
extinguisher that keeps the handle from being
activated
Aim -- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze -- Maintain a distance of eight to
ten feet away from the fire and squeeze the
handle. Discharge will only occur if the
handle is being squeezed.
Sweep -- Sweep the nozzle back and forth at
the base of the fire until it appears to be out.
Potential Hazard Exposures
Chemical Hazard Communication
Exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause
serious injury.
Lubricants, coolants, paints and adhesives
used with this machine may be hazardous.
If uncertain about safe handling or use of
these chemical products, contact your
authorized dealer for a Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS).
Waste Disposal
 Fuel, oils, coolants, filters and batteries used
with the machine may be harmful to the
environment.
 Never pour waste onto the ground, down a
drain, or into any water source.
 Material must be disposed of in accordance with
the rules and regulations of federal and state
agencies.
 ADEM (Alabama Dept. of Environmental
Management)
 Office of General Council; (334)-271-7977
 (http://www.adem.state.al.us/)
Potential Spill Exposures
Fuel dispensing areas
Maintenance areas
Equipment Failure
Improper Storage vessels
Drums
Buckets
Unapproved containers
III. Safe Operating Procedures
General Safety Procedures
Face the machine when getting on and
off, maintain 3-point contact at all times.
Never use machine controls as
handholds.
Use extra care in poor weather
conditions.
Keep steps clean and free of grease or
oil.
General Safety Procedures
Never jump when exiting machine or exit
while the machine is moving.
Start the engine only while sitting in
operator's seat.
Always wear your safety belt.
The complete seat belt assembly should
be replaced every three years, regardless
of appearance.
General Safety Procedures
Be careful not to accidentally actuate
controls when co-workers are present.
Lower all equipment to the ground during
work interruptions. Engage park brake
before allowing anyone to approach the
machine.
Follow these same precautions before
standing up, leaving the operator's seat, or
exiting the machine.
Potential Site Hazards
Buried utilities, i.e. water, cable,
electrical
Adjacent structures or objects that
could fall onto the machine.
Poor housekeeping, excessive debris.
Overhead power lines.
Potential Site Hazards
Awareness of bystanders and fellow
workers.
Use barricades or a signal person to keep
vehicles and pedestrians away.
Travel path conditions.
Steep terrain
Soft soil
Loose gravel
Rutting
Uneven transitions
Operator Fundamentals
 Keep Riders Off the Machine
 Only allow operator on machine.
 Riders are subject to injury. They may fall from
machine, be caught between machine parts, or struck
by foreign objects.
 Riders may obstruct operator's view or impair his
ability to operate machine safely.
Operator Fundamentals
Avoid Back-over Accidents
Before moving machine, be sure all persons
or vehicles are clear of machine path.
Be certain reverse warning alarm is working
properly.
Use a signal person when backing if view is
obstructed or when in close quarters.
Operator Fundamentals
 Avoid Machine Tip Over
 Use seat belt at all times.
 Never jump from a tipping machine. You will be
unlikely to jump clear and the machine may crush
you.
 Load and unload from trucks or trailers carefully. Be
sure truck is wide enough and on a firm level surface.
Use loading ramps and attach them properly to truck
bed.
Operator Fundamentals
Avoid Machine Tip Over
Use caution on slopes and avoid sharp turns.
Balance loads so weight is evenly distributed
and load is stable.
Carry tools and loads close to the ground to
aid visibility and lower center of gravity.
Avoid overloading, know your machines
capacity.
Operator Fundamentals
 Operating or Traveling On Public Roads
 For work near vehicle traffic you must have proper
lighting and markings to assure visibility.
 Additional lights, beacons, slow moving vehicle (SMV)
emblems, or other devices may require installation.
 Check state and local regulations to assure
compliance. Keep these devices clean and in working
condition.
Operator Fundamentals
Attachment Hook-Up and Operation
Attachments must be compatible.
Installation must handled by a competent
person.
Verify that all connections are secure and
attachment responds properly to controls.
Carefully read attachment manual and follow
all instructions and warnings.
Test the attachment in an open area to insure
proper operation.
Refueling
 Gasoline and Diesel
The difference between these two fuels is their
ignition temperatures.
Gasoline
 Extremely flammable
 Colorless
 Distinctive odor
Diesel
 Has higher ignition point than gas
 Colorless
 Slight odor, harder to detect than gas
Refueling
Most skid steer filler caps are equipped
with a venting device and a fuel screen.
The screen serves as a fire retardant
device by keeping fire out of the fuel tank.
Check when refueling to make sure the
screen is in place.
Refueling
Safe refueling checklist:
Refuel in designated areas with good
ventilation
Smoking and open flames are prohibited
Shut off the skid steer, lower the attachment,
controls in neutral, and set the parking brake
before beginning
Don’t overfill the tank
Clean up any spills
Use only clean, properly marked fuel cans
Batteries
A lead-acid battery is a portable power
source for supplying direct current
electricity.
The most common voltages include 12,
24, 36, and 48 volts.
Discharging a battery below 80% of its
total capacity can result in shortened
battery and truck component life.
Battery Hazards
 Sulfuric Acid – Small amounts can cause severe
contact burns to the skin.
 Gasses – Batteries produce hydrogen and
oxygen mixture continuously. Keep all ignition
sources away.
 Electricity – Batteries are capable of producing
very high discharge rates. Avoid direct shorting
situations.
 Battery Weight – Use care when handling,
charging, and using batteries in the truck.
IV. Emergency Situations
Are you prepared?
Does the facility/jobsite have an
evacuation procedure?
Are emergency contact numbers readily
available?
Do any of your employees/co-workers
have CPR or First Aid training?
Does the facility/jobsite have a first aid kit?
Handling an Emergency
The three C’s, Check, Call, Care help us
remember what to do in an emergency situation.
 Check – check the area for your own safety first,
then the victim's
 Call – for help, 911 or whom ever is in the
immediate area that can provide assistance
 Care - administer care to the victim, this may be
first aid or at least stabilization
V. Driving Test
Pre-operation Inspection
Familiarization with
operating controls
Driver’s Test