Heavy machinery does a great job in all applications, but its use is fraught with danger. This danger can be considerably lessened

by sticking to safety regulations, not all of which may be in the user’s manual or training books. Below you will find a brief list

of safety rules & tips.

-Don’t operate heavy machinery while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. Some medications also cause drowsiness or

make you less alert than normal.
-Always wear the correct protective clothing such as boots, gloves, helmet, overalls and safety jacket.
-Never exceed what a machine can carry according to the manual.
-Tie long hair into a bun and take off jewelry before you start.
-Never jump onto or off the equipment. Operators should always use the three-point contact rule when climbing onto or off heavy

equipment. The three-point rule means having both feet and one hand, or one foot and both hands in contact with the ladder access at

all times.
-Do not carry a passenger unless there is a passenger seat complete with safety belt for them.
-Never allow a passenger to ride in the bucket or on any other part of the equipment.
-Keep a safe distance from other machinery and people who may need to be on the construction site.
-Turn off the engine before refueling or performing any other checks off the machine.
-Do not smoke when using the machine or re-fueling.
-When parking or leaving the machine, turn off the engine, engage the brakes and gears and remove the key from the ignition.
-Disengage any attachments and make sure they are at the lowest position.
-Always use the safety guards provided, e.g. for the PTO.
-Always wear the safety belt even if your machine has a cab. It will prevent you from being thrown out if the machine should tip or

roll over.
-Watch for overhead power lines.
-Never forget one simple rule: parking breaks. Easy to operate and can save lives.

Remembering and following these safety tips proves to be very useful whether you are operating used equipment or something brand

new. Remember, that buying used equipment from private resellers or auctions can involve health and safety risks. If you are looking

to purchase used equipment, stick to the recommended sites like Tradebridge Connect,

where all the stock is quality tested by a qualified technician and there will be no surprises once you receive the equipment.