Mobile Plant Prestart and Operation Procedure

Purpose. This procedure covers the prestart inspection, operation, positive communication and parking of mobile plant on Deepridge sites in line with the vehicle interaction principal hazard management plan.

1.Scope

This procedure applies to every person who operates or travels in mobile plant or light vehicles on a Deepridge site: haul trucks, excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, water carts, drill rigs, service trucks and light vehicles.

2.Authorisation

No person will operate any item of mobile plant unless they hold a current authorisation for that make and model in the Training and Authorisation Matrix. Authorisation requires the relevant unit of competency or licence, a site verification of competency and a sign-off by the supervisor.

3.Prestart inspection

Before operating, the operator must complete the prestart inspection for the machine in the Mobile Plant and Prestart Register: walk around, fluid levels, tyres or tracks, brakes, steering, lights, horn, reversing alarm, fire suppression, seat belt, two-way radio and any defect from the previous shift. A machine with a safety critical defect must be tagged out of service and not operated until repaired and cleared by maintenance.

• Walk around and check for damage, leaks and ground hazards
• Test brakes, steering, lights, horn and reversing alarm
• Check fire suppression and extinguisher
• Confirm two-way radio on the correct channel
• Record the inspection and any defect before moving

4.Operating rules

Operators must follow the site traffic management plan, speed limits, give way rules and the positive communication rules. Light vehicles must call up and receive acknowledgement before approaching within 50 metres of heavy plant. Nobody may approach operating plant on foot without positive communication and eye contact. Seat belts must be worn at all times.

5.Fatigue and fitness

Operators must complete the fatigue self-assessment at prestart and report to the supervisor if they become fatigued during the shift. Operators must not use a handheld phone while operating.

6.Parking and shutdown

Plant must be parked in designated areas or with the bucket, blade or tray lowered, the park brake applied and wheel chocks or a windrow used on any grade. Light vehicles must park in designated bays with fundamental stability and never in the blind spot of heavy plant. Defects found during the shift must be recorded in the register at shutdown.