Heavy equipment safety - Best practices for operation and maintenance

1. Heavy Equipment Safety: Best Practices For Operation And Maintenance Heavy equipment plays essential roles in mining, construction projects, and transportation. However, while heavy equipment is important for completing various tasks in industrial settings, it also presents significant safety risks to workers. In this article, we offer best practices that engineering companies in Kenya must follow for maintaining and operating heavy equipment to enhance safety. 1. Comprehensive Training Programs: To ensure the safe operation of heavy equipment, workers must participate in comprehensive training. This training should include not only the safe operation of the machinery but also cover safety protocols, proper maintenance procedures, and emergency responses. Qualified and experienced instructors should conduct these training sessions. Effective training programs combine practical hands-on experience with classroom learning to cover all necessary safety aspects comprehensively.

2. Effective training programs integrate Kenyan safety standards and local regulations. They emphasise the importance of complying with the requirements set by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) in Kenya. Engineering companies often collaborate with local technical training institutions such as the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) to deliver these programs. 2. Regular Equipment Inspections: Conducting routine inspections is important for identifying potential risks and issues. Detecting such problems before they affect the equipment or pose safety risks to workers is important. The most effective approach involves a visual inspection of the heavy equipment before each use. Operators need to check the brakes, tires, hydraulic systems, fluid levels, and any safety features of the machinery. Addressing any noticeable issues before operation is important for safety. 3. Adherence to Manufacturer Guidelines: Manufacturers provide detailed instructions and guidelines for operating heavy machinery, which also include maintenance advice. Operators must carefully review and rigorously follow these guidelines. They should establish maintenance schedules based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, operators must respect the load capacities specified in the guidelines as exceeding these limits can endanger both the machinery and the workers. 4. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) adds a critical layer of safety for operators of heavy machinery. PPE helps prevent severe injuries to workers. Operators should wear hard hats, gloves, safety goggles, and specialised boots while managing such equipment. If the machinery generates loud noise, hearing protection becomes necessary. Employers are responsible for providing PPE and must encourage its use to foster a safe working environment. Leading engineering companies in Kenya follow these best practices to ensure the safety and efficiency of their operations. Looking for leading engineering companies in Kenya that prioritise innovation and safety? Explore Burhani Engineers. They offer mechanical, civil, electrical and instrumentation engineering solutions. Their highly experienced and adept engineers ensure a client-centric approach to each project, prioritising the needs and requirements of the stakeholders. As one of leading engineering companies in Nairobi, their engineering services ensure holistic and comprehensive solutions for clients.