Backing & Spotter Safety

1. Backing & Spotter Safety • This-self paced course has 23 slides. The training is read-only – there is no narration. You must click the next button to proceed to the next slide. • At the last slide of this presentation you will be given a test. You may use these slides as an aid while completing your test. • You will only receive credit after receiving 100% on the test and clicking on the FINISH button. Reverse the Trend!

2. Objectives • 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.

3. The Role of a Spotter • 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.

4. Spotter Situations • 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.

5. Pinch points / line of fire Limited visibility Cold weather will create large exhaust plumes Blowing snow Inadequate lighting Blind spots (all sizes of equipment) Slick or uneven working surfaces Hazards of Spotting Equipment

6. Blind Spot Recognition • A blind spot is: • 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.

7. Blind Spot Recognition • 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: • 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

8. Blind Spot Recognition • 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

9. 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.

10. Operator sight distances from eye level to ground

11. Operator sight distances from eye level to ground

12. Operator sight distances from eye level to ground

13. Operator sight distances from eye level to ground

14. Operator sight distances from eye level to ground

15. Effective Communication • Driver to spotter communication is critical • 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.

16. ASRC Standardized Spotting Signals

17. Driver Responsibilities • 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 • 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

18. Spotter Responsibilities • 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

19. Before we start backing…… • Be aware of the surroundings • Don’t let ourselves be distracted • LOOK UP for overhead hazards. • What is our objective? • 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.

20. While backing …. • 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

21. Special situations….. • 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.

22. 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 don’t trust your luck when backing up

23. Backing & Spotter Safety Test