The digger derrick is an enormous device with great power; it is commonly used for a number of different activities such as well digging and mining. This massive piece of equipment requires trained personnel to operate it. Operators need to know all necessary safety information about this device as that information is vital to the well-being of all crew members including the operators.

Understanding

It is important that digger derrick operators be able to know the warnings and instructions that can be encountered when dealing with safety documentation. They should also be familiar with the safety alert symbols displayed in the instructions. In fact, an operator must not only read and understand these guidelines; it is equally important that the operator be able to apply and follow all these warnings, caution decals, dangers and instructions found in the digger derrick manual.

The digger derrick caution decals in the manual are usually in the form of an alert symbol or a capitalized word. For example: CAUTION, WARNING or DANGER which indicates that the following instructions are very important in order to avoid any hazards. The decal symbols must be in good condition and readable which is why it is important to immediately replace any decals that are damaged, peeling and illegible.

Digger Derrick Maintenance

One of the most important steps for digger derrick safety is maintenance. The preferred standard is for such equipment to undergo maintenance before, during and after all tasks and applications. When conducting any inspection, maintenance or repair of the digger derrick truck and its accessories, technician must follow the provided technical information about the equipment. Only highly skilled and qualified personnel should be allowed to perform any of the maintenance inspections and repairs.

Some of the information provided states that technicians should not attempt to search for leaks using bare hands or alter the insulated portion of the equipment by drilling holes in the platform. Furthermore, when performing tasks on the platform, technicians should always use hydraulic tools equipped with proper working pressure ratings that are equipped with orange hoses that are clean, dry and legibly marked as non-conducive.

Whenever adjustments or repairs have been performed on the digger derrick, certain items should be verified before turning on and operating the machine. The following items must be accomplished: the entire digger derrick’s covers and guards have been properly installed; tools and equipment used for maintenance have been removed; all safety devices are properly working when the device is re-activated; and the boom must be cycled.

It is important to note that fleet managers have a big role in the overall safety picture. Supervisors should be compelled to be sure that each of their employees has complete knowledge and awareness of all the safety procedures. The one person with the greatest impact in safe digger derrick operations is the operator. For this reason, these particular workers must study all safety messages and directives issued by the company for which they work.

Of course, knowing certain information has impact only if it is applied on the job. All operating procedures must comply with the manufacturer’s safety instruction, NESC guidelines for safety, ANSI standards, and OSHA rules. By operating the machine in a safe manner and using common sense, the operator of an entire digger derrick truck is protecting all employees from any accidents that could result in injury. Knowing safety precautions will lead to a productive, efficient work day for the entire crew!