Effective communication and vigilance are key when it comes to the role of a heavy equipment spotter, whose primary responsibility is to ensure the safe operation and maneuvering of large vehicles, preventing accidents and injuries on the job site.
A spotter is a person at the job site trained to direct heavy equipment operators who are attempting to maneuver when they do not have full view of the working area and hazards.
A spotter is recommended when a heavy equipment operator is attempting to back up earthmoving or compacting equipment with an obstructed view to the rear and there is no back-up alarm.
When driving heavy equipment near overhead, side, or ground obstructions like overhead power lines or excavations, it is always advisable to utilize a spotter.
A spotter is also recommended when backing any vehicle that has large blind spots, when visibility is poor, or when the work site is congested.
It’s also important to listen to heavy equipment operators and honor their request to use a spotter for added safety in any situation.
Spotters should be aware of hazards on the job site that could become a danger for the heavy equipment operator including ground level obstructions, holes, muddy areas, and uneven ground. Pedestrians and other moving equipment, overhead power lines, excavations, and trenches should also be hazards that the spotter and the operator are taking into account when moving heavy equipment.
Responsibilities of a spotter may include:
- Ensuring the equipment does not hit anyone or anything
- Paying attention to the positioning of a load during lift and lower
- Knowing the equipment operator’s blind spots
- Confirming the load is balanced and not in danger of tipping
- Watching for hazards along the travel path
- Directing the travel route when the operator’s view is limited
- Keeping pedestrians out of the danger zone
There is not a set of universally recognized spotter hand signals. Whether you are the heavy equipment operator, or the spotter, ensure that you agree on and understand the set of signals that will be used during the operation.
It is best if everyone on the job site uses the same set of hand signals so there is no confusion during complicated maneuvers.
The spotter should be positioned in such a way that they have a clear view of the areas the operator cannot see and at the same time not be in harm’s way. Spotters should wear high-visibility clothing, like a reflective safety vest.
If the spotter cannot find a safe place to stand while giving signals, stop the move. Talk to the operator about how to re-organize the move in a way that will allow the spotter to stand in a safe location.
Spotters typically use hand signals because voice signals may not be heard or can be easily misunderstood, especially if the vehicle is loud, or there is noise on the job site. Use a two-way radio if the operator cannot see the spotter or hear verbal signals.
While acting as a heavy equipment spotter use large arm and hand movements that are easy to understand. Continue to signal even when the maneuver remains the same or is proceeding normally and safely. Keep your hands up and keep the proper signal going throughout the movement.
Spotters should keep a safe distance from the equipment they are guiding but maintain continuous visual contact with the operator. Allow for enough stopping distance and clearance.
Avoid walking into the path of moving equipment or a swinging load. Do not walk behind heavy equipment. Do not become positioned between two moving vehicles, or between a vehicle and a fixed object.
If possible, spotters should avoid walking backwards while giving the signals – if you are walking, you need to see where you are going.
Spotters and equipment operators must work together, and both be completely focused on the task during the signaling activities. Together, the spotter and the heavy equipment operator should agree on hand signals or verbal commands before starting.
The spotter should know the operator’s blind spots which may be to the rear, to the front, or on the sides of the equipment.
The spotter should discuss with the equipment operator the plan for getting the heavy equipment where it needs to go including positioning and planned movement of the equipment
Before starting the move, the spotter and the equipment operator should survey the area surrounding the heavy equipment and along the path of travel for potential hazards.
Acting as a heavy equipment spotter requires your full concentration. Do not perform any other duties while you are acting as a spotter. Do not look at a cell phone, wear headphones, chat with a co-worker, or do anything else that could pose a distraction while you are directing the movement of heavy equipment.
