There are a lot of moving parts on most construction sites, and a piece of heavy machinery that is backing up is one of the most common ones. On Tucker Paving construction sites, we have dump trucks hauling dirt, vehicles delivering equipment and supplies, excavators digging and moving, and so much more. A moving vehicle or piece of machinery is generally at its most dangerous when it is backing up, so part of our safety recommendations to our drivers is to use a spotter.
Guidelines on When to Use a Spotter
We let our truck and equipment drivers know that it’s often a good idea to use a spotter when backing, but we have specific guidelines in place to guide our drivers on when to use a spotter. They are:
- When someone is backing up a trailer with passengers in the truck, at least one passenger is required to get out and flag or guide the truck and trailer safely.
- A spotter is required if the driver needs to back into a tight area even without a trailer, especially for trucks with blind spots like the 550s.
- Equipment operators should solicit help from a spotter in tight areas.
- If there is no passenger, the driver should solicit help from someone on site if possible.
- The flagger or guide should position himself in line with a mirror so the driver can easily see hand signals.
- Remember if you can’t see the driver in the mirror, then the driver can’t see you.
- Don’t completely rely on mirrors when backing trucks or equipment. Take a second or two to turn your head and look back. Circumstances can change very quickly behind you. Remember not to completely rely on mirrors when operating trucks or equipment.
- When operating equipment in an area where there are obstacles that could be hit, set up cones or barricades to help protect these obstacles.
Tucker Paving has over 30 years of experience in the concrete and asphalt paving construction industry, and we offer earthworks, underground utilities, hauling, and more. Call us at (863) 299-2262, or contact us online, for your next project!