Health, Safety and Environment.
Heavy Vehicle/ Forklift Spotter.
A spotter is someone trained to look.
Why we need a spotter?
• A spotter is necessary when the driver/operator does not
have full view of the working area and need someone to
direct him.
• Not only there is the possibility of injuring someone, but
also of causing property damage.
Danger Zones
• Blind Spots.
• Travel path.
• Approaching machine before acknowledging the
operator.
• Struck by overhead load falling.
IF YOU CAN TOUCH THE MACHINE YOU ARE
TOO CLOSE!
Learn to know the….
Danger - ZONE
THE SHADED AREA SURROUNDING EACH MACHINE
REPRESENTS THE DANGER ZONE IN WHICH THE
OPERATOR’S VIEW IS REDUCED OR OBSTRUCTED
ALTOGETHER.
Heavy Vehicle - Danger Zone
• The danger zone is the area
around the vehicle where the
operator doesn’t have full visibility
during operations.
• Stay at least 10 ft. away from all
sides of the vehicle or equipment.
• Front, both sides (left, right), the
right rear is the most dangerous
(the blindside).
• The back, Behind the equipment
is also one of the most dangerous
areas to be.
Heavy Vehicle – Danger Zone
If you’re working near moving vehicles or equipment,
what are the most important safety points to
remember?
• Stay alert at all times.
• Don’t distract yourself.
• Keep a safe distance.
• Watch out for shifting or unstable loads.
• Wear bright reflective vest if working near moving
vehicle.
Spotters – An important
requirements
There is this important rule for drivers and
operators:
Don’t back or move a vehicle or heavy
equipment unless you have a spotter directing
your every move.
It’s an easy rule to remember.
The important thing is to obey it.
When to use a spotter?
• Backing a forklift.
• Entering or moving a forklift in a congested
area.
• Poor-visibility (at night or raining).
• Co-workers working or pedestrians walking
in close proximity to your work zone.
• Overhead obstructions/ other obstructions or
obstacles.
Spotter – An Important
Requirement.
• This person has to watch out for others as
well as for himself (keep enough distance
in between spotter and vehicle), and
making sure the vehicle or load doesn't
damage property.
• It may appear as an easy task, but there
are a lot of dangers involved.
The Spotter’s responsibilities.
SPOTTERS AND DRIVERS MUST WORK
TOGETHER
• The operator will discuss the positioning, backing,
movements and plan with the spotter before
proceeding.
• The operator shall STOP the vehicle immediately prior
to losing sight or losing sight of the spotter.
The Spotter’s responsibilities.
• In order to give an unobstructed view of the entire
movement of vehicle and load, stand at the
driver’s side when directing the driver/operator.
• It is important that the driver/operator understands
the signal. So together before any movement
happens, explain the signal that will be used.
• Allow for sufficient stopping distance and
clearance.
The Spotter’s responsibilities.
• Always be sure the same signals for the same
moves.
• Hand signals are much better than vocal signals
because or noise. A shouted signal may not be
heard or may be misunderstand.
The Spotter’s responsibilities.
• If the driver/operator is unclear at any point about
the spotters, signals, ALL movements should be
STOPPED immediately.
NEVER ASSUME WHAT THE SPOTTER IS
SIGNALING.
The Spotter’s
Signals
STRAIGHT BACKWARD OR FORWARD
To move the vehicle in a straight line either
forward or backward.
The Spotter’s
Signals
TURN – To move the vehicle either to the right or
left while the vehicle is moving.
The Spotter’s
Signals
DISTANCE TO STOPPING POINT
To provide the drive a visual reference for the
distance to the stop point.
The Spotter’s
Signals
CLEARED TO LEAVE THE AREA
To show the driver the vehicle is clear of
obstruction and is cleared to leave in the
direction intended.
The Spotter’s
Signals
STOP!
Stop ALL movements of the vehicle, await for
further instructions.
Be Sure YOU ARE SEEN
• If you or someone else has to pass behind a
vehicle;
1. STOP the vehicle first.
2. As you are passing behind it, extend your hand
at arm’s length and place it against the back of
the vehicle.
3. Then if the vehicle starts to move, you will need
to get out of the way.
Be Sure YOU ARE SEEN
• In addition to standing well to the driver’s side of
the vehicle, wear a fluorescent vest.
