Excavator (LE)

The Work Health & Safety Act was introduced by the Australian Government in 2011, superseding existing legislation, and marking it easier for workers to operate different kinds of plant equipment in a safe and responsible manner.

While a licence or certification is no longer required to operate an excavator, wheeled loader, skid steer or other earthmoving equipment, this doesn't mean an operator can just hop on and start work. SafeWork Australia has set out guidelines for the operation of plant equipment, with a focus on 'Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU)s (that's the employer) providing the required instruction, training and supervision to perform their work safely.

A person conducting a business or undertaking has the primary duty under the WHS Act to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking. This duty includes ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable:

• the provision and maintenance of safe plant, and
• the safe use, handling, storage and transport of plant

The PCBU must ensure that:

• Operators receive adequate information, training, instruction and supervision.
• Operators are competent.
• Equipment is used appropriately to minimise risks to health and safety.

And that operators are aware:

• How to operate the equipment, including the correct use of control measures.
• Who else is authorised to use the equipment.
• Maintenance requirements including safe shutdown, inspection, clean and repair.

The PCBU on your job site may look for the following when assessing your eligibility to operate plant:

• Logbooks for work-based training conducted by an operator skilled and experienced in the operation of the same type of equipment.
• A previously issued certificate under the Workplace Health & Safety Regulation 2008.
• A statement of attainment for a National Unit of Competency

If you lack the appropriate training or work history you can not operate plant.

WHS PCBUs, Workers & Officers Fact Sheet

http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/media/publications/health-and-safety/whs-pcbus,-workers-and-officers-fact-sheet

Definitions of PCBUs and Workers

http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/law-and-policy/employer-and-business-obligations/definitions-of-pcbus-and-workers

Code of Practice - Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace

http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/52156/managing-risks-of-plant-code-practice-3838.pdf

This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to conduct civil construction excavator operations in Civil construction.

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.

Plan and prepare for excavator operations

• 1.1 Access, interpret and apply skid steer loader operations documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
• 1.2 Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
• 1.3 Identify and address risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
• 1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
• 1.5 Obtain, identify and implement traffic signage requirements
• 1.6 Select, and check for faults, equipment and/or attachments for work activities
• 1.7 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency

Operate excavator

• 2.1 Carry out pre-start, start-up, park, shutdown and secure equipment procedures
• 2.2 Coordinate activities with others at the site prior to commencement of, and during, the work activity
• 2.3 Continually monitor hazards and risks, and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment
• 2.4 Drive and operate excavator, and modify the operating technique to meet changing work conditions

3. Lift, carry and place materials

• 3.1 Conduct communication practices associated with transportation and lifting of materials
• 3.2 Establish weight of load and ensure it is within safe operational limits of the machine
• 3.3 Select, attach and use slings and lifting gear in accordance with safe working load requirements
• 3.4 Position machinery and ensure stability and locate to effectively shift materials according to job specifications
• 3.5 Shift load safely and effectively
• 3.6 Move load using hand/audible/communication signals

4. Select, remove and fit attachments

• 4.1 Select attachment for the task
• 4.2 Remove and fit attachment according to manufacturer's manual and site requirements
• 4.3 Test attachment and ensure correct fitting and operation
• 4.4 Use attachment in accordance with recommendations and design limits
• 4.5 Remove, clean and store attachments in designated location

5. Prepare to relocate the excavator

• 5.1 Prepare excavator for relocation
• 5.2 Move excavator safely within and/or between work areas, observing relevant codes and traffic management requirements
• 5.3 Load and unload machine from float/trailer

6. Carry out machine operator maintenance

• 6.1 Prepare machine for maintenance
• 6.2 Conduct inspection and fault finding
• 6.3 Carry out scheduled maintenance tasks
• 6.4 Process written maintenance records

7. Conduct housekeeping activities

• 7.1 Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials
• 7.2 Process records