Operating heavy mobile equipment can be one of the most hazardous jobs in the mining industry. Operators know better than anyone that proper safety starts and ends with good decisions. Below we’d like to share some general safety tips to keep in mind when operating your TowHaul equipment.
Here are our top 5 safety tips:
- 1
Invest in training – Not only is it important to train new operators, we highly recommend refresher training for current operators on a regular schedule. TowHaul has service technicians who regularly travel to sites in order to conduct refresher training. Our team is available to connect with mine safety trainers by e-mail or phones.
- 2
Inspect your equipment – Each TowHaul Lowboy has moving parts, shafts and pins critical for safe operation. TowHaul recommends a daily walk around prior to operating the equipment as well as more detailed inspections according to a regular maintenance plan. Our service team can provide you with a customized inspection plan for your unit. Alternatively, we can work with you to schedule a mine visit from a TowHaul Authorized Service Technician to conduct an in-depth inspection of your TowHaul equipment.
- 3
Slow it down – There is a drastic difference between operating a mine haul truck and a fully loaded lowboy trailer. TowHaul recommends solutions such as locking out the top gears of the prime mover or creating operational policies to limit speeds. Creating internal policies advising of safe operating speeds while pulling the lowboy can go a long way to ensure that all operators and mine traffic are aware of potential hazards.
- 4
Be aware – Technology such as high-definition camera systems can assist with blind spots and other hard-to-see areas. These are available options on all TowHaul equipment. Staying vigilant to changing environmental conditions and traffic patterns is also key to safe operations. The TowHaul Plus One Control system monitors all of the TowHaul systems and will notify the operator of potential issues with audible and visual alarms. Heeding these warnings will prevent possible damage and downtime.
- 5
Be visible – The use of beacons, clearance lights, high visibility safety tape and other systems are key to notifying other equipment operators of your presence. Be sure that all of your lighting and visibility systems are functioning properly.
TowHaul wants everyone to come home safely at the end of each shift. If you have any tips that you would like to share with our community, please feel free to contact us. We will be sure to share the best tips and practices.
