Transportation of heavy equipment is no easy task, especially if you’re not used to it. According to the US Bureau of Labor’s statistics, there are around 400 deaths from heavy equipment accidents. While handling these massive pieces, having a guide on hand to load, transport, and unload is the way to go. Below is a brief guide to help get started with loading and heavy equipment moving.
1. Do a Risk Assessment
When a company loads and transports heavy equipment, they bear all the liability, which is why they have a responsibility to dot their Is and cross their Ts. Risk assessment is a preemptive way to get the details of what the process should look like. It includes all the protocols and the transportation line. The more detailed it is, the better chances there are of getting through it without any issues.
2. Outfit the Site with PPE
When dealing with heavy equipment, safety is the backbone of any industry. The company moving the heavy equipment is responsible for the safety of everyone involved. That’s why PPE should be a standard not only during transport but throughout the operations. This is also an important part of developing a risk-mitigation strategy.
3. Inspect Hauling Capacity
The federal limit of hauling capacity is 80,000 pounds, but not all transporting vehicles can handle the same weight. All your heavy load handling equipment will have a specified weight they can handle. Inspect the hauling capacity before loading anything onto it.
4. Clear the Area for Any Hazards
Loading and transporting heavy equipment is not just about driving it away on a dozer. When loading the equipment, pick an uninhabited area with even space so you can safely place a ramp and haul the heavy equipment on it.
5. Begin the Machine Line-Up
Slow and steady wins the race, or in this case, gets heavy equipment up the ramp and onto the transporting vehicle safely. Position a spotter and begin the machine line-up. Remember that the center of gravity can shift, and the loading process might become dangerous. Just keep moving slowly and gradually.
6. Chain Down Heavy Equipment
Once your heavy equipment is up on the transporting vehicle, it’s time to move it. Before that, don’t forget to chain down the heavy equipment for safe transportation. Fasten them linearly with downward force and use at least four chains.
The Best Heavy Equipmentonly at Hovair
At Hovair, we offer the best heavy equipment, provide tutorials, and guide you on how to use it best. If you’re looking for the latest models that give you the maximum benefits, check out our website. We offer premium quality equipment and have decades-worth of experience in the field.
We’re recognized as one of the leading platforms that design and build heavy equipment and have various types like air bearing, industrial turntable, moving heavy machinery, heavy load handling, air lifting bags, and more. All our products are powered by compressed air, which is efficient and cost-effective, perfect for use in large and small-scale industries.
Contact us for more information about our systems for moving heavy machinery!