5 Road Roller Safety Tips for New Users
What are the useful tips for road roller safety?
- Choose reputable road roller brands
- Carefully read the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Assess the risks present at the site
- Form a safety plan before operations
- Perform daily maintenance inspections
A road roller is mostly used for soil compaction in construction and agriculture industries. After all, this heavy equipment is effective in flattening foundations and roads. But because of its powerful crushing, kneading, and vibrating movements, you need to know some road roller safety tips. Keep on reading to learn more!
Choose Reputable Road Roller Brands
If you’re planning on investing in a road roller for your company, you need to choose the right one for the job. After all, there are multiple types of this heavy equipment. For example, single-drum rollers work best in areas that need extra maneuverability. Because it is smaller, it allows you to safely move around rough paths conveniently. But if you have a large-scale project with mostly flat surfaces, a double-drum roller is the right option.
Aside from considering the environmental requirements when using a road roller, you need to be picky when it comes to the manufacturer. After all, you don’t want it to break down after a year of usage. Besides, reputable brands in the country offer tried and tested products that are safely used internationally. Because of this, you would benefit from road rollers with ergonomic designs, low-emission engines, and safety features!
Carefully Read the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
But if you’re confused about the proper way of operating a road roller, the best way to learn is by reading the manufacturer’s manual. After all, every model has different features and designs. This means that the safety features will also vary!
For example, Weycor’s Road Rollers are built with different operating weights and performances. Some of these even have special designs to help you prevent excess compaction and avoid unnecessary compaction runs.
When studying the guidelines, ensure that the instructions are followed properly. Aside from the operators, supervisors must also be educated on the correct use of a road roller. This way, they can spot mistakes from outside which can be neglected by the drivers.
Assess The Risks Present at The site
Aside from the machine itself, the environment you operate in is also a big factor when it comes to safety. After all, building and road construction sites are full of risks such as the following:
- Slips and falls from mounting and dismounting
- Collisions due to low-visibility in the area
- Hearing problems because of machine noise
- Accidents from running into overhead power lines
- Stuck machine in hidden holes and embankments
- Tipping over due to uneven slopes
In some cases, even with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) which is designed to protect operators from being crushed when a machine overturns, a driver could still be ejected. This happens when you forget to wear a seatbelt. For this reason, it’s not recommended for most road rollers to be utilized on road edges. Other than that, working on slopes and banks is also risky.
Form A Safety Plan Before Operations
Because of these hazards, it is a good idea to develop a safety plan before utilizing a road roller and any other heavy equipment. This way, you can eliminate mistakes and find the best methods to complete a project safely and efficiently. This should be made specific to the site and reviewed and updated in time.
This written document might include the following details:
- Responsibility of the supervisor over the workers at the site
- Completion of mandatory safety and first-aid training
- Provision of medical services and emergency personnel information
- Inspection and maintenance checks of equipment
- Jobsite safety inspections
- Hazard communication and toolbox talks
- Issuance and training in the proper use of PPE
- Person to contact when safety concerns emerge
- Housekeeping activities to reduce hazards
- Work zone warning devices
- Fire protection equipment on site
- Emergency evacuation routes
Perform Daily Maintenance Inspections
Because equipment inspection is included in the safety plan, you need to perform it daily. Before and after each use of your road roller, your operators are required to check the machine to spot any problems that could affect the operations and risk their safety.
Some of the aspects that are part of the routine check are as follows:
Drum
Before an operation, the drum surface should be free from dirt and other damages that would result in imperfections in the mat. It should always be lubricated to keep the bearings in peak condition. Otherwise, you have to replace it sooner.
Water System
Because your road rollers have a sprinkling system to prevent asphalt and other ground materials from sticking to the drum, they should have enough source of water. In some cases, clogs could occur which can increase downtime.
Air Filters
Dirty and clogged-up filters might generate more exhaust than clean ones. Aside from polluting the site, it might affect the combustion process of the engine as well.
Steps and Platforms
In some cases, mud and water can accumulate on the platforms leading to the cabin door. Ensure that these are cleaned to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Key Takeaway
When it comes to operating heavy equipment, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. That’s why you need to educate yourself about proper use and maintenance to be fully prepared. Other than that, you need to assess the hazards at each site and have a safety plan for each project. With all these road roller safety tips, you can reduce the risks in your workplace while maintaining the efficiency!
If you need a new road roller for your worksite, Weycor’s compaction rollers are the go-to heavy equipment by countless construction and agricultural companies in the country. As the supplier of this trusted brand in the Philippines, you can contact Multico here.
