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EXCAVATOR QUICK HITCH SAFETY GUIDANCE
Updated guidance to HSE Inspectors reveals likely enforcement action
HSE has published SIM 02/2007/01 Version 3 – Safe use of quick hitch devices on excavators providing updated guidance to HSE Construction Inspectors on the safe use of excavator quick hitches, including:
- common failure modes, in particular with semi-automatic hitches;
- key issues that inspectors may consider during inspection;
- guidance on where HSE enforcement may be taken; and
- recent developments in use and legal requirements.
A quick hitch (QH) on an excavator is a latching device that enables attachments to be connected to the dipper arm of the plant and interchanged quickly.
This guidance to Inspectors supplements existing Industry/HSE Guidance on QH’s.
A significant number of all accidents investigated on excavators are attributed to the bucket detaching from a quick hitch and injuring a ground worker. Many dangerous occurrences occur when a bucket detaches unintentionally from the hitch, but without injury.
Likely questioning by HSE inspectors
The SIM indicates that you should expect the following lines of enquiry from HSE Inspectors:
Does site supervision know if QHs on the excavators under their control require a manual safety pin?- Is the risk of bucket detachment covered by the risk assessment?
- Have excavator operators been trained in the use of their QHs and, where appropriate, in the use of the excavator as a crane?
- Is there a checklist in the cab of daily and weekly inspection and maintenance carried out on the excavator, and does this checklist include a check of the QH and lubrication as appropriate?
Is there a record of the inspection and maintenance actually carried out?- What are the management systems for checking whether manual safety pins are always in place?
- Are the safety pins inserted where appropriate?
- Can the operator explain the type of QH system used (does he/she know whether it needs a safety pin or not?)
- Is a manual or instruction card available in the cab?
- Does the operator know how to visually check that the QH is locked?
- Does the operator know that he should test the security of the bucket after changing it?
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