Safety Operating Procedures and Precautions for Small Excavators

1. Pre-Operation Preparation
   Check Equipment Status

• Verify sufficient levels of fuel, hydraulic oil, and coolant; check for leaks.

• Inspect tracks/tires, buckets, hydraulic arms, and other components for integrity; ensure bolts are tight.

• Confirm that lights, horns, instrument panels, and other signaling devices are functional.

Assess Work Environment

• Check the work area for underground pipelines, cables, or other obstacles (contact relevant departments if necessary).

• Ensure the ground is firm and level; slope gradient during operation must not exceed the equipment's allowable limit (typically ≤30°).

Personal Protection

• Operators must wear safety helmets, anti-slip shoes, reflective vests, and other protective gear.

• Operating under the influence of alcohol or while fatigued is strictly prohibited.

2. Safety Procedures During Operation
   Starting and Moving

• Sound the horn before starting to warn others and confirm no personnel or obstacles are nearby.

• Keep the bucket 30–40 cm above the ground when moving; proceed at low speed smoothly, avoiding sharp turns or traversing steep slopes sideways.

Operational Precautions

• Maintain a safe distance: Stay at least twice the digging depth away from trenches or cliff edges.

• Do not use the bucket to strike hard objects or perform "hammering" operations to avoid hydraulic system overload.

• Check blind spots when slewing; ensure no one is nearby (assign a spotter if necessary).

Special Conditions

• Maintain a safe distance from power facilities (e.g., ≥5 meters for high-voltage lines).

• Ensure adequate lighting for nighttime operations and set up warning lights in the work area.

3. Post-Operation Guidelines

• Park on level ground, lower the bucket, shut off the engine, and remove the key.

• Clean dirt and debris from the equipment; inspect for damage or parts needing repair.

• Complete equipment usage logs and report any abnormalities.

4. Emergency Response

• Equipment Tilt or Instability: Gently lower the bucket to support the ground and evacuate the cab slowly.

• Hydraulic Oil Leakage: Stop operation, turn off the engine, and contact maintenance personnel.

• Injury: Immediately halt work and activate emergency protocols.

5. Prohibited Actions

• Do not stand under the bucket or within the hydraulic arm's range of motion.

• Do not use the excavator to drag heavy objects or transport people.

• Do not perform maintenance while the engine is running.

Reminder: Specifications may vary by equipment model. Always strictly follow the manufacturer's operation manual. Attend regular safety training and operate only with proper certification.

Safe operation is the foundation of protecting lives and equipment. Strict compliance is mandatory!