Safety
Work safely with hired plant
In an emergency
Stop, stay safe, then call
Call 999 first if anyone is hurt or in danger. Hit a power cable: stay in the seat and keep everyone at least 10 metres away; only leave if there is a fire, by jumping clear with feet together, never touching the machine and the ground at the same time, then do not go back. Call 105 (power cut and cable line). Hit a gas pipe or smell gas: switch off only if it is safe, leave the area and call 0800 111 999. Machine leaning or tipping: stay in the seat with the belt on and hold on; do not jump. Smoke or spraying oil: switch off, keep everyone clear. Then call us on 01902 213089.
Before you dig
- Check for buried services before you start. The search is free at linesearchbeforeudig.co.uk.
- Use a cable locator (CAT) where you can, and dig by hand near any service.
- Look up: keep the machine at least 10 m from overhead power lines. Never raise the arm or tip the dumper under them. If you must work closer, call 105 first.
- Online searches do not show every cable, and none show your own cables to garages, sheds or garden lights. Assume they are there.
- Keep children and pets indoors or well away while any machine is working.
- Never run a machine indoors or in a closed garage: the exhaust gives off carbon monoxide.
- Plan where the spoil, the dumper route and people will be. Fence off the working area.
Daily checks
Walk round before you start
- Fuel and engine oil level
- No leaks under the machine or on the hoses
- No visible damage to tracks, tyres, glass or guards
- Beacon, horn and seatbelt working
If a warning light comes on or something does not look right, stop and call us. Do not keep working.
Safe working, machine by machine
Micro and mini diggers
- Wear the seatbelt. Only lower the safety lever when you are seated and nobody is near the arm or tracks.
- Travel with the bucket low. Work up and down slopes, never across them.
- Keep the machine and spoil back from trench edges.
- Never lift or carry people in the bucket, and do not lift loads with it.
- Never go into an unsupported trench deeper than 1.2 m.
Dumper
- Roll bar (ROPS) up and locked, and seatbelt on, every time.
- Tip on level ground. Near an edge or trench, use a stop block.
- No passengers, and never load above the rated capacity.
Roller
- Go up and down slopes, not across. Keep feet clear of the drums.
- Keep back from unsupported edges of trenches and excavations.
Breaker
- Eye, ear and dust protection for the operator; keep others clear of flying chips.
- Never undo the hoses yourself: the oil is under pressure and can be very hot.
Protective equipment and competence
Wear the right kit
- Safety boots and high-visibility clothing
- Hard hat where there is a risk of falling objects
- Gloves, eye and hearing protection for breaking and cutting
Only competent operators
Only people trained or experienced on the machine should use it. If you are new to it, ask the driver for a walk-through on delivery and read the quick start guide first.
Parking and securing
At the end of the day
- Park on firm, level ground away from traffic and excavations
- Lower the bucket or blade to the ground and apply the brake
- Engine off, key out, immobiliser set
- Keep the machine out of public reach where you can
This is general guidance. It does not replace proper training, the manufacturer's manual, or your site's own rules and risk assessments. For more, see the HSE's guidance on construction plant.
Talk to the hire desk
Mon to Fri 7:30 to 17:30, Sat 7:30 to 13:00. Book online any time.