Dump Truck Safety Checks
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In the construction industry, dump trucks play an important role in the transportation of material from one point to another. This equipment is one of the most powerful and effective tools in the transfer of a building supply component in a timely and productive manner. Generally, dump trucks have a bed mounted on the chassis that can be raised with a hydraulic system. Along with the increasing demand for these types of commercial vehicles, there has also been an associated increase in the number of tip-over accidents, most all of which are preventable.
Consequently, the increased use of dump trucks and other commercial vehicles in the construction industry opens up the possibility of injuries from the vehicle tipping over when it begins to dump its load. The best way to prevent this from occurring is by following certain safety guidelines and procedures. In the United States, approximately 500,000 commercial vehicles and heavy trucks, including dump trucks, are involved in vehicular accidents. In 2010, approximately 100,000 people were injured and 5,000 were killed. The United States Department of Transportation says that these numbers continue to rise. In this regard, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration has strengthened safety regulations of dump trucks for sale to decrease the number of this type of accident. Even though safety regulations have been strengthened, there was still an increase caused by driver negligence, in particular due to driver fatigue.
Operators of dump trucks should exercise extra caution when on the road to avoid potential accidents. Decreasing accidents related to dump truck operations can be achieved if drivers always use caution when dumping these trucks. Comprehensive precautionary measures must be a primary action to avoid danger. Before driving to the work area, an operator must understand the safety guidelines provided in the manufacturer’s manual. This should be followed by a pre-inspection of vital components such as the engine, tires, mirrors, brakes, dump beds, tailgate locks, and hydraulic fluid. If any problem is noticed in any of these areas, the truck should not be used until it has been serviced. Important components to check are the tire pressure on both sides of the dump truck for sale. Ensure they have equal pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Another element to check is the control mechanisms used to elevate the dump truck bed, which would include: hydraulic cylinders, suspension system, tailgate lock to name a few. Remember to check the brakes and side mirrors. Dump truck operators should also ensure that the ground is solid and can support the gross vehicular weight of the dump truck. A load should not be dumped on a slightly sloped surface since this is often how tip-over accidents occur.
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Source by CentralTruckSales
