Toolbox Talk: Back Up Alarms
Every vehicle with a haulage capacity of 2 ½ cubic yards or more that is used to haul dirt, rock, concrete, or other construction material shall be equipped with a warning device that operates automatically while the vehicle is backing up. The warning sound shall be of such magnitude that it will normally be audible from a distance of 200 feet and will sound immediately upon backing up. In congested areas or areas with high ambient noise that obscures the audible alarm, a signaler, in clear view of the operator, shall direct the backing operation.
Those vehicles not subject to Regulation 1592(a) operating in areas where their backward movement would constitute a hazard to employees working in the area on foot, and where the operator’s vision is obstructed to the rear of the vehicle, shall be equipped with an effective device or method to safeguard employees such as:
• An automatic backup audible alarm that would sound immediately upon backing up, or
• An automatic braking device at the rear of the vehicle that will apply the service brake immediately on contact with any obstruction to the rear, or
Instead of 1 or 2 above, administration controls shall be established such as:
1. A spotter or flagger in clear view of the operator who shall direct the backing-up operation, or
2. Other procedures that will require the operator to dismount and circle the vehicle immediately before starting a backup operation, or
3. Prohibiting all foot traffic in the work area
Other means shall be provided that will furnish a safety equivalent to the foregoing for all those working in the area.
Points to Remember:
1. All vehicles shall be equipped with a manually operated warning device that can be clearly heard from a distance of 200 feet.
2. The operator of all vehicles shall not leave the controls of the vehicle while it is moving under its engine power.
3. Hauling or earth-moving operations shall be controlled in such a manner as to ensure that equipment or vehicle operators know of the presence of spotters, grade-checkers, surveyors, or other workers on foot in the areas of their operations.
