PLT/General/TBT-PLT-037
Loading Shovel Safe Operation
Plant & Equipment › General › Loading Shovel Safe Operation
Toolbox Talk
Loading Shovel Safe Operation
Loading shovels are used extensively on construction sites for material handling, stockpiling, and loading vehicles. Their size, speed, and limited rear visibility make them one of the most dangerous machines for pedestrians. Rollovers, collisions with other plant, and struck-by incidents involving pedestrians account for numerous serious injuries each year. This talk covers the safe operation of loading shovels on UK construction sites.
Key Hazards
Pedestrians struck by the shovel due to restricted rear visibility
Rollover on slopes, soft ground, or from uneven loading
Collision with other plant at junctions and loading areas
Material spillage from overloaded or poorly balanced buckets
Control Measures
- Ensure only CPCS or NPORS certified operators use loading shovels on site.
- Complete a pre-start inspection checking tyres, brakes, mirrors, cameras, and hydraulic hoses.
- Maintain clear segregation between loading shovel routes and pedestrian walkways at all times.
- Travel with the bucket lowered and tilted back to maintain stability and forward visibility.
- Use a banksman at loading points where visibility is restricted or pedestrians are nearby.
- Do not exceed the rated bucket capacity; partially fill the bucket on loose or heavy materials.
- Reduce speed on slopes, around corners, and on wet or uneven ground surfaces.
- Sound the horn at blind corners and before reversing in all circumstances.
- Switch off the engine and lower the bucket to the ground when leaving the machine unattended.
Remember
- Only CPCS or NPORS certified operators may use a loading shovel on site
- Travel with the bucket low and tilted back to maintain stability and visibility
- Always use a banksman at loading points where visibility is restricted
- Sound the horn at blind corners and before every reversing manoeuvre
- Switch off the engine and lower the bucket when leaving the machine unattended
Applicable Legislation: PUWER 1998 · Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 · CDM 2015 · LOLER 1998
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