Plant Safety Flashcards

What are the main causes of plant-related fatalities on Irish construction sites?

Answer: Being struck by moving plant, being crushed during reversing operations, overturning of plant on slopes or unstable ground, and contact with overhead power lines

The HSA reports that the main causes of plant-related fatalities include: pedestrians being struck by moving plant (especially during reversing), crushing between plant and fixed objects, plant overturning on slopes/unstable ground/during lifting, contact with overhead power lines, and being struck by falling loads. These are largely preventable through exclusion zones, banksmen, ground assessment, and planning.

What must be considered before operating plant on a slope or uneven ground?

Answer: Ground conditions, slope gradient, machine stability limits, centre of gravity changes with loaded bucket/boom, ground bearing capacity, and the manufacturer's maximum slope specifications

Before operating on slopes: assess the gradient against the machine's specifications, check ground conditions (soft, wet, or frozen ground reduces stability), understand how the load position affects the centre of gravity, travel up and down (not across) slopes where possible, lower the bucket/load for stability, and never exceed the manufacturer's maximum gradient specifications.

What is the purpose of ROPS and FOPS on construction plant?

Answer: ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) protects the operator if the machine overturns; FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) protects against objects falling onto the cab

ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) is a reinforced cab or frame designed to maintain a survival space around the operator if the machine rolls over — but only if the operator is wearing a seatbelt. FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) protects the operator from objects falling onto the cab during operations such as demolition, loading, or working near structures.

What is a thorough examination of lifting equipment and how often is it required under Irish regulations?

Answer: A detailed examination by a competent person: every 12 months for plant used for lifting, every 6 months for lifting accessories (chains, slings), and after any significant repair or modification

Under the General Application Regulations, lifting equipment must undergo thorough examination by a competent person: at least every 12 months for cranes, excavators used for lifting, and telehandlers; at least every 6 months for lifting accessories (chains, slings, shackles). A thorough examination is also required after installation, after significant repair, and after exceptional circumstances. Reports must be kept on file.

What safety measures are required for refuelling construction plant?

Answer: Switch off the engine, no smoking or naked flames within the designated distance, use appropriate fuel containers, have fire extinguisher available, control spills, and refuel in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

Safe refuelling requires: engine switched off and allowed to cool, no smoking or open flames in the vicinity, use of approved fuel containers and nozzles, a fire extinguisher readily available, spill containment measures (drip trays), cleaning up any spills immediately, refuelling in well-ventilated areas, and proper storage of fuel away from ignition sources and site boundaries.

What are the requirements for plant and pedestrian traffic management on an Irish construction site?

Answer: A traffic management plan separating plant and pedestrian routes using physical barriers, designated crossing points, speed limits, signage, banksmen, and one-way systems where practicable

Every construction site must have a traffic management plan that includes: separate routes for plant/vehicles and pedestrians where practicable, physical barriers between traffic and pedestrian areas, designated and signed crossing points, appropriate speed limits, one-way systems to minimise reversing, adequate lighting, banksmen for complex movements, and regular review as the site changes.