How to Operate Your Dump Truck Safely
Operating a major piece of construction equipment like a dump truck means that you have to be responsible for the safety of yourself and the other workers on a construction site. Dump trucks are big and they can be quite dangerous if you drive them recklessly or fail to follow the instructions laid out in the owner’s manual. Here are a few helpful tips for you and your fellow workers to use when it comes to safe dump truck operational practices.
As You Drive
After you’ve been instructed in and certified in the driving of a dump truck, you should be ready to operate it safely. However, you must always maintain your focus while the truck is in motion and avoid all distractions. This means no eating or drinking, no fiddling with mirrors, and certainly no checking your cell phone until the dump truck has been securely parked and is no longer in motion.
Stick to posted speed limits and allow for other motorists to have plenty of space around you. You’ll need more time to bring the dump truck to a stop when you have to hit the brakes, so increase your following distance.
Whenever you need to back up, use a spotter who can help you guide the truck safely. Know your truck’s height so that you can avoid getting stuck under low-clearance bridges or tunnels.
Always secure your dump-truck load before you take off to the area where you’ll be dumping the material. Your load should be packed low and evenly distributed and you should avoid using the top portion of the dump truck’s box. Cover the material with a tarp as needed. Do not drive with the bed raised, no matter how short the distance.
While Dumping
When you’re about to actively dump material, you’ll want to make sure that the area where you’ll be dumping the material has been cleared of obstacles, animals, people, signage, equipment, tools, vehicles, and anything else that could possibly be in the way. Position a spotter at a safe distance who can monitor the load as it’s being dumped. Always dump material from a flat, secure piece of ground and not at an incline.
Keep Your Truck Maintained
Another safety necessity is to make sure that your dump truck is always in good condition. Get in touch with the DeBary Truck Sales service department if you need some maintenance assistance.
Come see us at our dealership in Sanford, FL, to check out our selection of new and used dump trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales proudly serves our Florida customers in Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville, as well as our Georgia customers in Atlanta.