Environmental Health and Safety Blog | EHSWire

The proper procedure for mounting and dismounting construction equipment will vary, depending on the machine.

Maintain three-point contact at all times while getting onto/off of the equipment until reaching ground, cab, or stable platform

Here are a few tips to use for mounting or dismounting construction equipment:

• Always face equipment when mounting and dismounting.
  
  
• Always use handrails, handholds and steps when mounting or dismounting equipment.
  
  
• Never use operating levers or steering wheels instead of handholds and handrails.
  
  
• Never step at an angle

• Never jump from the equipment to the ground.  Always Step down carefully while facing equipment 
  
  
• Place your foot on the step or foothold just in front of your heel, under the arch.
  
  
• Make sure the soles of your boots are clean
  
  
• Inspect and, when necessary, clean the rungs and cleats of your equipment’s access ladders before you mount or dismount your equipment.
  
  
• Do not carry tools, paperwork or coffee in one hand while attempting to mount or dismount equipment
  
  
• Carry tools in a tool belt, or have a co-worker hand them to you

• Very early morning - Dew can form on access steps.
  
  
• On wet/rainy or snowy/icy days when access steps can be slick

Never mount or dismount moving equipment. Always shut off the equipment and put it in park before dismounting.