Safety code for working with construction machinery
1974 Edition

Per the standard's Clause 3.1.5.1, the minimum clearance distances between construction machinery and live overhead power lines are as follows:

Machinery must not come closer than these distances to energized power lines. If closer proximity is required, the power lines must be de-energized during operations (Clause 3.1.5.2). Additionally, underground cables should be identified and precautions taken accordingly. This ensures electrical safety and prevents accidents related to electrical contact or arcing.

The standard specifies the following operator requirements:

• Operators must be at least 18 years old (Clause 3.1.3.1).
• Only skilled, dependable individuals are eligible to serve as drivers or signallers.
• Operators must receive sufficient training to safely manage earthmoving, lifting, and hoisting machinery (Clause 3.1.3.1).
• All personnel should be familiar with safety devices such as fire extinguishers (Clause 2.5.2.1).
• Machinery must undergo testing and inspection by a qualified person before use, after repairs, and at regular intervals (Clause 3.1.4.1).

This framework helps promote safe operation and adherence to statutory safety requirements.

The standard recommends several measures:

For power shovels:

• Maintain stability by ensuring bucket teeth remain at least 40 cm from the boom or utilizing reliable stops (Clause 3.2.1.1).
• Prevent unintended boom swinging; avoid forcefully pulling the boom against emergency stops under load (Clause 3.2.1.2).
• Use ropes with specified diameter and construction; maintain them properly and replace as needed (Clause 3.2.1.2).
• Size buckets/grabs appropriately based on machine power, boom length, and load radius; prohibit personnel beneath raised buckets; ensure buckets rest on stable ground when idle (Clause 3.2.1.3).

For cranes:

• Avoid exceeding the safe working load.
• Prevent sudden braking or abrupt load release.
• Avoid side pulls and ensure adequate counterweight.
• Avoid operating on steep inclines (Clause 3.3.1.2).

These practices collectively safeguard operational stability and load control.

According to Clause 3.3.1.1:

• Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's instructions for assembly sequence and correct identification of parts.
• Ensure supervision by a competent person throughout the process.
• All personnel involved must wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety helmets and, where necessary, safety harnesses to prevent injuries from falls or falling objects.
• Before being put into service, the machinery and its accessories must undergo testing and examination by a qualified individual as specified in Clause 3.1.4.1.

These measures guarantee safe assembly, disassembly, and prevent accidents during lifting machinery handling.

The standard stipulates:

• Earth moving, lifting, and hoisting equipment must have one or more brakes for hoisting, derricking, and slewing motions. Brakes for slewing motions must have a locking mechanism to hold the structure in place when unattended (Clause 3.1.2.1).
• Effective brakes are mandatory on all wheels. If power-assisted brakes are installed, a manual parking brake acting on the driving wheels is also required (Clause 3.1.2.2).
• Motor trucks, tractors, and dumpers must have braking systems capable of holding the vehicle fully loaded under all operating conditions and allow the vehicle to be locked when stationary (Clause 4.2).

These provisions ensure safe braking performance during operation and when vehicles or machinery are parked.