Safety Guidance & Operator Resources

Last updated: August 17, 2025

U-Dig It Rentals Inc. is committed to safe, efficient, and lawful operation of all rented equipment. This guide gives operators clear rules, checklists, and procedures. It does not replace the manufacturer’s Operator’s Manual or applicable law. When in doubt, stop work and contact us.

1) Scope & Legal Framework

Applies to: All renters/operators of U-Dig It Rentals equipment and attachments, on any jobsite.
Follow first: Manufacturer Operator’s Manual, machine decals, and your signed Rental Agreement.
Also comply with: WorkSafeNB / NB OHS regulations, municipal bylaws, road/transport rules, utility-locate requirements, and environmental laws.
If rules conflict, the stricter requirement applies.

2) Roles & Responsibilities

Renter/Employer

Select a competent operator; provide training, supervision, and PPE.
Complete utility locates; set up site controls (exclusion zones, traffic plan).
Keep daily inspection logs; report defects/incidents immediately.

Operator

Be trained/competent, sober, and fit for duty.
Perform pre-start and post-use checks; operate within limits; stop if unsafe.
Protect people, property, and the environment.

Spotter/Traffic Controller (if used)

Maintain line of sight; use standard hand signals; has authority to STOP work.

U-Dig It Rentals

Provide safe, maintained equipment at delivery; supply basic instruction and documentation; respond to defect reports and incidents.

3) Competency & Fit-for-Duty

No alcohol/impairing drugs (including some prescriptions) within prohibited windows.
Manage fatigue/illness/heat or cold stress before operating.
Vision/hearing adequate (use corrective aids as required).
New operators supervised until competency is demonstrated.

4) Required PPE

Minimum on all jobs:

CSA-approved safety boots with toe protection
High-visibility vest/jacket (Class 2 or higher)
Safety glasses with side shields
Hearing protection (plugs or muffs)
Work gloves; hard hat where overhead hazards exist

Task-based add-ons:

Respirator for dust/silica/fumes (fit-tested)
Cut-resistant gloves for chain/brush work
FR/arc-rated PPE where required by the site owner

5) Pre-Job Planning (JHA/FLHA)

Before each shift/day:

Site walk-through: ground stability, slopes, edges/voids, septic, wells, culverts, overhead lines, traffic/pedestrians, pets/public.
Utilities: request/verify locates; keep ticket # and map on site; hand-expose as required.
Traffic plan: cones/signage, spotter location, public interface, parking areas.
Exclusion zones: minimum 3 m (10 ft) around the machine; increase for higher risk.
Comms plan: agree on hand signals/radios; anyone can call STOP.
Emergency plan: first aid, address/coordinates, access route, spill kit, extinguisher, emergency contacts.
Environmental controls: spill prevention, dust/noise control, stormwater/silt.

Log the plan and keep it with your pre-start.

6) Utility Locates & Ground Disturbance

Use the provincial service (e.g., Click Before You Dig).
Respect required clearances; hand-dig to confirm line location/depth where required.
Stop work if marks are unclear or conditions change.
If a line is contacted: stop, secure area, call 911 if needed, notify the utility owner and U-Dig It; do not backfill or attempt repairs.

7) Company Operating Limits (Policy)

Maximum working slope: Do not exceed 25° (≈46% grade).
- Travel straight up/down slopes; avoid side-hilling.
- Keep attachment/load low and close to the machine.
- Reduce limits dramatically on wet, icy, loose, or rutted ground.
People: no riders; never lift or carry people with the bucket/forks; never work under raised arms without the manufacturer’s mechanical support device in place.
Safety systems: seat belt, lap bar, interlocks, and backup alarm must function.
Phones: no device use while operating.

Tip: a smartphone inclinometer or digital angle finder can help verify slope.

8) Machine Selection, Capacity & Attachments

Never exceed nameplate capacity (rated operating capacity / tipping load).
Attachments change capacity—check the attachment plate, manual, or our specs.
After attaching, lower to the ground and cycle tilt; visually confirm coupler pins engaged. Re-check often.
Clean hydraulic quick-connects; verify they are fully seated; check for leaks.

9) Daily Pre-Start Inspection (log every shift)

Exterior/Undercarriage: tracks (tension, cuts), debris in sprockets/rollers, drive motors dry; frame/ROPS/FOPS intact; decals legible; attachment/coupler pins/locks good; cylinders/hoses sound; no leaks/damage; belly pans clear.
Fluids & Cooling: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel; radiator/oil cooler screens clean; fan unrestricted.
Cab & Controls: clean floor; pedals unobstructed; seat secure; seat belt OK; lap bar/interlocks OK; horn/lights/backup alarm OK; wipers OK; fire extinguisher (if supplied) charged.
Function test: start/idle; warning lights normal; smooth lift/tilt/aux hydraulics; parking brake holds.
Unsafe or defective? Tag out and call U-Dig It.

10) Operating Best Practices

Mount/dismount with three points of contact—never jump.
Travel at walking speed in tight areas; avoid sudden turns on slopes.
Stay well back from edges/voids/trenches; approach square with bucket low.
Use a spotter for tight access, pedestrians/traffic, or blind spots—agree on signals.
Treat hydraulic leaks as high-pressure injection hazards—do not touch; depressurize per manual; seek medical care immediately if injected.
Control noise/dust; use hearing protection and dust suppression.

11) Working on Grades (detail)

Keep the heavy end uphill (with a loaded bucket, the front is heavy).
If traction breaks: lower the bucket, steer straight, do not turn sharply.
Avoid cross-slope travel; if unavoidable, go slow with load inches above ground.

12) Forks & Pallet Handling

Set forks wide/even; keep load centered and banded if possible.
Tilt slightly back; keep load low while traveling.
No side-loading; no personnel near/under forks.
Respect the attachment’s rated capacity at load center.

13) Loading, Transport & Tie-Down

Trailer must have adequate GVWR, working brakes, rated ramps, and a capable tow vehicle.
Load slowly with bucket low; center over axles; use a spotter as needed.
Secure with four independent chains/straps to manufacturer tie-downs; secure attachments separately.
Re-check tie-down tension after 15–30 minutes of travel.

14) Refuelling, Fire Safety & Batteries

Diesel only (ULSD). Engine off; no smoking; ground the nozzle; spill kit ready.
If DEF is required: use ISO 22241 product; never cross-contaminate.
Allow cool-down before servicing; keep engine bay clean of debris.
Jump-starting: follow manual; final ground away from the battery; beware of explosive gases.

15) Weather & Seasonal Operations

Lightning/high winds: stop work, secure equipment.
Rain/snow/ice: slow down; avoid slopes; clear steps/handholds; de-ice cab floor.
Heat/cold stress: hydrate, take breaks, warm up/cool down; watch for symptoms.

16) Environmental Protection

Keep drip trays/absorbents available; clean up spills immediately; report significant spills per law and to U-Dig It.
Avoid tracking sediment off site; use silt controls where needed.
Refuel >30 m from watercourses where practicable.

17) Shutdown & Securing

Park level if possible; lower attachment to ground; neutralize controls; set brake.
Idle to cool, then shut down; raise lap bar; remove key; chock if on a grade.
End-of-shift housekeeping: clear debris from radiator/engine bay; pick up tools.

18) Maintenance & Fault Reporting

Grease as per manual; wipe zerks; avoid over-greasing near belts/alternator.
Report defects immediately (photos + description).
Do not perform repairs that require lockout, lifting-arm support devices, or specialized tools without authorization.

19) Incident & Emergency Response

Life-threatening: call 911 first.
Then contact U-Dig It Rentals: nickbaxter@udigit.ca · 945 Golden Grove Road, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2H 2X1, Canada

Tip-over: remain seat-belted, hands/feet inside, brace. After movement stops, shut down if possible. Exit only if safe.
Fire: if small and safe—use extinguisher (P.A.S.S.); otherwise evacuate and call 911.
Utility strike: stop, secure area. If electrical contact suspected, stay in cab until utility confirms safe; if evacuation is required due to fire, jump clear with both feet together and hop away—do not touch machine and ground simultaneously.
Injury/near-miss/property damage: make area safe, provide first aid, record details, notify us immediately.
Hydraulic injection injury: treat as a medical emergency—go to hospital immediately even if the wound looks minor.

20) Documentation to Keep On Site

Utility locate ticket(s) and sketch/map
This Safety Guidance (printed or saved)
Daily pre-start checklist (signed) and hour-meter reading
Delivery/inspection forms and Rental Agreement
Emergency contacts (site owner, utilities, U-Dig It Rentals)

21) Quick Checklists

A) Pre-Start (Daily)

PPE on; JHA reviewed; exclusion zones set
Walk-around complete; no leaks/damage
Tracks/undercarriage clear; tension OK
Coupler pins locked; hoses/quick-connects seated
Fluids OK; coolers/radiator clean
Cab clean; seat secure; belt good; lap bar works
Horn/lights/backup alarm; interlocks OK
Lift/tilt/aux test slow; parking brake holds

B) Operating

Bucket/load low; travel slow; use spotter as needed
Keep ≥3 m (10 ft) from people/vehicles (more if risk increases)
Straight up/down slopes; ≤25°; avoid side-hilling
Stay back from edges/voids; approach square
Stop for poor visibility, fatigue, or changing ground conditions

C) Post-Use

Park level; attachment down; brake set
Idle-cool; shut down; remove key; chock if needed
Clean radiator/engine bay; remove debris
Note hours; defects; fuel level; photos if damage/concern

22) Standard Hand Signals

STOP: arms raised, palms facing operator
Move forward/back: arm motioning in the travel direction
Turn left/right: arm extended pointing left/right
Raise/lower: palm up/down motion
Tilt: hand mimics bucket angle
Operator obeys STOP immediately—from anyone on site.

23) Recovery/Getting Unstuck (last resort)

Do not pull from axles, cylinders, or guards.
Use only rated recovery points and rated rigging; clear the “line of fire.”
Never straddle a winch line/strap; use a damper blanket.
If unsure, contact U-Dig It for guidance or recovery.

24) Model-Specific Values

Each unit/attachment has unique limits (ROC, hydraulic pressures/flows, weights, slopes). Check the Operator’s Manual and nameplates supplied with your rental. If you need a copy, contact us and we’ll provide it.

25) Contact & Support

Email: nickbaxter@udigit.ca
Address: 945 Golden Grove Road, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2H 2X1, Canada
Website: udigit.ca

26) Legal Notes

This guidance is informational and does not replace the Operator’s Manual or law. Your signed Rental Agreement governs the rental. Failure to follow safety rules may result in termination of the rental and charges for damage, recovery, downtime, and cleaning.