SAFETY FIRST
Safety Guidance &
Operator Resources
Safe, efficient, and lawful operation of all rented equipment.
Last updated: February 4, 2026
The platform's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy also apply to your use of the platform.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER — LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
U-Dig It operates a marketplace that connects equipment owners with renters. We do not own, operate, or control the equipment listed on our platform. All equipment is rented directly from third-party owners. By using this platform and any equipment obtained through it, you acknowledge and agree that U-Dig It, its affiliates, and its officers are not responsible for any injuries, damages, losses, or accidents arising from the use, operation, or transportation of equipment. Operators and renters assume all risk. This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the manufacturer's Operator's Manual or applicable law. You are solely responsible for your own safety and compliance.
SCOPE & LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Applies to: All renters/operators of equipment and attachments rented through the platform from equipment owners, on any jobsite.
We operate a platform that connects equipment owners with renters. This Safety Guidance applies to all users who rent or operate equipment through our platform—renters, operators, and where relevant equipment owners and guests.
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.
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.
Equipment Owner
- Provide safe, maintained equipment at delivery; supply basic instruction and documentation; respond to defect reports and incidents.
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.
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
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.
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 the equipment owner; do not backfill or attempt repairs.
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.
MACHINE SELECTION, CAPACITY & ATTACHMENTS
- Never exceed nameplate capacity (rated operating capacity / tipping load).
- Attachments change capacity—check the attachment plate, manual, or listing 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.
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 contact the equipment owner immediately.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- Keep drip trays/absorbents available; clean up spills immediately; report significant spills per law and to the equipment owner.
- Avoid tracking sediment off site; use silt controls where needed.
- Refuel >30 m from watercourses where practicable.
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.
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.
INCIDENT & EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Life-threatening: call 911 first.
Then contact the equipment owner immediately using the contact details in your booking confirmation.
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 the equipment owner immediately.
Hydraulic injection injury: treat as a medical emergency—go to hospital immediately even if the wound looks minor.
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, equipment owner)
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
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.
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 the equipment owner for guidance or recovery.
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 the equipment owner.
CONTACT & SUPPORT
For rental-specific questions (equipment, defects, incidents, recovery): contact the equipment owner using the details in your booking confirmation.
For platform questions (account, billing, booking system):
Email: support@udigit.ca
Phone: +1 (506) 700-0724
Address: 945 Golden Grove Road, Saint John, NB E2H 2X1, Canada
Website: udigit.ca
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.
The platform is not responsible for how manufacturers, regulators, or site owners interpret or enforce safety requirements; their materials and applicable law govern.
For users elsewhere in Canada, applicable provincial/territorial OHS and local laws apply. This guidance is consistent with the platform's Terms and Privacy Policy.
⚠️ Safety First, Always
If you have questions about safe operation, equipment capabilities, or site conditions, contact the equipment owner before proceeding. Safety is the responsibility of the renter and operator. For platform questions (account, billing, booking system), visit our contact page.