ALWAYS SAFE

Risks in Compaction of Soils
Soil compaction is defined as the loss of volume, the reduction of voids within it or the densification experienced by a given mass of soil, due to external forces acting on it.
 
The equipments that produce these forces are manual or self-propelled machines, among which we have the soil compactors, which use a repeated impact force to compact the soil.
These compacting machines-kangaroo type and iron type-have a guide arm and a plate-shaped vibrating tray, which is responsible for hitting and pressing on the ground by means of a motor that provides the necessary power.
 Manual compactors are used on hard-to-reach soils, such as embankments near sewers or ditches; also in the repair of pavements.
 The use of this machinery involves a series of risks, originated by:
• Lack of protection devices in equipment.
• Use of equipment without strictly following the manufacturer's instruction manual.
• Distractions of workers.

 Here are some risks and the necessary measures to protect yourself:
 Direct Risks

• Fall of the worker.
• The compactor falls on the lower limbs, causing crushing, blows or cuts.
• Burn by contact with hot parts of the machine.
• Musculoskeletal injuries due to inadequate postures or overstrain.
• Strike or damage by fragments that can be fired.
• Irritation of the eyes and / or respiratory tract due to dusting.
• Noise at high levels.
• Various alterations caused by vibrations.
• Machine out of control.
• Fires and explosions arising from machine failures and defects.
• Blows and abuses by vehicles inside the work or during work on open roads.
• Interference with other construction machinery and accidents due to lack of direction or signaling in the maneuvers.
 
Prevention measures:
 Before starting work
• The machine must be checked, especially if it is rented or subcontracted:
• Make sure that the covers (oil and fuel) and the protective housings are mounted
• Check that the level of the lubricants is in accordance with the instructions given in the data sheet of the machine or in the instructions given in the maintenance.
• Inform the persons responsible for any anomalies observed on the machine for the work part.
• Take into account the characteristics of the work area in order to take care of them. At work
• Use ergonomic manual compactors that fit the size of the people who use them, for greater safety and comfort in work and transportation.
• Use elastic band to avoid low back pain (back pain).
• The advance of the compactor must be frontal and straight, avoiding lateral displacements, since the machine could be uncontrolled and produce injuries to the one who is operating it.
• Avoid approaching the slope if you are not sure that the terrain is consolidated. A margin of separation of the slope should be left to avoid possible subsidence and falls.
• Operators should periodically alternate their use of the compactor. To do this, everyone must know their management and be informed of the risks.
• The use of manual compactors produces:
• Strong noise, so helmets with headphones or earplugs should always be used.
• Environmental dust, so irrigate the work area and use a replaceable dust mask.
• When pausing the work, the machine should be left in a safe position, always parked on level ground so that there is no overturning.
• Do not leave the machine in operation.
• Supply fuel only with the engine off.

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