)
)
When the side boom climbs a slope, an unsecured load
may hang far enough back to cause an upward and
rearward shift of the C of G, which can fall dangerously
close to the tipping point. Securing the load to the
boom maintains the C of G within the base of the
tractor and within acceptable limits.
)
)
Stalling or inadvertent shutting off of the engine may
result in loss of control and runaway of an older model
tractor with hydraulically assisted, mechanical-linkage
brakes. Have the breaks adjusted to manufacturer
specifications before deployment to slope work areas.
)
)
Breaking over the crest of a hill too quickly, where
the distance the boom head travels is greater than the
distance the tractor travels, causes the load to swing
forward since the boom head speed is momentarily
greater than the ground speed of the tractor. This rapid
shift in load may cause the tractor to tip over.
)
)
When equipment is not in use/standby position during
construction on a 15 - 17˚ slope, it will have its tracks
blocked with wooden skids, earth berms or other
method, unless soil conditions or the weather make
the slope and soil conditions more unstable, in which
case winching and anchoring may be required.
)
)
Pipe sections and/or dead man winch tractor may need
to be secured with an anchor such as a water filled,
buried pipe joint, a D8/10, Excavator or 594 side boom.
A dead man tractor should be of sufficient size and
equipped with an adequate winch assembly to hold and
support the side boom tractor working on the slope, in
the event that the side boom being supported loses all
power. The dead man winch tractor should be secured
whenever possible to a fixed object further up the
slope for additional safety.
)
)
Single strung pipe joints may need to be prevented
from sliding down slope.
Boom operators
When operating side booms on slopes, the stability of
the tractor is the major concern. There is no such thing as
drive by numbers. Operating a side boom on a steep slope
is an acquired skill, a seat of the pants operation. There
is no hard and fast formula for where a load should be
carried – boomed up or out. It has to be boomed out far
enough away from the tractor so as not to tip the machine
fore or aft but not so far as to turn the machine away
from its direction of travel. Evaluating the competency of
side boom operator is essential.
It is vital for the individual operator to have
confidence in his supervisor, who will give him/her
direction, the mechanical serviceability of his machine, and
his own ability. On steep slopes, it is vital to have ample
winching capacity on hand. The need for a winch line
should be assessed early and attached well before there is
no other option. The hard-bar harness is the best selection
for securing the side boom to the winch line hook.
The wrong attachment point on the tractor can upset
the balance of the tractor under load. Winch tractor
operators must be unquestionably competent. Descending
downhill, operators must select a gear that will prevent
excessive speed and be trained and competent in cross
steering in the event of unexpected loss of traction on the
slope which can occur unexpectedly with minimal rain and
the right soil conditions.
Boom operators packing prep machines must be
cautious when climbing or descending steep hills – weight
of end prep machine hanging off at an angle to the boom
can pull a side boom tractor over.
Parking equipment on hills – set parking brake lever;
turn sideways to slope; dozers drop blade, dig in corner
bit.
If you leave equipment unattended always push the
safety lever down, which locks the transmission on the
transmission shifter tower.
When operating on steep slopes, boom operators must
not leave their equipment unattended. Boom operators
must stay on their equipment at all times.
Notes
Figure 7.
Consequences of not winterizing your equipment in
sub-zero weather.
Figure 8.
The hard-bar harness provides best tractor stability.
166
World Pipelines
/
AUGUST 2015
