PO Box 50, Hornsby, NSW 2077

Phone: 1800 643 853

Web: www.bobcat.com.au

RISK ASSESSMENT
For

Bobcat Excavator
Models 430 & 435

Version 1.0
 CONTENTS
Applicability

Standards referenced in the preparation of this document

Risk Assessment sheets

APPLICABILITY
The following Risk Assessment document is applicable to the Bobcat Zero House Swing
Excavator models 430 & 435

STANDARDS REFERENCED
The following Standards, Acts and Regulations were refe renced in the preparation of this Risk
Assessment.

NOHSC: 1010 (1994) - National Standard for Plant

OHS Act 2000
OHS Regulation 2001
AS2359.6 (1995) Powered Industrial Trucks Safety Code
AS4360 (1999) Risk Management
ISO/WD 3691-1 (1999) Industrial Trucks Safety Requirements and
Verification
EN1459 (1999) Safety of Industrial Trucks

Version 1.0
Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Control of Risk

a Suitability for the Risks are low due to safety The Excavator is equipped
particular task features designed into the with a canopy / cabin, which
The Bobcat Excavator is Bobcat Excavator and when conforms to International
suitable for a wide variety of operated correctly by a trained Standards for ROPS and
tasks in the earth moving, and certified driver. TOPS protection for the
construction and associated Risk can be high, causing both operator.
tasks. The Bobcat Excavator injury and death to operator or A seat belt, and emergency
design is well suited for bystander, if the Excavator is exit is provided.
operation in confined operated contrary to the safety A plastic Operators Handbook
workplaces where operation instructions provided, careful is fastened within the operator
reach and manoeuvrability are assessment of the workplace compartment, containing brief,
important. has not been carried out and essential instructions and
The Bobcat Excavator tasks unapproved attachments are warnings for safe operation.
are varied and many approved used. The Operator Handbook refers
attachments are available for Serious risk to bystanders is to the need to read, and
particular tasks. possible when the Excavator is understand the detailed
The varying work sites can working in congested areas instructions and warnings
present many hazards within the Operation and
including roll over, tipping and Maintenance Manual, which is
falling objects provided on delivery of the
Bobcat Excavator Instructions
warn the operator to keep
bystanders and pedestrians
well clear of the work area and
to operate in a responsible
manner
b Actual and intended use in Refer to a above, and q. Refer to a above, and q.
the work place;
The Bobcat Excavator is a
compact multipurpose
machine, with the capability of
being configured for a variety
of different tasks via the
application of an appropriate
approved attachment.
Refer to a above, and q

Version 1.0
c Environmental condition Refer to a above
and terrain in which the
Bobcat Excavator is used.
Darkness causing poor
visibility, sloping ground, wet
and soft or muddy surface can
lead to roll o ver or tipping.
Work areas containing
explosive gases, flammable
materials, poor ventilation,
underground cables or pipes,
prohibited work areas, and
overhead electrical wires are
to be avoided
d Foreseeable abnormal Very high risk, possibly leading Refer to a above.
situations, misuse and to injury or death to operator It is essential that the operator
fluctuation of operating and others.
condition.
Varying degrees of above can
cause accidents.
e Potential for injury due to
entanglement, crushing,
trapping, cutting, stabbing,
puncturing shearing,
abrasion, tearing and
stretching.
The above hazards are
present if the Bobcat
Excavator is operated or
worked on, contrary to
instructions within the
Operators Manual, or in an
unsafe manner, Hazards are
present in the changing of
attachments and care must be
taken in entering and leaving
the machine.
Refer to a above.
Excavator is equipped with
front work lights; ROPS /TOPS
provides good visibility in poor
light conditions. Motion alarms
can be fitted for confined work
ares.
Operator Handbook and
Manual provide instruction on
how to work on sloping
ground.
The operator must comply with
safety stipulations, if necessary by
special instructions adapted to the
local conditions of use.
Handbook and Manual provide
instruction on dangerous work
areas.
An exhaust spark arrester is
fitted.
be trained, be certified,
experienced in the operation of
the Bobcat Excavator and
comply with the constructors
instruction concerning the use,
maintenance, repair, assembly
and transport in the Operators
Manual, before attempting
abnormal or difficult tasks
Very low risk when operated Operation and maintenance
correctly. must be carried out only in
Very high risk, potential of accordance with the Operation
serious injury, possibly death if and Maintenance Manual,
used contrary to instructions, which contains many warnings
Exiting the cabin with the and instruction on how to
engine running or the avoid most hazards. Warning
attachment raised, or attempt and instruction decals of a
maintenance in this position, pictorial design are fitted to the
or not following instructions in Bobcat Excavator
Operators Manual such
Version 1.0
f Generation of hazardous
conditions, due to
pressurised content,
electricity, noise, radiation
friction, vibration, fire,
explosion, temperature
moisture, vapour, gases,
dust, ice, hot or cold parts.
Hazards are present with
regard to most of the above.
g Failure of the Bobcat
Excavator resulting in the
loss of load, unintended
ejection of work pieces,
explosion fragmentation or
collapse of parts.
The above are not considered
hazardous
h Capability of the Bobcat
Excavator to lift and move set out in the operation and
people, equipment and
materials The Bobcat
Excavator is design for
excavation of materials,
material handling and loading.
i Control systems, including No risk identified
guarding and
communication systems.
No apparent hazards
J Potential for falling objects High Risk with improper
and the plant to roll over
The danger of the above is
present
The risk level is very low when Instruction is provided for
instruction within the Operation operation and preventative
and Maintenance Manual is maintenance including
followed. The safety devices hazards regarding pressurised
must not be disengaged during fuel, hydraulic oil and hot
operation and should be radiator water, noise,
checked before each shift. electricity, fire, explosion,
temperature, exhaust gases,
dust and hot parts together
with warnings and warning
decals.
An exhaust spark arrester is
fitted.
The seat belt must always be
fitted snugly, wear protective
clothing during operation.
Avoid wearing rings, scarves
or open jackets. For certain
works, it may be necessary to
wear protective eyewear,
hearing protection, safety
boots, hard hats and protective
gloves.
Low Operator handbook and
Manual warns the operator to
operate the machine within the
rated operation load as set on
the attached decal and within
the operation manual.
Be alert at all times.
Safe to carry out operations as Control is through education
and instruction. Refer to
maintenance manual operation Manual and decals
on the machine. Load charts
are secured in the operators
cabin and must be adhered to
reduce the risk of tipping the
machine.
----------
Refer to a above
operation Drivers cab structure meets
Very low risk when operated International Standards for
correctly. ROPS and TOPS. A FOPS
kit is available and can be
fitted if necessary. The
Version 1.0
 machine must not be operated
without the cabin /canopy or
with a damaged cabin/canopy.

k Suitability of materials for Low risk Refer to Operation and

the plant Maintenance Manual, &
No apparent hazards, provided inspections for any cracks,
proper inspection and damaged components and
maintenance instructions are worn pins etc.
followed
l Suitability of all Can vary from possibility of Control is made by guarding
accessories high risk causing injury or where possible, decals fixed to
There are many accessories death to almost nil, dependant the accessory, and Operators
approved for use with the on whether used incorrectly or Manual, which contain
Bobcat Excavator. according to the respective instruction on proper use of
Hazards may exist, dependant Operator Manual the approved attachment or
on how they are used accessory, with appropriate
warnings.
m Ergonomic needs relating Risk is low for those operators Manuals provided advise
to installation and use. of normal physique, health and operator to check seating
The cabin meets international strength. position is comfortable with
ergonomic standards Hazards Disabilities may be aggravated respect to controls and to
exist if the operator is suffering
due to unavoidable jolting ensure that all safety
from drugs, alcohol, in poor when working in roug h ground instructions are understood
health, has disabilities or is not
conditions. and followed. The machine
alert. must not be operated from
Cabin / canopy seating and outside the cabin. Use steps
controls are well suited for and surfaces provided for
those who have reasonable climbing into and exiting the
strength and fitness. cabin
n Carrying out the work Low risk provided the Instructions for safe operation
without the Excavator. replacement equipment is safe of the alternate equipment
No hazard provided the and operated safely must be studied and operated
substitute equipment is safe correctly.
etc for the task.
o Location in the workplace Risk is low when conditions as Refer to control as in c above
and the impact on workplace c are not present. Refer to the Manuals warn operator to
design and layout. operation and maintenance keep bystanders clear and to
No hazards exist provided item manual. stop working if the persons do
c is noted. Care must be not leave the danger zone
taken to remove bystanders And ensure that there is a safe
and other mobile equipment distance from fixed structures.
from the immediate workplace, Ensure a safe working
distance from electrical
hazards as set out in the
operation and maintenance
manual.

Version 1.0
p Suitability and stability of
the plant and supports.
Hazards exist in very poor
workplaces, especially if
ground surface is soft or
severely sloping
q Presence of persons and
other plant in the vicinity
Collisions with persons and
plant is possible
r Potential for inadvertent
movement or operation of
the plant
Hazards do not exist when the
instructions are followed.
s Systems of work
associated with the plant.
Not aware of hazards
t Access and egress.
No hazards when instructions
are followed.
Hazard exist due to slipping or
falling if care is not used, and
instructions are not follow
when e ntering or leaving cabin
u Competency of operators
Hazards are extreme if the
operator is not certified, has
not been trained in the use of
the excavator, are not fit, or
are under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Risk can be high if work site is The Bobcat Excavator meets
slopping dangerously, International stability and are
travelling too fast, to close to suitable for the normal working
edges of crevasses, pits, tips loads and operating surfaces.
and embankments. Instructions in Manual must be
Instructions in Manual must be followed.
followed,
Risk is low when operator is Motion alarm and rotating
reasonably alert. beacon are an option.
Instructions spell out need for
operator to be alert and not to
operate excavator and
attachments near bystanders
especially when inexperienced
or learning.
A horn is also fitted
Design of cabin /canopy
provides good visibility.
No risk when instructions are Instructions in the manuals
followed. advise on correct gripping of
control lever.
Instructions also cover
requirements of operator
before leaving the excavator.
------ The operator requires
understanding and conforming
to operation maintenance
manual instruction.
Low risk when instructions are Instructions in Handbook and
followed Manual also include photo and
decal. Machine is fitted with
grab handles on each side of
cabin. Warning not to jump.
Appropriate safety boots and
clothing should be worn.
Risk is low if the operator has Certified operators require the
been trained and is certified, additional instructions, which
however the operator must be are comprehensively covered
fit, have studied the manuals in the Operators Handbook
and have some familiarisation and Operation and
with the excavator. Maintenance Manual.
Operators are warned that
they need to be fit, not have
any disabilities that may
adversely effect their
competent working of the
Bobcat Excavator or be
aggravated by the movement
of the excavator especially
Version 1.0
 when operating in construction
or rough conditions.
Operator must be familiar with
the rated load of the Bobcat
Excavator, the capacity of
attachments being used, and
the weight of the material
being handled.
Refer to m.

Version 1.0