THE DANGERS        

Every year workers die or are critically injured because the equipment they are working on does not have adequate blocking installed.

It involves the following scenarios

• raised blades of bulldozers.
• raised buckets of backhoes.
• raised boxes of dump trucks.
• raised forks of forklifts.
• punch presses.
• hoisting equipment.
  

It is critical to block all forms of hazardous energy including potential energy due to gravity, hydraulic pressure, or any stored energy that may cause equipment to move or drift, such as electrical or mechanical energy. The lack of blocking allows equipment to move or drop, striking workers, which could lead to fatal and critical injuries.

TYPES OF BLOCKING APPARATUS

• Jack Stands
• Wheel Stands
• Blocks of Wood
  

BLOCKING EQUIPMENT IN A RAISED POSITION

1. Do not work on top of, under, or work from mobile equipment in a raised position until the equipment has been blocked or mechanically secured to prevent it from rolling or falling accidentally.
2. Do not work on top of, under, or work from a raised component of mobile equipment until the component has been blocked or mechanically secured to prevent accidental lowering. 
3. A raised component of mobile equipment is considered to be blocked or mechanically secured if provided with a functional load-locking device or a device which prevents free and uncontrolled descent.
4. Blocking or mechanical securing of the raised component is required during repair or maintenance of elevated mobile work platforms.

BEST BLOCKING PRACTICES – THE DO´S 

1. Review the complete Standard Operating Practices for every year or at the start of the season when you will be using this type of equipment.
2. Machines and equipment should be supported with the manufacturer’s safety bracing system. If it is not available use solid wood blocking on solid work surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Block both sides of wheels on partially raised farm equipment with trailing wheels.
4. Turn off tractor engine and set brakes during maintenance work, unless otherwise indicated by manufacturer.
5. Freight should be blocked when loading or unloading a trailer. Do not use other freight as a block. Use proper materials for blocking.
6. Use larger blocks on the bottom. Make the platform as wide as possible.
7. Double-up and alternate the positioning of blocks while building a platform.

ONE IMPORTANT DON’T

• Don’t rely on jacks, hoists or hydraulic systems to support raised equipment.

GENERAL WORK RULES

• Do not slide wooden blocking through hands.
• Never stand on, place feet under or straddle blocking.
  
• When positioning blocking under a lift, use a hand-hook or bar if possible to properly place blocks ensuring your body parts are clear of pinch points. Use proper lifting techniques.
• When blocking a forklift, never place blocks under a counterweight to support unit. 
• Place load across grain of the block. Never place load on the end of the block.
• Do not stack blocking more than 2 high creating an unstable condition. Stack to obtain desired height only.
• Blocking used in conjunction with jack stands should be kept to a minimum.

FINAL WORD

Anyone who operates, cleans, services, adjusts or repairs machinery or equipment must be aware of the hazards associated with that machinery.