Rick Staples

What is a 2A Hoisting License? What Does it Allow Me to Operate? And How Can I Operate it Safely?

A Class 2 Excavating License allows a worker to operate crawler and rubber-tired excavators, backhoes, and loaders.

A Class 2A License also allows an operator to drive the equipment that falls under the 2B, 2C, & 2D licenses. Those pieces of equipment include Hoisting Machinery with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 10,000 pounds. Operating Heavy Equipment can be a satisfying and fulfilling career choice, however, it is not without certain dangers and hazards. Proper training can reduce the risk of worker injury.

Heavy Equipment Hazards

Operating Heavy Equipment can be a hazardous and dangerous job if not done correctly or if the operator is poorly trained. There are general safety rules that should be followed.

According to OSHA, Heavy Equipment hazards are responsible for 75% of all struck by accidents in the construction field. Other accidents include equipment tipping over and crushing workers, workers falling off the equipment, and equipment operating unexpectedly.

It is important to pay attention to signals, barricades, and signs at any construction site. These safety tools alert workers to hazards, advise of safety precautions, and keep unauthorized people from entering dangerous construction areas.

Basic Safety Rules When Operating Heavy Equipment

Stay at least 10 feet from power lines or live transmitters.
The cab should use safety glass and have no visible distortion.
When holding heavy loads in the air, block or crib the equipment to prevent falling.
Be careful when working around, or on, tires.
When parking, or stopping Heavy Equipment, set the parking brake. Use a wheel chock if parking on a hill.
Equipment parked overnight in a location where others will be driving or working close by should have lights or reflectors on the equipment itself. It must also be surrounded by barricades with reflectors or lights.
Fully lower or block bulldozer and scraper blades, dump bodies, end-loader buckets, or any similar equipment.
Haul and Dump Vehicles Safety
To protect the operator, a cab shield or canopy must be in place.
Dumping or hoisting mechanisms should have a latch to prevent accidental triggering.
Use a positive support to keep a dump body from lowering if it is raised for inspection or maintenance.

Earthmoving Equipment Safety

Unless the piece of equipment was designed for operation while standing, a seat belt is required.
Roll-Overprotective Structures (ROPS) should be on any equipment that is at risk for tipping over or where materials may fall on the operator. ROPS is the most effective in equipment that includes a seat belt and when the operator uses the seat belt.
A horn or reverse alarm signal, or a spotter, is required when going in reverse, or a bidirectional alarm if the equipment is a bidirectional machine.
Braking systems that can stop the equipment even if it is fully loaded.
Guards should be installed on scissor points of front-end loaders.
Travel should only be on roads and grades able to handle the machinery.

Excavating Equipment Safety

The operator will sit in a seat and use a seatbelt when operating the equipment.
Excavating and heavy equipment is often used to clear construction sites. Rollover guards, overhead and rear canopy guards should be used on this equipment.
Lifting and Hauling Equipment Safety
Rating capacity must always be:
Clearly posted on vehicle
Clearly visible to operator
Not to be exceeded
Unless permission is given by manufacturer, lifting and hauling equipment cannot be modified.

The Final Word

Operating Heavy Equipment can be a satisfying and fulfilling career choice, however, it is not without certain dangers and hazards. Proper training can reduce the risk of worker injury.

Safety should be the responsibility of the Heavy Equipment Operator. For more information on Hoisting License Test Prep classes and how to prepare to become a certified Heavy Equipment Operator, contact us.

What is a 2A Hoisting License? How Can I Operate it Safely