Bobcat and Skid Steer Loader Operation

Operators must hold RIIMPO318F - Conduct Civil Construction Skid Steer Loader Operations (or equivalent). This is a nationally recognised competency unit obtained from an accredited RTO. A High-Risk Work Licence is generally not required for standard operations, but from August 2025 in WA, a HRWL is required if the machine is used to suspend loads (crane use).

A minimum 3-metre pedestrian exclusion zone should be maintained around an operating skid steer loader. This zone should be expanded when loads are elevated, in confined spaces, or when visibility is restricted. Physical barriers, cones, and signage should mark the zone.

A documented daily pre-start inspection must be completed before each shift. This includes a walk-around (engine OFF) checking ROPS/FOPS, fluid levels, tracks/wheels, attachments, and safety devices. Then functional tests (engine ON) checking controls, reversing beeper, lights, park brake, and restraint bar interlock.

ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure) protects the operator from being crushed during a rollover by creating a survival space. FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) protects from falling materials. Both must be factory-fitted, undamaged, and never modified. Combined with a seatbelt, ROPS significantly reduces the risk of fatal injury in a rollover.

STAY IN THE CABIN - do not touch any metal parts of the machine. Warn all personnel to stay at least 8 metres clear. Call 000 and the electricity distributor. If the cabin catches fire and evacuation is absolutely necessary, JUMP clear (do not step down) and bunny-hop away to avoid step potential electrocution.

Yes. A BYDA (Before You Dig Australia) enquiry must be completed before any ground disturbance work — required before any mechanical excavation deeper than 150mm or hand excavation deeper than 300mm under NSW law (Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 / Gas Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2013). Lodge at least 1 business day before; allow up to 5 days for asset-owner responses. Plans must be on site, briefed to the operator, and renewed if expired before digging (validity is set per asset owner).

The restraint bar (also called seat bar or safety bar) is a protective barrier that the operator lowers before operation. When connected to an interlock system, it prevents the machine controls from operating unless the bar is in the down position. This prevents unintended machine movement when the operator is entering, exiting, or not properly seated.

Hydraulic safety props must be installed under the raised lift arms whenever anyone needs to access the area beneath them - including for maintenance, cleaning, attachment changes, or any inspection. The engine must be OFF before installing props. Never work under unsupported hydraulic arms.

The main causes are crush injuries from the lift arms and frame (operator or bystander caught between moving parts), rollover incidents (especially on slopes or uneven ground), and being struck by the machine (pedestrians in blind spots). Recent Australian fatalities include a 2022 WA crush between body and arms, a 2023 QLD worker entering raised bucket, and a 2019 QLD maintenance death.

The operator must wear a seatbelt at all times in the cabin. Outside the cabin: hard hat, high-visibility clothing, steel cap safety boots, and safety glasses. Hearing protection is required when noise exceeds 85 dB(A). Ground crew require hard hat, hi-vis, steel caps, and safety glasses at minimum.