Engineering Controls - Braking and Lights

Braking and lights are controls on pieces of construction equipment that greatly enhance their operational safety.

Braking

Fewer backover accidents occur when pieces of construction equipment have proper brake systems, including:

• Service brake systems
• Emergency brake systems
• Parking brake systems

Braking systems can share components and should be maintained in operable condition. Earthmoving equipment must have a service braking system capable of stopping and holding the equipment fully loaded. Brake systems for self-propelled, rubber-tired, off-highway equipment manufactured after January 1, 1972, must meet the applicable minimum performance criteria outlined by the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice.

Lights

Whenever visibility conditions warrant additional light, all vehicles or combinations of vehicles in use must have at least two headlights and two taillights in operable condition. All vehicles or combination of vehicles must have brake lights in operable condition regardless of light conditions.

To learn more about Backover Safety visit our Construction Backover Safety Online Training web page.