Spotter

The Spotter is responsible for ensuring that an equipment operator lifts a load properly and moves it to the correct location.

Roles & Responsibilities

General

• Directing a travel route when a driver’s vision is blocked.

• Directing the positioning of a load on the forks while it is being lifted.

• Watching for drop-offs, overhead wires, piping, and other hazards when lifting and driving a lift.

• Keeping pedestrians away from hazardous areas and travel paths.

• Inspecting work sites for potential hazards or unsafe conditions.

• Follow the forklift on roads to protect the lift and other vehicles.

• Spotters should always wear brightly colored (fluorescent red hi-vis), easy to recognize clothing. Wear highly visible clothing, especially at night. Gloves, hats, goggles or other PPE might be required for your particular job. The method of identification used, must be recognized and agreed by all parties prior to the commencement of operations and as discussed at the toolbox talk.

• Not allowed to touch the load while it is suspended.

• The spotter must also carefully position themselves so they can monitor the distance between the equipment and themselves and must provide early and effective warning to the equipment operator of any potential encroachment on the No Go Zone.

• Always remain in communication with the forklift operator and ensure that no persons in the team are out of sight of himself and the forklift operator at the same time.

• Before starting a job, a spotter needs to ensure the operator understands the signals that will be used like slow, stop, lower, raise, etc. (Radios can also be used for communicating).

• There are times when the forklift spotter and operator can’t clearly see each other. Walkie-talkies and other two-way radios are to be used for communicating over distances.

• Use traffic control measures to account for pedestrians like signs, cones and other right-of-way indicators are helpful in effectively routing pedestrian traffic out of danger zones.

• The spotter must remain at the task for the entire time the equipment is required to operate.

• The spotter may only observe/signal for one equipment at any time.

• Report any dangerous situations to supervisors so they can be addressed immediately.

• Do not use mobile phones, headphones, or other items that could distract a spotter.

• Responsible for ensuring that all equipment used follows legislation.

• Contribute to expected company behaviours.

• Assist in maintaining a safe place of work.

• Participate in and contribute to safety meetings and toolbox talks.

• Follow all instructions (verbal or written) given by the relevant Chargehand pertaining to lifting Operations or associated activities.

• Assist with the planning of forklift movements within the operations.

• Responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of the operational area for the forklift.

• Assist with the loading/unloading of containers and cargo handling.

• To assist in any activity once requested by Chargehands/Cargo Checker, Pipe Yard Supervisor/Shorebase Team Lead.

Personal and Operational Attributes

• Adherence to regulatory requirements

• Working with people

• Good communication and interpersonal skills are required, and an excellent attention to detail.

Minimum Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours)

• NSL Banksman/Slinger

• OPITO Certification will be an asset.

• Vehicle Banksman & Forklift Spotter Training

• Team Player

• People Skills

• Knowing personal limitations regarding work skills and knowledge

• Previous experience working on ASCO sites will be an asset.

• Clean Certificate of Character

Technical Competencies

• NSL Banksman/Slinger Competency Assessment

• Knowledge of regional legislation

• Knowledge of lifting operations planning.

HSEQ

• In partnership with the HSE department, ensure the continuous improvement of safety and environmental performance and compliance to all laws, regulations and industry standards/codes.

• Reports all incidents or breaches of policy or regulations to the line manager.

• Fully endorse the ASCO ‘Stop the Job’ policy and commitment to proactive intervention where an unsafe act or condition is observed.

• Adherence to the ASCO’s integrated management system ensuring document control and improvements to key processes is maintained.

• Ensure all work is carried out in a safe manner, always complies with HSEQ procedures, GLP, working instructions and safety standards.