What must an equipment operator ensure before starting or moving equipment?

Before starting or moving equipment, an equipment operator must ensure that all persons are in the clear. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone in the vicinity. Moving equipment often presents risks to operators and bystanders, which can result in serious accidents if proper precautions are not taken.

Ensuring that the area is clear helps to prevent injuries or fatalities caused by moving machinery, as it can be difficult to see individuals who may be too close to the equipment. This safety check is a fundamental responsibility of the operator and is essential to maintaining a safe working environment.

While familiarity with the equipment and making sure the engine is running smoothly are important aspects of operating machinery, they do not address the immediate concern of safety for others around the equipment during operation. Similarly, cleaning equipment may contribute to its efficient operation, but it is not as critical as ensuring that bystanders are safe before commencing work.