Red Seal Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) Practice Exam

Which of the following should be done last during the shutdown procedure of an excavator?

1. Lower attachments

2. Turn off the engine

3. Implement safety locks

4. Check surrounding area

The correct answer is: Implement safety locks

Implementing safety locks should be the final step in the shutdown procedure of an excavator because it ensures that the machine is securely immobilized and poses no risk to operators or bystanders after it has been turned off. This step is crucial for preventing any accidental movement of the machinery and ensuring safety on site, particularly when the operator has completed their work and is leaving the machine for an extended period. Prior to applying safety locks, the engine must first be turned off to prevent accidental activation of the controls which could happen if safety locks are applied while the machine is still operational. Lowering attachments to the ground is critical as well, as it establishes a safe working position for the equipment and minimizes the risk of injury. Checking the surrounding area is also an important part of the shutdown procedure to ensure no one is in the vicinity of the excavator, but it is done before locking the machine. Thus, safety locks serve as the final step to guarantee that the equipment is in a safe condition for those around it once all operations have ceased.