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Southworth Products
Mortuary Lift Manual
1.2 Responsibilities of Operators
Basic Principles
- Operators shall apply sound principles of safety and good judgment in
the application, and operation of the machine with consideration given to its intended use
and expected operating environment. Since the operator is in direct control of the machine,
conformance with good safety practices is the responsibility of the operator. The operator shall
make decisions on the use and operation with due consideration for the fact that his or her own
safety as well as the safety of other personnel on or near the machine is dependent on those
decisions.
General Training
- Only personnel who have received general instructions regarding the
inspection, application, and operation of machine, including recognition and avoidance of hazards
associated with their operation, shall operate the machine. Such topics covered shall include, but
not necessarily be limited to, the following issues and requirements:
1. A pre-start inspection
2.
Responsibilities associated with problems or malfunctions affecting the operation of the
machine
3.
Factors affecting stability
4. The purpose of placards and decals
5. Workplace inspection
6. Safety rules and regulations
7. Authorization to operate
8. Operator warnings and instructions
9.
Actual operation of the machine. Under the direction of a qualified person, the trainee shall
operate the machine for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate proficiency in actual
operation of the machine.
Pre-start Inspection -
Before use each day or at the beginning of each shift, the machine shall be
given a visual inspection and functional test including but not limited to the following:
1. Operating and emergency controls
2. Safety devices
3. Hydraulic system leaks
4. Electrical cables and wiring harness
5. Loose or missing parts
6. Nameplates, precautionary and instructional markings and/or labeling
7. Guarding system
8.
Items specified by the manufacturer
Problem or Malfunctions
- Any problems or malfunctions that affect the safety of operations shall
be repaired prior to the use of the machine.
Before Operations -
The operator shall:
1. Read and understand the manufacturer’s operating instruction(s) and user’s safety rules or
have them explained.
2. Understand all labels, warnings, and instructions displayed on the machine or have them
explained.
