Red Seal Heavy Equipment Operator (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe) Practice Exam

What should you check before starting a backhoe loader?

1. Ensure that the area is clear, and check for any obstructions or hazards.

2. Check the oil level only.

3. Review the machine's operational history.

4. Assess weather conditions only.

The correct answer is: Ensure that the area is clear, and check for any obstructions or hazards.

Before starting a backhoe loader, ensuring that the area is clear and checking for any obstructions or hazards is crucial for safe operation. This involves looking for other workers, equipment, overhead lines, and any other potential risks that could lead to accidents. A clear understanding of the surroundings allows the operator to maneuver the equipment safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of injury to themselves and others. While checking the oil level, reviewing the machine's operational history, and assessing weather conditions are important maintenance and safety considerations, they do not address immediate operational safety as directly as ensuring the area is clear. It's essential to establish a safe work environment before engaging in any operation, which serves as the foundation for all other pre-operational checks and procedures.