Updated AEM Compact Excavator Safety Manual Now Available

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has significantly updated its compact excavator safety manual and now offers a new Spanish/English version of the material.

The AEM Compact Excavator Safety Manual was developed under the guidance of the association's Attachment Manufacturers Council and Compact Loader/Compact Excavator Council. AEM safety manuals illustrate typical worksite and equipment hazards as well as safe practices in equipment preparation, operation, maintenance and transport. They are ideal for group safety sessions on the job or in the classroom as well as individual usage.

The AEM Compact Excavator Safety Manual expanded from 40 to 52 pages. Enhancements include a new section on trenching safety. Expanded or additional material includes safe mounting and dismounting; utility locating practices; attachment installation; installation, use and maintenance of quick-couplers; and use of newer safety design features such as gate or armrest-based hydraulic control locks and enhanced operator protection systems. Information on use of One-Call services and the USA national 811 number is also provided.

Graphics reinforce the safety messages and are in pictorial style to harmonize with the latest machine safety sign and manufacturer manual practices. ISO safety symbols are incorporated where appropriate. Safety alert messages, use of the “Safety Alert symbol” and use of “Signal Words” are revised to conform to ANSI Z535.6:2006 standards.

AEM’s safety and training materials cover more than 40 types of equipment used in agricultural, construction, forestry and utility applications. The association initiated its safety-tools program more than 40 years ago to provide job-proven and time-tested suggestions that promote safety-conscious attitudes and performance. In addition to accident prevention, benefits include improved worker productivity and less equipment downtime for repairs.