An excavator operator on a residential site in Ontario needs to exit their machine to retrieve a tool from the ground. The excavator is running. What safety procedure must be followed before dismounting?

Question: An excavator operator on a residential site in Ontario needs to exit their machine to retrieve a tool from the ground. The excavator is running. What safety procedure must be followed before dismounting?

Answer options:

• Lower the attachment to the ground, place controls in neutral, engage the parking brake, and shut down the engine.
• Place controls in neutral, engage the parking brake, and disengage the swing lock.
• Ensure the attachment is clear of personnel, engage the parking brake, and keep the engine running. ✅ Lower the attachment to the ground, place controls in neutral, and engage the parking brake.

Correct answer: Lower the attachment to the ground, place controls in neutral, and engage the parking brake.

Explanation: Even for a brief dismount with the engine running, the attachment must be lowered to the ground, controls placed in neutral, and the parking brake engaged to prevent unexpected movement. Shutting down the engine is ideal if leaving the machine for an extended period, but the immediate safety steps for a brief exit with the engine running are as described. Disengaging the swing lock would be unsafe if the machine is running and could swing. Keeping the engine running without lowering the attachment is unsafe.