You are verifying the FOPS on a new excavator. You notice the manufacturer's certification plate for the FOPS is missing or unreadable. What is the correct procedure?

Question: You are verifying the FOPS on a new excavator. You notice the manufacturer's certification plate for the FOPS is missing or unreadable. What is the correct procedure?

Answer options:

• Assume the FOPS is compliant as the machine is new and proceed with operation.
• Consult the machine's overall serial number and cross-reference with manufacturer documentation to confirm FOPS compliance. ✅ Tag the machine out of service until the plate is replaced or FOPS compliance can be verified by a competent person.
• Document the missing plate in the logbook and inform maintenance at the end of the day.

Correct answer: Tag the machine out of service until the plate is replaced or FOPS compliance can be verified by a competent person.

Explanation: A missing or unreadable FOPS certification plate means the operator cannot confirm the protective structure meets safety standards for falling objects. Provincial OHS regulations require evidence of compliance for protective structures. Without this, the machine must be taken out of service to ensure operator safety.