Before starting a wheel loader for the day, you identify a slow drip of hydraulic fluid (approximately 1 drop every 10 seconds) from a hose near the articulation joint. What is the most appropriate action to take, considering safe operating procedures?

Question: Before starting a wheel loader for the day, you identify a slow drip of hydraulic fluid (approximately 1 drop every 10 seconds) from a hose near the articulation joint. What is the most appropriate action to take, considering safe operating procedures?

Answer options: ✅ Report the leak to your supervisor and do not operate the machine until it is inspected and repaired.

• Continue with operations, but regularly check the hydraulic fluid reservoir levels throughout the shift.
• Tighten the hose fitting with a wrench to stop the leak, then resume pre-operational checks.
• Place an absorbent mat under the leak and operate the loader, noting it in the logbook.

Correct answer: Report the leak to your supervisor and do not operate the machine until it is inspected and repaired.

Explanation: Any hydraulic leak, even a slow drip, indicates a component failure that could worsen rapidly, leading to loss of control or environmental contamination. Section 93(1) of O. Reg. 213/91 requires equipment to be maintained in good condition. The machine should be red-tagged and repaired before use.