Rank: Forum user 
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Hi
We have an issue over the use of 360 tracked excavators working on piles of waste, not putrescible, but bulky non recyclable waste from commercial and domestic sources. We shred the material and incinerate in an energy from waste plant.
We used to use these machines to manage shredded material that was fairly uniform and would provide a stable base to operate from, but now for various reasons we have piles of un shredded waste just tipped from vehicles and piled up. Our operators say they are happy to work on the stack and compress by tracking down the material, but I'm unsure about this as the material is not uniform and the inconsistent mature could lead to "soft" spots and cause the vehicle to overturn?
Anyone out there with experience in this area, or have i already convinced myself it's not safe?
Cheers
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Rank: Super forum user 
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In the absence of any response can I suggest you use the expertise of the excavator operators. I assume you have already been engaged some dialogue prior to posting your question. The nature of the question is esoteric and I suggest the only person qualified to answer it properly is the excavator operator. Perhaps a trial with you in attendance on a reasonably level pile of waste, and incrementally more uneven until your concerns are substantiated or otherwise, short of the excavator tipping over of course!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Meant to have asked if the excavators are fitted with Rated Capacity Indicators (RCIs) or similar, which provide the operator with an advanced warning of the machine becoming unstable?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Oneof
Used this method for best part of 20 years but always with competent Operators. As Ray says these are the people who will know.
Ta Alex
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Rank: Super forum user
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Oneof 2 - RayRapp's advice is very sound. Also, unlike the rest of us on this forum, you and the operators will know the height/s of the piles of waste, plus the height, reach and base dimensions of the excavators and how different types of waste react when driven over.
On a wider basis Ray's advice about talking to the operators applies to many other work situations. From time to time over the years I've encountered or read of situations where it's obvious that line managers and sometimes even OS&H people have produced reports and/or made decisions without bothering to talk to the employees involved. It's unfortunate that quite a number of UK organisations and managements have an attitude which regards employees, especially ones regarded as doing menial jobs, as brainless and unable to contribute anything other than whatever they are employed to do. Such an attitude does nobody any good. People at work, no matter what their positions and roles are, can often provide useful information and feedback about workplaces, machinery and systems of work, etc. so please don't overlook liaising with them. Some of their information or suggestions will be trivial or inappropriate, so there's no obligation to heed and act on everything they say. What is important is to assess what they say and then use the useful and practical elements.
p.s. On a purely jocular note, does your nickname stem from being a twin?!
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi
Thanks for the comments, much appreciated. We have consulted with the operators as "that's the way we do it around here"and they are happy with doing this. The piles can be up to 6 meters high and probably over an area of 300 sq meters. The difference is that previously they were working on a different easily consolidated material and this is a different situation with material which we, operators included, have little experience of working with. Our plant instructor says it's a bad idea due to the unknown nature and consistency of the materials you are working on. So conflicting views?
Graham - 1 of 2 because there are two of us in the office of the machine!
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