Field scenario: The machine is staged at the base of a slope. The remote battery shows half charge and the crew is spread out across the site.
Why this matters
Remote equipment is only safe if control, signal, stop function, and crew communication are proven first.
Pass standard
Remote, machine, e-stop, signal, and crew communication are verified before the slope entry.
- Check remote battery, signal, physical key, emergency stop, drive response, attachment response, and fail-safe behavior before entering the slope.
- Confirm radio communication and the exact words/hand signals that mean freeze, emergency stop, back out, or all clear.
- Inspect tracks, attachment, hydraulic lines, debris, leaks, and fire risk areas before slope load is applied.
- No one stands in the machine path during remote checks. Treat pre-checks like live operation.
Operator checkpoints
Remote chargedE-stop testedSignal verifiedCrew comms confirmedMachine inspected
Common mistakes
- Assuming the remote works because it worked yesterday.
- Checking controls with people in the machine path.
- Starting slope work with weak battery/signal.
Document in Jobber
- Pre-check completion.
- Remote/signal issue notes.
- Machine condition photos if relevant.
Field standard: If you have not tested stop/control, you are not ready to climb.