2 - SAFETY INFORMATION
OPERATION Do not start the engine in enclosed areas that do not have adequate ventilation capable of removing exhaust gases, as they are harmful to your health. Keep the operator’s compartment free of foreign objects, especially if not firmly secured. Never use the machine to transport objects that are not properly secured. Do not transport passengers on the machine. Study and familiarize yourself with the emergency exits that are alternatives to the normal exiting procedures. For your personal safety, do not climb on or off the machine when it is moving. Obey all hand signals, safety indications and signs. When moving the machine in reverse, always look to where the machine is being moved. Be alert of the position of people near the machine. Should someone enter the work area, stop the machine. Maintain a safe distance from other machines or obstacles to ensure required visibility conditions. Give way to loaded machines. Always keep a clear view of the travel area or work area. Keep cab windows clean and repaired. When pulling loads or towing with a cable or chain, start moving slowly to prevent bumps. Keep a safe distance from what is being pulled or towed. Check the towing components for defects or issues before proceeding. Avoid kinking or twisting chains or cables. Do not use kinked chains or cables. The concentration of stresses caused by this condition may induce failures in the kinked area. Always wear heavy gloves when handling chains or cables. Chains and cables should be securely anchored using suitable hooks and eyes. The anchor points should be strong enough to withstand the desired load. Keep people clear of anchor points and cables or chains. Do not pull or tow unless the operator’s compartments of the machines involved are properly protected against a possible breakage of the cable or chain. Be alert to soft ground conditions close to recently excavated walls. The fill material and machine weight may cause the wall to collapse under the machine. In darkness, check the area of operation carefully before moving in with the machine. Use all lights available. Do not move the machine into areas with low visibility. If the engine speed drops, loses power or stops, for any reason, under load or at idle, immediately report this issue to the maintenance managers to obtain proper instructions. Do not operate the machine until this condition is corrected. Regularly check all exhaust system components, as exhaust fumes are toxic for the operator. Operators must know the performance of the machine they are operating. When working on slopes or near sudden drop-offs in the terrain, pay attention not to lose adherence. Avoid very soft ground, as this may result in a rollover or loss of control of the machine. If noise level is very intense and exceeds 90 dB (A) in the operator's ear for more than 8 hours, use an approved ear protection in compliance with local regulations.
Do not operate the machine if you are extremely tired or feeling ill or sick. Be especially careful toward the end of the work shift. If there are removable counterweights, do not operate the machine if they have been removed. When operating the machine, verify the height limits of doors, arches, overhead cables and electrical lines, as well as width limits of corridors, roads and narrow passages. It is important to obtain information about the load limits of the ground and paving type of the ramps where you are working. Beware of fog, smoke or dust that obscure visibility. Always inspect the work area to identify potential risks such as: steep slopes, overhangs, terraces, trees, demolition, rubble, fires, ravines, rough terrain, drains, convex areas, excavations in traffic areas, areas with many parked cars, populated service areas, fenced areas. In such conditions, operate with extreme caution. Whenever possible, avoid passing over obstacles such as: very rough terrain, rocks, tree stumps, steps, drains, railroad tracks. If it is necessary to cross obstacles, do so with extreme caution and at a right angle, if possible. Reduce speed, approach the obstacle slowly, pass slowly through the point of balance and through to the other side. Also use the attachment as support, if necessary. To pas over deep trenches or flooded ground, place the machine perpendicular to the obstacle, drastically reduce the speed and start to cross using aid of the attachment if necessary, only after assessing if the ground conditions allow the safely crossing without risks. The slope to be crossed is limited by factors such as ground conditions, the load being handled, the machine type, speed and visibility. There is no substitute for good judgement and experience when working on sloped terrain. Avoid operating the attachment too close to an bank or high wall, either above or below the machine. Take care with landslide from the edges of the excavation and falling objects. Remember that such hazards may be hidden by bushes, brush and undergrowth. Avoid brush, logs and rocks. Never drive over them or over any other surface irregularities that interrupt he adherence or traction with the ground, especially near steep slopes. Be alert to avoid changes in adherence conditions that cause loss of control. Work with extreme care on ice or frozen ground and on stepped slopes or near drop-offs. The word “levelling” generally refers to work in virgin rough terrain, characterized by the presence of all the perils and risks listed above. We emphasize the danger represented in these conditions by tree limbs (possibly falling on the machine) and large roots (which may act as a lever under the machine when uprooted and cause the machine to become unstable and overturn). Position the machine according to the loading and unloading areas so that it can swing to the left-hand side for loading and the operator has the best possible visibility. Never use the bucket or attachment to lift or carry people. Never use the machine as a work platform or scaffolding. The machine must not be used improperly. for works not
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