PREVENTING VEHICLE FIRES

Observe the following precautions to prevent the possibility of fires in your lift truck, or in the facility where the truck is stored or operated. Before starting the day’s work or before each shift, always make sure to perform the following checks. If any problem is found, operation of the truck should be halted until the problem is corrected.

Check for any spilt fuel or oil

EXHAUST MANIFOLD

MUFFLER Electrical wires that short can cause a fire. • Clean all the wiring connections and ensure the plugs are securely connected. • Before starting the day’s work or before each shift, check the cables and wiring for looseness, twists, stiffened or cracked insulation, and fraying. • Also check for missing or damaged terminal caps. • If any problem is found or you are not sure about the safety of the truck, consult your local Cat lift truck dealer.

Check for oil leaks

Wipe up any spilt fuel, oil, anti-freeze, or windshield washer liquid. Remove any deposits or accumulation of flammable debris (paper, leaves or wood waste). They can be a fire hazard. • Before starting the day’s work or before each shift, check the truck, in particular the hot components (muffler, exhaust pipe, tail pipe) and the parts around them, for spilt fuel, or other flammables. Remove any if found.

Check for electrical shorts

Fuel leaks, hydraulic oil and lubricant leaks can cause a fire. • Before starting the day’s work or before each shift, check all the hose clamps for looseness. Notice if any are missing. Check the hoses for twists, friction wear or damage. • If any problem is found or you are not sure about the safety of the truck, consult your local Cat lift truck dealer.

Check the work area for flammables around the truck

Any flammables around the truck, in particular those near the muffler, exhaust pipe and tail pipe can ignite or explode due to the heat of the exhaust gas. If you cannot avoid working in an area where there are flammables, use caution not to allow the muffler, exhaust pipe or tail pipe to come close to those flammables.

Precaution about smoking in the operator’s compartment

Any flammable objects inside the operator’s compartment can catch fire from a cigarette or cigarette butt, leading to a vehicle fire. • Never smoke in the truck if it is not equipped with an ash tray.

Never smoke in a work area where there are flammables. • The ash tray, if any, must be cleaned daily or more frequently.

How to escape from a truck on fire

A vehicle fire might cause a serious personal injury or even death. If the truck catches on fire during operation, get out of the burning vehicle observing the following procedure: • Lower the forks on the ground, apply the parking brake, and turn off the starter switch to shut off the engine. • Get out of the burning vehicle quickly using the steps and handrails.

Do not jump off the truck. • If possible, fight the fire using a fire extinguisher.

Never make modifications without prior approval

Modifications performed without prior approval can cause a fire hazard. Do not make any modification to your truck without getting prior approval from the manufacturer. If you need a modification of your truck, consult your local Cat lift truck dealer. Modifications made without Cat Lift Truck’s prior approval will void your vehicle’s warranty.