Fire prevention

WARNING!

If the machine is used in an environment where the risk of fire is particularly high, e.g. in explosive environment, special equipment is required.

There is always a risk of fire. Find out what kind of fire extinguisher is used on your working site and how to use it. If the machine is equipped with a fire extinguisher, it should be kept inside the cab on the left side of the operator. If the machine is to be provided with a hand-held fire extinguisher, it should be of the ABE type (ABC in North America). The designation ABE means that it is possible to extinguish fires in both solid organic material and liquids, and that the fire extinguishing compound does not conduct electricity. Efficiency class I means that the effective operating time of the extinguisher must not be less than 8 seconds, class II at least 11 seconds and grade III at least 15 seconds. A hand-held fire extinguisher ABE I normally corresponds to a powder content of 4 kg (8.8 lb) (EN-grade 13A89BC), standard EN 3-1995, parts 1, 2, 4 and 5.

Fire prevention measures

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Q Do not smoke or have an open flame near a machine when filling with fuel or when the fuel system is opened and in contact with the surrounding air. Diesel fuel oil is flammable and must not be used for cleaning. Use conventional car care products meant for cleaning or degreasing. Also bear in mind that certain solvents can cause skin rashes, damage to the paint finish and constitute fire hazard. Keep the place clean where the service is to be carried out. Oil and water can make the floor slippery and is also dangerous in connection with electrical equipment or electrically powered tools. Oily and greasy clothes are a serious fire hazard.

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Check daily that the machine and the equipment, e.g. underbelly plates are free from dust and oil. Besides reducing the risk of fire, it is also easier to detect faulty or loose components.

NOTE! Take great care if a high-pressure wash is used for cleaning. Electrical components and electrical leads can be damaged even at a moderately high pressure and temperature. Protect electrical leads in an appropriate way.

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Q Take extra care when cleaning a machine working in a fire-sensitive environment, e.g. saw-mill and refuse dumps. The risk of spontaneous combustion can be further reduced by installing insulation of the silencer guard. It is important that the fire extinguisher is maintained in order to work when it is needed.

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Q Check that fuel lines, hydraulic and brake hoses and electrical cables have not been damaged by chafing or are not in danger of being damaged in that way because of incorrect installation or clamping. This applies particularly to unfused cables, which are red and marked R (B+) and routed: – between the batteries – between battery and starter motor – between alternator and starter motor Electrical cables must not lie directly against oil or fuel lines. Do not weld or grind on components which are filled with flammable liquids, e.g. tanks and hydraulic pipes. Exercise care with such work also in the proximity of such places. A fire extinguisher should be kept near to hand.

Actions in case of fire

If the circumstances permit and your own safety is not jeopardised, take the following steps at the slightest sign of fire:

1 Stop the machine, if the machine is in motion. 2 Lower attachments to the ground. 3 Move the control lockout lever to locked position, if so equipped. 4 Turn the ignition key to stop position. 5 Exit the cab. 6 Call the fire brigade. 7 If possible to access safely, turn off the battery disconnect switch. 8 Attempt to put out the fire, if possible. Otherwise, move away from the machine and out of the danger zone.

Actions after fire

When handling a machine which has been damaged by fire or been exposed to intense heat, the following protective measures must be followed:

Q Q Use thick, protective gloves made of rubber and wear goggles. Never touch burnt components with your bare hands in order to avoid contact with melted polymer materials. First wash thoroughly with plenty of lime water (a solution consisting of calcium hydroxide, i.e. slaked lime in water).

Q Handling heated fluoro-carbon rubber, see page 101.