allen TRTP275, Operations & Parts Manual, Page: 41 / 170

09/2018 - 275 Page 41
SECTION 1
SAFETY
Transportation Safety (cont’d)
Lifting
Before using mobile lifting equipment the following safety precautions should be taken:
• The working environment: Routes should be leveled, marked and planned in such a way as to avoid potential hazards
such as overhead power lines and steeply sloping ground. Where possible a one-way system should be used. Speed limits
should be required and clearly displayed, they should be reduced for adverse site conditions and for areas near work in
progress. The working environment should be kept clean and tidy, with floors and access routes clear of obstacles. Good
lighting levels are needed to ensure that all potential hazards, e.g. obstructions and spills can be clearly seen. All stairs,
ramps and other level changes should be clearly visible and slip resistant; safety signs should be used where appropriate.
• Check machines on fuel, oil, and water levels, water, fuel, and hydraulic lines for leaks, the condition of the tracks or tires,
the condition of attachment cutting edges and teeth, visibility from the cab, windows, mirrors and lights, worn or slippery
surfaces, etc.
• If vehicles drive backwards when the driver’s rear view is obscured, the help of another worker is required. If no one is
available, the driver must walk round to the rear of the vehicle themselves to see that all is clear and give a sound signal
before starting to reverse. Additionally, these vehicles should use an audible warning device such as a horn when driving
in reverse.
• A crane operator should always move loads according to the established code of signals, and use a signaler. Hand signals
are preferred and commonly used. A signaler may be required by law if the operator’s view of the intended path of travel is
obstructed. The assistance of a trained and authorized signaler should be available when the view of the driver or operator
is restricted. The signaler must be in clear view of the operator, have a clear view of the load and equipment and keep other
persons out of the machine’s operating area.
• An unattended vehicle should have the engine switched off, and unless the vehicle is on a marked incline the gear should
be left in neutral and the handbrake on; on sloping ground the wheels should also be chocked. Tipping bodies should be
lowered when the machine is unattended, but if it is occasionally necessary to leave them in the raised position they should
be blocked to prevent their fall.
• Drivers and their assistants should wear safety shoes during loading and unloading.
Maintenance and inspection
Accidents may happen because lifting equipment is not inspected and maintained regularly. All equipment should be thor -
oughly examined prior to it being put into service and after there has been any major alteration that could affect its opera -
tion. Lifting equipment may need to be thoroughly examined at intervals laid down in an examination scheme drawn up by
a competent person, taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations. If equipment is intended to carry people, a
thorough examination must be undertaken every six months. Lifting equipment for all other purposes should be tested at
least every twelve months unless a specific inspection regime is implemented by the examining engineer. Lifting accesso
-
ries do not normally need formal inspection, provided that proper pre-use checks are made and they undergo their standard
thorough examination. All examinations must be undertaken by a competent person who is sufficiently independent and
impartial in order that an objective decision can be made.