11
Pre-start Checks
GB
Pre start-up inspection.
The following Pre-start-up inspection must be performed before the start of each work session or after every four hours of use,
whichever is
¿
rst. Please refer to the service section for detailed guidance. If any fault is discovered, the ‘PCLX 12/40E’ must not be
used until the fault is recti
¿
ed.
1. Thoroughly inspect the ‘PCLX 12/40E’ and all cables for signs of damage. Make sure that the belt guard is secure before using the
machine.
2. Check hoses,
¿
ller openings, drain plugs and any other areas for signs of leakage. Fix any leaks before operating.
Vibration
Some vibration from the compacting operation is transmitted through the handle to the operator’s hands. Refer to speci
¿
cations &
technical data for vibration levels and usage times (recommended maximum daily exposure time).
DO NOT
exceed the maximum
usage times.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
Suitable PPE must be worn when using this equipment i.e. Safety Goggles, Gloves, Ear Defenders, Dust Mask and Steel Toe capped
footwear (with anti-slip soles for added protection). Wear clothing suitable for the work you are doing. Always protect skin from contact
with concrete.
Dust.
The compaction process can produce dust, which may be hazardous to your health. Always wear a mask that is suited to the type of
dust being produced.
Health & Safety
GB
Compaction Speci
¿
cation
Reasons For Compaction
GB
Soil, which has been disturbed or new in
¿
ll, subbase and blacktop, will have small voids or air pockets which, if not compacted, will
lead to one or more problems occurring.
1. As traf
¿
c crosses the surface of an uncompacted area, the material is compressed. This leads to subsidence of the top
surface as the material
¿
lls the voids.
2. A similar situation occurs with static loads on uncompacted ground. The load (e.g. a building) will sink.
3. Materials with voids are more susceptible to water seepage, leading to erosion. Water ingress may also cause the soil to
expand during freezing temperatures and contract during dry spells. Expansion and contraction is a major cause of damage to
building foundations and normally leads to the structure requiring underpinning.
Compaction increases the density of the material and therefore increases its load bearing capacity. Reduces air voids and therefore
reduces the risk of subsidence, expansion and contraction, due to ingress of water.
GB
Various methods have been employed in the past to specify the compaction required for various applications. The factors to consider
are, material properties, layer thickness, pressure applied, vibration and number of passess. Greater understanding of how compaction
works has lead to new compaction speci
¿
cations being introduced. The most up to date speci
¿
cation is part of the U.K.’s NRSWA (New
Roads & Street Works Act). Civil Engineers are now adopting these speci
¿
cations to ensure good compaction for all site work.
Applications
Applications/materials fall into three categories:
1. Cohesive materials (less than 20% granular) e.g clay, silt & heavy soils.
2. Granular materials (more than 20% granular) e.g hard core, sand & light soils.
3. Bituminous materials e.g asphalt (tarmac), cold lay (bitumin emulsion products).
GB
