17
General Safety
For your own personal protection and for the safety of those around you, please read andensure you fully understand the following
safety information.
It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that he/she fully understands how to operatethis equipment safely.
If you are unsure about the safe and correct use of the Plate Compactor, consult your supervisor or Belle Group.
• This equipment is heavy and must not be lifted single-handedly, either GET HELP or use suitable lifting equipment. A special
transport assembly is available for the compactor (see options).
• Cordon off the work area and keep members of the public and unauthorised personnel at a safe distance.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn by the operator whenever this equipment is being used (see Health &
Safety).
• Make sure you know how to safely switch this machine OFF before you switch it ON in case you get into dif
fi
culty.
• Always switch OFF the engine before transporting, moving it around the site or servicing it.
• During use the engine becomes very hot, allow the engine to cool before touching it. Never leave the engine running and
unattended.
• Never remove or tamper with any guards
fi
tted, they are there for your protection. Always check guards for condition and
security, if any are damaged or missing, DO NOT USE THE COMPACTOR until the guard has been replaced or repaired.
• Do not operate the Compactor when you are ill, feeling tired, or when under the in
fl
uence of alcohol or drugs.
Fuel Safety
• Before refuelling, switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
• When refuelling, DO NOT smoke or allow naked
fl
ames in the area.
• Spilt fuel must be made safe immediately, using sand. If fuel is spilt on your clothes, change them.
• Store fuel in an approved, purpose made container away from heat and ignition sources.
Fuel is
fl
ammable. It may cause injury and property damage. Shut down the engine, extinguish all open
fl
ames and do not smoke while
fi
lling the fuel tank. Always wipe up any spilled fuel.
CAUTION
The exhaust fumes produced by this equipment are highly toxic and can kill!
CAUTION
Improper maintenance or use can be hazardous. Read and Understand this section before you perform
any maintenance, service or repairs.
CAUTION
Health and Safety
Vibration
Some vibration from the compaction operation is transmitted through the handle to the
operator’s hands. The Belle Group Plate Compactor range has been speci
fi
cally designed to reduce hand/arm vibration levels. Refer
to speci
fi
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. Wear clothing suitable for the work you are doing. Tie back long hair and remove any
jewellery which may catch in the equipment’s moving parts.
Dust.
The compacting process will occasionally produce dust, which may be hazardous to your health. Always wear a mask that is suited to
the type of dust being produced.
Fuel.
Do not ingest fuel or inhale fuel vapours and avoid contact with your skin. Wash fuel splashes immediately.
If you get fuel in your eyes, irrigate with copious amounts of water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Exhaust Fumes
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
fi
rst. Please refer to the service section for detailed guidance. If any fault is discovered, the compactor must not be used
until the fault is recti
fi
ed.
1. Thoroughly inspect the compactor for signs of damage. Check componenents are present and secure. Pay special attention
to the belt drive safety guard
fi
tted between the engine and the vibrator unit.
2. Check the engine oil level and top up as necessary.
3. Check the engine fuel level and top up as necessary.
4. Check for fuel and oil leaks.
Pre-Start Checks
Do not operate the compactor indoors or in a con
fi
ned space, make sure the work area is adequately ventilated.
