022-00029AE Operation and Maintenance Manual
Safety 1-21
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
WORK SITE PRECAUTIONS
Before starting operations, thoroughly check the area for any unusual conditions that could be dangerous.
Check the terrain and condition of the ground at the work site, and determine the best and safest method
of operation.
Make the ground surface as hard and horizontal as possible before carrying out operations. If there is a lot
of dust and sand on the work site, spray water before starting operations.
If you need to operate on a street, protect
pedestrians and cars by designating a person
for work site traffic duty or by erecting fences
and posting "No Entry" signs around the work
site.
Erect fences, post "No Entry" signs, and take
other steps to prevent people from coming close
to or entering the work site. If people come
close to a moving machine, they may be hit or
caught by the machine, and this may lead to
serious personal injury or death.
Water lines, gas lines, phone lines and high-
voltage electrical lines may be buried under the
work site. Contact each utility and identify their
locations. Be careful not to damage or cut any of
these lines.
NEVER be in water that is in excess of the permissible water depth. Refer to “Allowable Water Depth” on
page 3-20.
Any type of object in the vicinity of the boom could represent a potential hazard, or cause the operator to
react suddenly and cause an accident. Use a spotter or signal person working near bridges, phone lines,
work site scaffolds, or other obstructions.
Minimum levels of insurance coverage, work permits or certification, physical barriers around the work site
or restricted hours of operation may be mandated by governing authorities. There may also be regulations,
guidelines, standards or restrictions on equipment that may have to be followed for local requirements.
There may also be regulations related to performing certain kinds of work. If there is any question about
whether your machine and work site complies with the applicable standards and regulations contact your
local authorities and agencies.
Avoid entering soft ground. It will be difficult for the machine to escape.
Avoid operating your machine to close to the edge of cliffs, overhangs, and deep ditches. The ground may
be weak in such areas. If the ground should collapse, the machine could fall or tip over and this could
result in serious injury or death.
Remember that the soil after heavy rain, blasting or after earthquakes, is weakened in these areas.
Earth laid on the ground and the soil near ditches is loose. It can collapse under the weight of vibration of
your machine and cause your machine to tip over.
Install the safety guard (ROPS/FOPS) if working in areas where there is danger of falling rocks.
Figure 15
