Komatsu Utility PC26MR-3, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN WORKING
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2.4.9 PREVENTING ELECTROCUTION
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Digging operations near overhead electric lines are extremely dangerous and they may also cause death due to
electrocution; for this reason, when working near overhead electric lines always respect the minimum safety dis-
tances prescribed by the competent authorities and by the accident-prevention rules in force.
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As far as underground long-distance lines are concerned, the minimum distance depends on the covering of the
ducts in which the cables are laid.
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The basic safety precautions to be taken to prevent this risk are the following:
1 - Wear shoes with thick rubber or leather soles.
2 - Request the aid of another person who can warn you if the machine gets too close to the electric line.
3 - Operate at low speed.
4 - Get acquainted with the behaviour rules to be followed in case of electrocution.
5 - Keep the phone number of the electricity company and of the nearest first aid station at hand.
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If the work equipment gets accidentally entangled in the cables, the operator must not leave the cab until the
electricity company has insulated the line.
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When carrying out this kind of operations, warn everyone standing in the work area to keep a safety distance
from the machine and the work equipment.
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Ask the electricity company in advance the voltage of the cables and the minimum safety distance.
DANGER
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The minimum distances from overhead lines can vary in the different countries, according to the climate
and to the humidity percentage in the air.
Indicatively, the distances indicated in the following table should be respected.
2.4.10 VISIBILITY
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Switch on the work lights as soon as visibility decreases.
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If visibility is reduced due to mist, smoke or heavy rain, stop the machine in a safe position and wait for the
weather to improve until visibility becomes acceptable.
2.4.11 WORKING ON ICY OR SNOW-COVERED SURFACES
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If the ground is icy or covered with snow, even a slight slope may cause the machine to slip sidewards, therefore
it is advisable to move at low speed and to avoid abrupt starts, stops or turns.
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When it has snowed heavily, the road shoulders and any obstacle are buried in the snow and are not visible,
therefore proceed with care when clearing the snow.
Cable voltage
Min. safety distance
1.0 kV (distribution line) 5 m
6.6 kV (2–3 insulators) 5.2 m
33 kV (min. 3 insulators) 5.5 m
66 kV (min. 6 insulators) 6 m
154 kV (min. 10 insulators) 8 m
275 kV (min. 19 insulators) 10 m
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