6
ADDITIONAL SAFETY ADVICE
Training
Operators need to be competent and fully capable of operating this machine in a safe and
efficient way prior to attempting to use it in any public place. We advise therefore that the
prospective operator make use of relevant training courses available such as those run by
the Agricultural Training Board, Agricultural Colleges, Dealers and McConnel.
Working in Public Places
When working in public places such as roadsides, consideration should be paid to others in
the vicinity. Stop the machine immediately when pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders etc.
pass. Restart only when they are at a distance that causes no risk to their safety.
Warning Signs
It is advisable that any working area be covered by suitable warning signs and statutory in
public places. Signs should be highly visible and well placed in order to give clear advanced
warning of the hazard. Contact the Department of Transport or your Local Highways
Authority to obtain detailed information on this subject. The latter should be contacted prior
to working on the public highway advising them of the time and location of the intended work
asking what is required by way of signs and procedure. – ‘
Non-authorised placement of road
signs may create offences under the Highways Act’.
Suggested Warning Signs Required
‘Road works ahead’ warning sign with a supplementary
‘Hedge cutting’ plate. ‘For 1 mile’
or appropriate shorter distance may be added to the plate.
‘Road narrows’ warning signs with supplementary
‘Single file traffic’ plate.
White on blue
‘Keep right’ (*) arrow sign on rear of machine.
* Note – this applies to UK Market machines where traffic passes to the right of a machine working in
the same direction as the traffic flow. The direction, use and colour of the arrow sign will depend on the
country of use and the Local Highway Authorities regulations in the locality.
Use of Warning Signs
On two-way roads one set of signs is needed facing traffic in each direction.
Work should be within 1 mile of the signs.
Work only when visibility is good and at times of low risk e.g.: NOT during ‘rush-hour’.
Vehicles should have an amber-flashing beacon.
Ideally, vehicles should be conspicuously coloured.
Debris should be removed from the road and path as soon as practicable, and at regular
intervals, wearing high visibility clothing and before removing the hazard warning signs.
Collect all road signs promptly when the job is completed.
Safety Gear:
It is recommended that the following personal protective equipment is worn
when operating and/or maintaining this machine; Coveralls, safety boots, safety glasses,
hearing protection, safety helmet, protective gloves, and protective dust mask.
Although the information stated here covers a wide range of safety subjects it is impossible to predict
every eventuality that can occur under differing circumstances whilst operating this machine. No
advice given here can replace ‘good common sense’ and ‘total awareness’ at all times, but will go a
long way towards the safe use of your McConnel machine.