Pack Mule PC NXG Series, Manual, Page: 33 / 50

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Appendix A: Industry Standards
The following text is provided as recommended
by Part II, “For the User”, of ANSI/ITSDF B56.8-2011,
Safety Standard for Personnel and Burden Carriers.
The manufacturer strongly endorses the contents of
this specification.
6 GENERAL SAFETY PRACTICES
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 Like other machines, carriers can cause inju-
ry if improperly used or maintained. Part II contains
broad safety practices applicable to carrier operation.
Before operation, the user shall establish such addi-
tional specific safety practices as may reasonably be
required for safe operation.
6.1.2 Premise review — The user shall periodical-
ly review their premises, and as conditions warrant,
identify areas where carriers should not be operated
and to identify possible hazards such as the following
examples:
(a) Steep Grade — In areas where steep grades exist,
carrier operation should be restricted to the desig-
nated vehicle’s pathways where possible, and shall be
identified with a suitable warning giving the following
information: “Warning, steep grade.”
(b) Wet Areas — Wet areas could cause a carrier to
lose traction and could affect steering, stability and
braking.
(c) Sharp Turns, Blind Spots, Bridge Approaches —
Sharp turns, blind spots, bridge approaches, and oth-
er potentially hazardous areas shall be identified with
a suitable warning to the operator of the nature of
the hazard and stating the proper precautions to be
taken to avoid the hazard.
(d) Loose Terrain — Loose terrain could cause a
carrier to lose traction and could affect steering, sta-
bility, and braking.
6.2 Operation
Experience has shown that carriers, which comply
with the provisions, stated in paragraphs 9.4, 9.5, and
9.6 are stable when properly operated and when op-
erated in accordance with specific safety rules and
practices established to meet actual operating terrain
and conditions. However, improper operation, faulty
maintenance, or poor housekeeping may contribute
to a condition of instability and defeat the purpose
of the standard. Some of the conditions which may
affect stability are failure of the user to follow safety
practices; also, ground and floor conditions, grade,
speed, loading, the operation of the carrier with im-
proper loads, battery weight, dynamic and static
forces, and the judgment exercised by the carrier op-
erator.
(a) The user shall train carrier operators to adhere
strictly to the operating instructions stated in this
Standard.
(b) The user shall survey specific operating condi-
tions and environment, and establish and train carrier
operators to comply with additional, specific safety
practices.
6.3 Nameplates, Markings, Capacity, and Modifications
6.3.1 The user shall maintain in a legible condition
all nameplates, warnings, and instructions, which are
supplied by the manufacturer.
6.3.2 Except as provided in 6.3.4, no modifications
or alterations to a carrier, which may affect the ca-
pacity, stability, or safe operation of the carrier, shall
be made without the prior written approval of the
original carrier manufacturer or a successor there-
of. When the carrier manufacturer or its successor
approves a modification or alteration, appropriate
changes shall be made to capacity plates, decals,
tags, and operation and maintenance manuals.
6.3.3 As required under paragraphs 6.3.1 or 6.3.2,
the manufacturer shall be contacted to secure new
nameplates, warnings, or instructions, which shall
then be affixed in their proper place on the carrier.
6.3.4 In the event that the carrier manufacturer is
no longer in business and there is no successor in
interest to the business, the user may arrange for a
modification or alteration to a carrier, provided how-
ever, the controlling party shall:
(1) Arrange for the modification or alteration to be
designed, tested, and implemented by an engineer(s)
expert in carrier(s) and their safety;
(2) Maintain a permanent record of the design,
test(s), and implementation of the modification or al-
teration;
(3) Make appropriate changes to the capacity
plate(s), decals, tags, and operation and maintenance
manuals;
(4) Affix a permanent and readily visible label on the
carrier stating the manner in which the carrier has
been modified or altered together with the date of
the modification or alteration, and the name of the
organization that accomplished the tasks.