DRAFT
Operator’s Manual
© Copyright 2014 - Rail-Ability Limited
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8.3 Residual Risks
It is forbidden to use the boom without having read and understood the manual for use and
maintenance and without having being previously instructed by experienced personnel on all
aspects of safe boom operation.
Risk evaluation shall be followed by adequate provisions in order to avoid risks and damage to
people and objects.
Overturn:
the boom can overturn, thus hurting people and damaging objects especially in the
following conditions:
not correctly railised
moment limiting device disabled
ground conditions at the site not stable enough
excessive speed.
Moment limiting device
: never try to bypass or tamper with the moment limiting device and the
various safety systems installed on the boom. Understand the alarm messages generated by
the "moment limiting device" and act accordingly.
Control position
: before operating the controls the operator shall make sure that they are safe
from hazards.
From the control position the operator shall be able to visually inspect the whole working area at
all times. If it is not possible, they shall team up with a co-worker able to control the whole area
and who can see all potential hazards clearly at all times.
Load rigging
: carefully inspect the load rigging. The operator shall make sure that the load is
properly attached and balanced and that all unexpected movements are not allowed. Be careful
not to hit any potential impediments during the boom movements.
Overload and/or fatigue
: the boom can break down due to fatigue or overload:
if it is misused (with cycles, loads or pump oil flow not pertinent to the boom class)
if it is used for improper tasks (side, oblique or reversal pull)
if it is used in poor sites (corrosive environment, too high or too low temperature, foundry
- see Workplace Assessment)
if the load exceeds the rated capacity indicated on the relevant plates.
Wrong manoeuvring
: the boom can fall, break or overturn if the operator performs a wrong
manoeuvre due to the lack of familiarity with the operation procedures or due to inadequate
psychophysical conditions. There are directives and rail regulations in force that impose suitable
training of the personnel before using these types of machines and they require an adequate
psychophysical condition to operate safely a lifting device that implies an inherent danger when
lifting a load.
Weather conditions
: too high or too low temperatures may damage the components of the
hydraulic and electric circuits. Do not operate the machine during a storm with lightning
hazards, and if these condition occur it is recommended that the boom is folded down and put
to rest.
Shearing, entrapment
: the boom has a lot of parts in movement that it is impossible to protect,
therefore the operator shall always be aware of this residual risk and keep clear from the parts
in movement, particularly from the load. The operator is held responsible not only for themself
but also for those working in proximity of the boom including any that are not authorized.
Electrocution
: the boom is not eclectically insulated and therefore it is not equipped to work
with conductors, including if a contact is accidental. Be compliant with the minimum clearance
prescribed by the national directives in force. Generally speaking the clearance from electric
lines of 33kV should be at least 9 metres. Above 33kV, the distance should be at least 15m and
