Safety and Accident Prevention
23
Operating Manual Crawler Excavator TC37
2
2.20 Recovery, Loading and
Transporting
Earth-moving machines are only to be loaded onto
recovery vehicles if adequate towing vehicles are
used.
The tow fixing points specified by the manufacturer
must be employed.
For loading and transportation, earth-moving
machines and all necessary auxiliary equipment must
be secured against unwanted movement.
The traveling gear and crawler unit of earth-moving
machines must be sufficiently cleaned of mud, snow
and ice to ensure that ramps can be driven up without
risk of slipping.
When transporting the earth-moving machine on
trucks, flatbed trailers, or by rail, it must be sufficiently
secured with chocks and by attachment to the lashing
points.
Before setting off, the route to be taken must be
examined to determine whether the roads are wide
enough, entrances and passages under bridges are
large enough and that roads and bridges have
sufficient carrying capacity.
2.21 Monitoring and inspections
The machine must be submitted to a general
inspection according to the regulations in force in the
user's country (e.g. Accident Prevention Regulations
in Germany); this inspection must be carried out by an
expert (e.g. machine engineer or machine foreman):
– before the machine is put into operation for the first
time and before the machine is again put into
operation after essential modifications have been
made
– at least once a year
– in the meantime, according to operating conditions
and local environments
The results of this inspection have to be recorded in
writing and this record kept until the next inspection
takes place.
Prior to every work shift, the machine operator must
check the earth-moving machine according to the
inspection and maintenance plan.
Hydraulic hoses must be replaced as soon as the
following damage is recognized:
– Damage to the outer layer which reaches the
intermediate layer,
– Embrittled patches on the outer layer,
– Deformations when under pressure or without
pressure which differ from the original shape of the
installed hose,
– Leaks,
– Damage to hose fittings or to the connection
between the fitting and the hose.
The coolant level may only be checked after the
engine has cooled down; the cap must be turned
carefully in order to let off excess pressure.
Prior to operations, the machine operator must check
the function of the safety devices.
The machine operator must advise the supervisor
immediately - and his replacement, if there is a
change of operator - with regard to any shortcomings.
In the event of shortcomings which jeopardize the
operating safety of the earth-moving machine, it is not
to be used until these have been eliminated.
