20
Operating Manual Crawler Excavator TC37
Safety and Accident Prevention
2
2.13 Danger of falling objects
Earth-moving machines are only to be used where
there is a danger of falling objects if the operator’s
stand has a canopy (FOPS). A front guard must be
employed if there is a risk of materials breaking
through into the cabin.
In front of walls e.g. of stacked materials, earth-
moving machines must be positioned and operated in
such a way that the driver's seat and entry to the
driver's seat are not situated on the side facing the
wall.
Demolition work is only to be performed by earth-
moving machines where there is no danger to
persons and if the machine is equipped with canopy,
cabin-mounted front guard and the appropriate work
implement.
See regulations book "Demolition work" (ZH 1/614)
published by the German Tiefbau-
Berufsgenossenschaft (Civil Engineering Employer’s
Liability Insurance Association).
2.14 Working in the vicinity of
underground power lines
Before commencing excavating work using earth-
moving machines, it must be determined whether any
underground power lines are present in the intended
working zone which may present a danger to
persons.
If underground power lines are present, their exact
position and course must be determined in
consultation with the proprietor or operator of the
lines, and the necessary safety precautions decided
and implemented.
The course of power lines in the work area must be
clearly marked, under supervision, before
commencing any excavation work. If the position of
lines cannot be determined, search ditches must be
dug - manually, if need be.
If underground power lines are encountered
unexpectedly or they or their protective covers are
damaged, the machine operator must discontinue
work immediately and notify the supervisor.
2.15 Working in the vicinity of overhead
power lines
If the earth-moving machine is being used in the
vicinity of overhead power lines and trolley wires, a
safety distance which varies depending on the
nominal voltage of the overhead line must be
maintained between the lines and the earth-moving
machine and its work equipment, to prevent current
overspill. This also applies to the distance between
these lines and attached implements or loads.
The safety distances specified below must be
complied with.
In the observation of safety distances, all working
movements of earth-moving machines, e.g. positions
of the work equipment and the dimensions of
attached loads must be taken into consideration.
Uneven ground which would cause the earth-moving
machine to be inclined and thus nearer to overhead
lines must also be taken into account.
During work in windy conditions, both overhead lines
and work equipment may swing out, thus reducing the
safety distance.
If it is impossible to maintain sufficient distance from
overhead power lines and trolley wires, the plant
operator must consult with the proprietor or operator
of the overhead lines to find other safety precautions
to prevent current overspill. Such measures could be,
e.g.
– Switching off the current,
– Re-routing the overhead line,
– Cabling, or
– Limiting the work zone of earth-moving machines.
Nominal voltage
in kV
Safety distance
in meters
– 1
1.0
>1 to 110
3.0
>110 to 220
4.0
>220 to 380
5.0
nominal voltage unknown
5.0
Tab. 2
Prescribed safety distances
