Safety Precautions
1.6
Hydraulic System Hazards
The hydraulic system is under pressure whenever the engine is running and may hold
pressure even after the engine is shut off. Cycle all hydraulic controls after the loader boom
is resting on the ground. Some components will retain residual or trapped pressure. Use
extreme caution when removing any hydraulic component.
During inspection of the hydraulic system:
• Cycle all hydraulic controls to release residual pressure.
• Wait for the hydraulic fluid to cool down before disconnecting any hydraulic lines. Hot
hydraulic fluid can cause severe burns.
Hydraulic oil under pressure can penetrate body tissue causing serious injury and
possible death. When troubleshooting a hydraulic system for leaks, always use
cardboard or wood as a detector. DO NOT USE YOUR BARE HANDS. If you are
injected with hydraulic oil or any other fluids, immediately seek treatment by a doctor
trained in the treatment of penetrating fluid injuries.
• Hydraulic fluid can cause permanent eye injury. Wear safety glasses or a full face shield to
provide appropriate eye protection.
• When venting or filling the hydraulic system, loosen the filler cap slowly to allow any
pressure in the hydraulic tank to be released and remove the cap gradually.
WARNING
Boxer Brush/Sweeper Attachment Silica Dust Caution
An OSHA ruling has established new permissible exposure limits (PEL) for occupa-
tional exposure to respriable crystalline silica. OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.1153
covers the construction industry, and 29 CFR 1910.1053 covers the general and
maritime industries. The rules also requires employee protections such as perform-
ing exposure assessments, using exposure control methods, using respiratory pro-
tections, offering medical surveillance, developing hazard communication informa-
tion, and keeping silica-related records.
Under the new standard the employer shall not allow dry sweeping or dry brushing
where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline
silica unless wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize
the likelihood of exposure are not feasible. The employer bears the burden of show-
ing the alternative methods are not feasible.
-The use of non-grit, oil, or waxed based sweeping compounds are an acceptable
dust suppression housekeeping method.
-The use of compressed air for cleaning is allowed where the compressed air is
used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud
created by the compressed air, or where no alternative method is feasible.
-The employer’s exposure control plan must include the description of the house-
keeping measures.