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2.10.3 SAFE USE:
Injury may occur from improper placement of
the backhoe in the work area, operator, workers
or bystanders in the area could be injured. Fol
-
low these important points to keep workers and
bystanders safe from potential hazards:
Use extreme caution when excavating on a slope,:
• always lower the stabilizers and bucket, if the
ground is soft use pads or timbers under the
stabilizers.
• do not attempt to begin excavating on a slope
while the backhoe is positioned on an angle,
danger of tip over is much greater since the
center of gravity moves to the down side of
the backhoe.
• refrain from swinging the boom to the down-
side of the hill, danger of tip over is much
greater since the center of gravity moves to
the further to the downside of the backhoe as
swing increases.
• do level the backhoe using the stabilizers so
the center of gravity is closer to the middle of
the backhoe, making the backhoe more stable
during excavating (ensure all four wheels are
touching the ground).
• for greatest stability, swing the boom upside
the slope, but if swing downside is required,
do so with extreme caution and swing only as
far as necessary to dump the bucket.
When excavating be aware:
• always lower the stabilizers and bucket, if the
ground is soft use pads or timbers under the
stabilizers.
• do not undercut your stabilizers, this could
cause the stabilizer to give way and the back-
hoe will tip into the excavation.
• know before hand of buried cable and utilities
• be aware of overhead hazards, utility lines
tree's etc.
When using the backhoe for lifting:
• always lower the stabilizers when lifting.
• do not lift objects that are beyond the lifting
limits of the backhoe.
• when moving a load, travel slowly and be
aware of objects and people along the travel
path, use a tag line to keep the load from
swinging.
Danger:
tip hazard
Safe work
Danger: undercut
Danger:
underground utilities
