General Safety Guidelines and Precautions

General safety guidelines and precautions are essential for preventing accidents and injuries in various settings. These guidelines encompass a wide range of practices, from personal protective measures to equipment-specific safety protocols. This document outlines key safety measures related to fire prevention, safe access, welding, refueling, and hydraulic systems, drawing from established safety procedures.

Fire Prevention

Preventing fires is a critical aspect of general safety. The following precautions should be observed:

Keep machines clean of trash, grease, and debris.
Always clean up spilled fuel.

Hand Holds and Steps

Slips and falls can lead to serious injuries. When accessing or exiting machinery, adhere to the following:

Always maintain three-point contact with steps and handrails while facing the machine.
Do not use the steering wheel or any other controls as handrails.
Never jump on or off the machine.
Be careful of slippery conditions on platforms, steps, and handrails.
Always shut off the engine before leaving the operator's station.

Welding Precautions

Unauthorized welding can compromise structural integrity and lead to personal injury. Observe these precautions:

Do not weld on any structural member. Unauthorized welding will void the warranty.

Refueling Safety

Refueling requires careful attention to prevent fires and explosions:

Handle fuel with care, as it is highly flammable.
Do not refuel the machine while smoking or near open flames or sparks.
Always stop the engine before refueling the machine.
Fill the fuel tank outdoors.

Hydraulic Safety

Working with hydraulic systems involves specific hazards that must be addressed:

Do not work on the hydraulic system if the oil temperature exceeds 120°F (49°C).

Before working on the hydraulic system:

Lower the boom to horizontal.
Support the boom to prevent unintentional lowering.
Shut down the engine.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Clean the area around the reservoir cap.

Fluid Under Pressure

Escaping fluid under pressure poses a significant risk:

Use cardboard or paper to search for leaks; do not use hands.
Relieve all pressure before disconnecting lines.
Ensure all connections are tight before applying pressure.
Do not apply pressure to damaged lines, hoses, or fittings.
If injured by escaping fluid, seek immediate medical attention to prevent serious infection.

General Safety Practices

Additional safety practices to follow include:

Always wear a seat belt while operating the machine to reduce the risk of personal injury.

Safe Maintenance

Practicing safe maintenance is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring equipment reliability:

Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair safety and affect machine life.
Always use a safety support or brace when working on, under, or around the machine or forks.
Do not adjust or lubricate the machine while it is in motion.
Shut off the engine and lockout the ignition while working on the machine unless maintenance instructions require the engine to be running.
Replace all shields and guards after servicing.
Never use the machine as a platform for lifting personnel.

Boom Safety

When working with or around the boom, observe the following:

Do not enter the danger area under or around the boom when the forks are off the ground or while the engine is running.
Before any work is performed in the danger area, the boom must be completely lowered, and the forks must be resting on the ground.