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.

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