SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR JOB SITE On the job site, there are hidden dangers that may lead to personal injury or death. Before starting operations, always check the following conditions to confirm that there is no danger on the job site. Work Site Hazards Before starting any excavating or grading operations, contact all utility departments in your area and have them identify and mark any underground system locations (gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, etc.). Do not sever or damage any of these lines. Check the terrain and condition of the ground at the work site, and determine the safest method of operation.
Do not operate where there is a hazard of landslides or falling rocks. Make sure your work area is as level as possible and that you will be able to maneuver your work equipment or machine easily. When traveling or operating in water or on soft ground, check the water depth, speed of the current, bedrock, and shape of the ground beforehand and avoid any place that will obstruct travel. Maintain the travel path on the job site so that there is no obstruction to travel operations. If you will be working near a high-traffic area (pedestrians or cars), have a dedicated worker available to direct traffic or install safety fencing around your work site.
Take necessary measures to prevent any unauthorized person from entering the operating area. Always be aware of all your work site dangers or distractions. Operations such as logging, mulching, land clearing, or landfill operations may cause trash and debris to accumulate on the machine. Remove debris or trash on a daily or more frequent basis (as necessary) to prevent fire. Always clean trash from the exhaust system compartments. The hot exhaust compartments may cause fire from contact with flammable material. Remove any leaves, wood chips, paper, wood dust, or anything accumulated around the engine that could catch fire.
Working on Loose or Unstable Ground To limit the risk when working in areas with loose or unstable ground: Avoid traveling or operating your machine too close to the edge of cliffs, overhangs, and deep ditches. The ground may be weak in such areas. If the ground should collapse under the weight or vibration of the machine, there is a danger that the machine may fall or tip over causing serious damage to the machine or injury to the operator. The soil after heavy rain or blasting or after earthquakes is weak in these areas. When working on embankments or near excavated ditches, there is a danger that the weight and vibration of the machine will cause the soil to collapse.
Before starting operations, take steps to ensure that the ground is safe and to prevent the machine from rolling over or falling. After a heavy rain or thaw, the surface conditions may become unstable. 1-30 WA430-6