Vehicle Access Fig. 2.8 . A grab handle may also be provided on the exhaust stack. Steps may be mounted on the fuel tank(s), battery or tool box(es), or on metal brackets secured to the frame rail. A deck plate is mounted across the top of the frame rails. All other areas are not meant to support back-of-cab access 2 Follow these rules for back-of-cab access. Failing to follow these rules could lead to a fall, and pos- sible personal injury. Never step on any exterior part unless it has a slip-resistant surface meant for safe stepping. If the surface is movable, such as a battery box cover with a slip-resistant surface, be certain it is firmly secured.
3 Be careful not to trip on items such as chains or air lines in the back-of-cab area. Always follow safety procedures for back-of-cab access, maintaining three-point contact—both hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand— whenever moving around, and always face in to- ward the deck plate when climbing up or down. 1 Wet or dirty shoes, steps, or grab rails greatly increase the chance of slipping or falling. If your shoes or the contact areas are wet or dirty, clean and dry them as much as possible before ac- cessing the back of cab area, and be especially careful when climbing or standing on the vehicle. 1 09/24/2007 f602335 1. Steps 2. Grab Handle 3.
Deck Plate Never jump onto, or off of, a vehicle; doing so creates a very high likelihood of a fall and per- sonal injury. Fig. 2.8, Back-of-Cab Access 1. Facing the deck plate, grasp the grab handle with both hands. Reach up as far as is comfort- able. IMPORTANT: Climb onto, and down from, be- hind the cab while facing in toward the vehicle, as you would on a ladder. Do not climb up or down facing out away from the vehicle. 2. Place one foot on the bottom step and pull your- self up. Accessing Back-of-Cab Area 3. Place your other foot on the top step. WARNING 4. Move your lower hand to a higher position on the grab handle. 5. Step onto the deck plate.
External surfaces of the exhaust system remain hot after the engine has been shut down. When accessing the back of the cab or sleeper, do not touch any part of the exhaust system other than the exhaust-mounted grab handle, if equipped, or severe burns could occur. Exiting Back-of-Cab Area 1. Face the center of the vehicle and grasp the sidewall grab handle with both hands. 2. Place one foot at a time on the top step. 2.6 CAUTION