PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE 2. PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE 2.1 ON-SITE SAFETY Before starting the engine, carefully check the area you are going to work in and note any ground conditions which may prove dangerous. After you have examined the area, and still before starting the engine, carefully study the work plan and the proposed method of opera- tion. If possible, level off the area you are going to work in before you start work. When working on a public road, designate someone to control both pedestrian and vehicu- lar traffic and install perimetral fencing around the work area.
If there are water or gas mains, telephone lines, or high voltage power lines below ground in the work area, contact the relevant authorities to ascertain their exact location or to have them cut off until work has been completed. Take the greatest care not to cut through or damage underground pipes or cables. D00004 If you have to work with the machine in water or on the banks of a river, check the depth of the water carefully before you enter it, and also note the strength and the direction of the current. 2.2 FIRE PREVENTION Carefully remove all pieces of wood, rubbish, paper, or any other inflammable material which may have collected in the engine compartment.
Debris around the engine constitutes a fire haz- ard. Check the fuel lines and hydraulic circuit for leaks and make any necessary repairs immedi- ately. Thoroughly clean up all traces of leaked fuel, oil, or any other inflammable liquid. Make sure that fire extinguishers are readily available in the work area. S00009 10