Never Use Ether Starting Aids An electric-grid type manifold heater is used for cold starting. The glowing heater element can cause ether or other starting fluid to detonate, causing injury. Take Time to Provide Good Visibility Halt work if visibility is poor. Strong rains, snow, fog and extremely dusty conditions can all obscure visibility so badly that it is best to wait for weather to change or dust to settle before continuing operation. Mounting and Dismounting NEVER get on or off a moving machine. Do not jump on/off. The entry/egress path should be clear of mud, oil and spills and mounting hard- ware must be kept tight and secure.
Night work in areas of limited visibility should be halted if installation of extra work lights on the machine (or work area) is necessary. Keep dirt and dust off of windows and off the lens surfaces of work lights. Stop working if lights, windows or mirrors need cleaning or adjustment. Always use handholds or steps and maintain at least 3-point contact of hands and feet. Never use controls as handholds. Fuel, Oil and Hydraulic Fluid Fire Hazards Add fuel, oil, antifreeze and hydraulic fluid to the machine only in a well ventilated area. The machine must be parked with controls, lights and switches turned off.
The engine must be off and any flames, glowing embers, auxiliary heating units or spark- causing equipment must be doused, turned off and/or kept well clear of the machine. NEVER get up from the operator’s seat or leave the operator’s station and dismount the machine if the engine is running. Observe General Safety Rules Only trained and authorized personnel, with a good knowledge and awareness of safe procedures, may be allowed to operate or perform maintenance or service on the wheel loader. Static electricity can produce dangerous sparks at the fuel filling nozzle.
In very cold, dry weather or other conditions that could produce static discharge, keep the tip of the fuel nozzle in constant contact with the neck of the fuel filling nozzle, to provide a ground. All personnel at the work-site should be aware of assigned individual responsibilities and tasks. Communication and hand signals used should be understood by everyone. Terrain and soil conditions at the job site, approaching traffic, weather-related hazards and any above or below ground obstacles or hazards should be observed and monitored by all work crew members. Keep fuel and other fluid reservoir caps tight and do not start the engine until caps have been secured.
Boost Starting or Charging Engine Batteries Turn off all electrical equipment before connecting leads to the battery. This includes electrical switches on the battery charger or boost starting equipment. Engine Ventilation Engine exhaust gases can cause loss of judgment, loss of alertness, and loss of motor control. These gases can also cause unconsciousness, serious injury and fatal accidents. When boost-starting from another machine or vehicle do not allow the two machines to touch. Wear safety glasses or goggles while required parallel battery connections – positive to positive and negative to negative – are made.
(24 volt battery units consisting of two series-connected twelve volt batteries have a cable connecting one positive terminal on one of the 12 volt batteries to a negative terminal on the other battery. Booster or charger cable connections must be made between the non-series-connected positive terminals and between the negative terminal of the booster battery and the metal frame of the machine being boosted or charged.) Refer to the procedure and illustration in the Engine section of this book. Make sure of adequate ventilation before starting the engine in any enclosed area.
You should also be aware of open windows, doors or ductwork into which exhaust may be carried, or blown by the wind, exposing others to danger. 1-8 SAFETY Mega 300-III Shop Manual