Safety - Section 20 9/11 OM2041 Page 20-6 OPERATING THE TRUCK When Starting The Engine Never attempt to start the engine by shorting across cranking motor terminals. This may cause a fire, or serious injury or death to anyone in truck’s path. The tire and rim assembly may explode if subjected to excessive heat. Personnel should move to a remote or protected location if sensing excessively hot brakes, smelling burning rubber or observing evidence of fire near the tire and wheel area. Never start the engine if a warning tag has been attached to the controls. When starting the engine, sound the horn as an alert. Start and operate the truck only while seated in the operator’s seat.
If the truck must be approached to extinguish a fire, those personnel should do so only while facing the tread area of the tire (front or back) unless protected by using large heavy equipment as a shield. Stay at least 50 ft. (15 m) from the tread of the tire. Do not allow any unauthorized persons in the operator's compartment or any other place on the truck. General Truck Operation Wear the seat belt at all times. In the event of fire in the tire and wheel area (including brake fires), stay away from the truck for at least 8 hours or until the tire and wheel are cool. Only authorized persons are allowed to ride in the truck. Riders must be in the cab and belted in the passenger seat.
Keep serviceable fire fighting equipment on hand. Report empty extinguishers for replacement or refilling. Do not allow anyone to ride on the decks or steps of the truck. Always place the directional control lever in the PARK when the truck is parked and unattended. Do not leave the truck unattended while the engine is running. Do not allow anyone to get on or off the truck while it is in motion. Do not move the truck in or out of a building without a signal person present. Know and obey the hand signal communications between operator and spotter.
When other machines and personnel are present, the operator should move in and out of buildings, loading areas, and through traffic under the direction of a signal person. Courtesy at all times is a safety precaution! NOTE: DO NOT use wheel brake lock when parking the truck. Park the truck a safe distance away from other vehicles as determined by the supervisor. Stay alert at all times! In the event of an emergency, be prepared to react quickly and avoid accidents. If an emergency arises, know where to get prompt assistance. Immediately report any adverse conditions at the haul road, pit or dump area that may cause an operating hazard.
Ensuring Good Visibility Check for flat tires periodically during a shift. If the truck has been operating on a “flat”, do not park the truck inside a building until the tire cools. If the tire must be changed, do not stand in front of the rim and locking ring when inflating a tire mounted on the truck. Observers should not be permitted in the area and should be kept away from the side of such tires. When working in dark places, install work lamps and head lamps. Set up extra lighting in the work area if necessary. Discontinue operations if visibility is poor, such as in mist, snow, or rain. Wait for the weather to improve to allow the operation to be performed safely.