BEFORE STARTING ENGINE Work Site Precautions Before starting operations, thoroughly check the area for any unusual conditions that could be dangerous. Check the terrain and condition of the ground at the work site, and determine the best and safest method of operation. Make sure the ground surface is as hard and horizontal as possible before carrying out operations. If there is a lot of dust and sand on the work site, spray water before starting operations. If you need to operate on a street, protect pedestrians and cars by designating a person for work site traffic duty or by erecting fences and posting "No Entry" signs around the work site.
Erect fences, post "No Entry" signs, and take other steps to prevent people from coming close to or entering the work site. If people come close to a moving machine, they may be hit or caught by the machine, and this may lead to serious personal injury or death. Waterlines, gas lines, phone lines and high-voltage electrical lines may be buried under the work site. Contact each utility and identify their locations. Be careful not to damage or cut any of these lines. DANGER No Entry Figure 14 FG000400 Check the condition of the riverbed, and the depth and flow of the water before operating in water or crossing a river. NEVER work in water that is more than the permissible water depth.
Any object in vicinity of boom could represent a potential hazard, or cause the operator to react suddenly and cause an accident. Use a spotter or signal person when working near bridges, phone lines, work site scaffolds, or other obstructions. Figure 15 FG000363 Minimum levels of insurance coverage, work permits or certification, physical barriers around the work site or restricted hours of operation may be mandated by governing authorities. There may also be regulations, guidelines, standards or restrictions on equipment that may have to be followed for local requirements. There may also be regulations related to performing certain kinds of work.
If there is any question about whether your machine and work site complies with the applicable standards and regulations, contact your local authorities and agencies. Avoid entering soft ground. It will be difficult for the machine to escape. FG000372 Figure 16 Avoid operating your machine to close to the edge of cliffs, overhangs, and deep ditches. The ground may be weak in such areas. If the ground collapses, the machine could fall or tip over resulting in serious injury or death. OP001759 Safety 1-24