Compact Power BOXER 999-823 - Manual (Page 16)

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Safety Precautions
OPERATING SAFETY
• Plan ahead and learn as much as possible about your job-site area before beginning any work.
• Know the exact location of overhead power lines or obstructions.
• Have all buried lines such as; gas, electric, water, telephone and cable TV, marked by the
proper authorities.
• Prior to use, perform the "Pre-Start Inspection" and Daily Maintenance to make sure that the
unit is in safe operating condition.
• Never operate a malfunctioning unit!
• Keep hands, gloves, shoes, control knobs, and operator platform clean. Slippery controls can
cause you to lose control, which may result in an accident.
• Always keep a firm grip on the hand rails located at the operator's platform during travel and
operation to prevent falling off the unit.
• When working on an unfamiliar construction site, review, understand and follow job site
safety rules.
• Keep the work site clear of all non-operating personnel. Should a person enter the work area,
stop machine operation until the work area is clear.
• Prior to unloading the unit and starting to work, inspect the path you will travel and work site
area for potential hazards. Some of the hazardous conditions you may encounter are:
– Holes
– Deep ditches or excavations
– Drop-offs
– Soft un-compacted soil
– Culverts
– Deep mud / Standing Water
– Large rocks
– Slippery surfaces
– Steep slopes
– Tall grass, trees, or shrubs
If any of these conditions exist, correct the hazard or obstruction. If any of these conditions
can not be corrected, avoid operating or traveling near them.
• Be extremely cautious traveling through or near trees, brush, shrubs or any obstacles which
might obscure your vision. These might hide potential hazards, such as the edge of a steep
slope, deep holes, large rocks, etc.
• Never operate near a ditch or embankment where loose or soft ground conditions could cause
the surface to give way under the machine causing it to become unstable.
• Never exceed the rated capacity of the machine.
• Operate all controls slowly and smoothly and never abruptly stop any function. This can
cause the machine to become unstable.
• Always look in the direction of travel.
• Come to a complete stop prior to reversing travel directions.
• Reduce speed and proceed with caution when traveling in reverse or turning.
• Never travel with the trencher boom raised. Lower the boom as soon as possible and travel
with the boom at the lowest safe height.
• Approach corners slowly, turning too fast or sharp may cause the machine to tip over.
• Stay alert when operating near traffic or roadways.