The use of pesticides can be dangerous. Chemicals used by the Grounds Department include Roundup, Granular Pre-Emergence, and some Banvill. People who come into contact with pesticides may develop some residue build up in their body. Those who work with pesticides obviously are at greater risk of being contaminated. Therefore, the careful handling of pesticides is important in preventing accidents. This section provides the information needed to be safe and to protect not only oneself, but also one's f Once pesticides are applied they are invisible and sometimes odorless. Pesticides can enter the body one of three ways: Getting pesticides in your body is accomplished either by acute exposure or by chronic exposure. Acute exposure is when pesticides are ingested so that symptoms of poisoning occur quickly and the causes of the symptoms are known. This can be caused by Chronic exposure is repeated exposure to pesticides over a long period of time. This type of exposure may exist for a long period of time without any symptoms being noticed. Continuous exposure to pesticides is dangerous as residues in the body may increase. This low-level exposure can lead to serious illness and should be checked regularly. In the work place, chronic exposure usually occurs from incidents such as To protect oneself from pesticides entering the body, a person must wear protective clothing and equipment. All directions that appear on the label of the pesticide should be followed When handling pesticides, a coverall-type outfit or at least a long-sleeved shirt and pants should be worn. The fabric should be woven or laminated, and manufactured for this purpose. If working with pesticide concentrates or very toxic materials, a liquid-proof apron must be worn. Gloves: The type of gloves worn when handling pesticides, especially liquids, should be liquidproof neoprene gloves. These should be long enough to protect the wrist. Gloves should not be lined with a fabric because linings absorb chemicals. To avoid chemicals running down the sleeve and into the gloves, wear the sleeves over the gloves. When working above head height, wear cuffing gloves
Hats: Never wear a hat with either a cloth or leather sweatband. The hat should be easy to clean or even disposable. Hats with plastic sweatbands are recommended. Plastic 'hard hats' with plastic sweatbands are liquid-proof and are cool in hot weather.
Shoes and Boots: Sturdy shoes and socks are sufficient for some pesticide applications. Neoprene or rubber boots are a wise precaution with many pesticide applications because canvas, cloth and leather shoes can easily absorb pesticides. When handling liquid concentrates or highly toxic pesticides (those with DANGER on the label), neoprene or rubber boots are necessary. Wear unlined boots with pant legs outside the boots so the pesticide will not run down the leg and collect in the boot.
Goggles or Face Shield Wear: Use goggles or a face shield when there is any chance of getting pesticide in the eyes. Eyes readily absorb pesticides, and the temporary blindness caused by an accident may hinder being able to take care of oneself. Always keep goggles in their best condition.
Protective Clothing for Fumigant Application: Before applying fumigant, read the label and follow any pertinent information. If the label does not give specific instructions, wear gloves, shoes or boots, and a long-sleeved shirt and long pants made from tightly woven fabric. Some fumigants readily penetrate rubber, neoprene, and leather. These fumigants may be trapped inside gloves, boots, or liquid-proof suits and cause severe skin absorption. Labels on fumigants will specify the appropriate protectiv
Care of Clothing: Clothes must be as clean as possible; if they become contaminated with pesticides, destroy them. This is because a toxic residue may remain even after washing. When the clothes are still salvageable, they should be washed alone, away from other laundry. Wash hats, gloves and boots daily, inside and out. Hang them to dry. Test gloves for leaks by filling them with water and gently squeezing. Wash goggles or face shields at least once a day. Wear neoprene headbands, if possible. El
Having the correct gear to protect the lungs is vital. The lungs absorb more chemicals through breathing than the skin does by coming in direct contact with a chemical. Therefore, a respirator must be worn when Cartridge Respirator: A face mask, which covers the mouth and nose, is to be worn when applying pesticides. It should be accompanied by goggles to cover the eyes
Gas Mask (Canister Respirator): A gas mask (full face coverage) should be worn when continuously spraying pesticides
NOTE: Neither cartridge nor gas mask respirators will protect from high concentrations of vapor. Neither kind is effective when the oxygen supply is low as in the case of fumigating buildings Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus: This apparatus allows a person to carry oxygen with them. This equipment requires certification to use. The air supply in this equipment is limited. High temperatures or excessive exertion will use up the air supply more quickly than normal
Selection and Maintenance for Breathing Protection: Breathing protection must be approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for pesticide use. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on use and care of any respirator and its parts.
NOTE: All respirators discussed above are negative-pressure respirators and must fit the face well. Beards, sideburns, or glasses will hinder a tight seal. As pesticides are being applied, wear a mask. If the ability to breathe lessens or the smell of pesticides is evident, replace filters, cartridges, and canisters. These items should be replaced at the end of any job. Wash the face-piece with water and detergent, rinse it, and dry it with a clean cloth. The useful life of a cartridge or canister depends on: Positive-pressure respirators have longer lasting filters than cartridge and canister respirators. These should be changed after about 150 hours of use when the amount of air being supplied to the applicator drops noticeably. The exposed parts of these respirators also need to be washed and dried after each use.
A shower should be taken immediately after working with pesticides. Many buildings have emergency wash stations. Check with your supervisor for wash station placements and know the work area ahead of time. Should a pesticide be accidentally spilled on an employee immediately rinse the effected area. Do not handle clothes contaminated with pesticides after showering. Keep contaminated clothes away from children and pets. Follow proper laundering procedures when washing these clothes.
This is an extremely important part of pesticide usage. Before spraying an area, know how long it will be before people can safely enter the area. This waiting period is called the "Re-Entry Interval." Most pesticides will have information listed on the label regarding the re-entry interval for the particular product being used. Climate conditions and other hazards in the area must be considered.
The supervisor of the crew is responsible for warning workers and other people in the area that a pesticide will be used. The supervisor must post signs, in plain sight, that a pesticide has been used. These signs need to be universally understood, using words and pictures, as directed in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's guide, Applying Pesticides Correctly. The warning must include: The only exceptions to the above guidelines are mosquito abatement, related public pest control programs, and livestock and other animal treatments. Transportation of Pesticides: The safest way to transport pesticides is in correctly labeled containers. Paper and cardboard packages must be kept dry. If pesticide is spilled, clean it up immediately. Do not leave pesticides unattended. Carry Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) when in the truck.
Storage of Pesticides: Pesticides should be stored properly as soon as they are received from the vendor. The storage area must be a cool, dry, well-ventilated, and well-lighted room or building that is insulated to prevent freezing or overheating. Keep the area stocked with detergent, hand cleaner, and water; absorbent materials to soak up spills; a shovel, broom, and dustpan; and a fire extinguisher rated for ABC fires.
Studies show that those applying pesticides are most often exposed to harmful amounts when handling concentrates. Workers involved in mixing and loading undiluted, highly toxic pesticides are highly susceptible to accidental poisoning. Pouring concentrates from one container to another is the most hazardous activity. Clothing: Besides wearing protective clothing while working, a person should also wear waterproof clothing if working in drift, spray, or runoff. Do not wipe gloves on clothing. This will contaminate the clothing and may soak through to the skin. Never eat, drink, smoke, or chew while handling or applying pesticides. Wash face and hands thoroughly first. If a person feels ill, do not try to finish the job. Get out of the area and get help.
Areas to be Sprayed: When working outdoors, choose application equipment, formulations, and additives that will minimize drift and runoff. Do not apply pesticides during or just before expected high winds or heavy rains. Try to spray downwind from sensitive areas such as beehives, residential areas, and waterways. Have optimal ventilation and wear a supplied air respirator. Choose application techniques, equipment, and formulations that minimize exposure to people.
Equipment: Always check application equipment for leaking hoses, pumps, or connections and plugged, worn, or dripping nozzles. Cleaning the Equipment: Only trained people should clean the mixing, loading, and application equipment. Have a special area for cleaning. It is best for the area to have a wash rack or concrete apron with a sump to catch contaminated wash water. Dispose of sump wastes as you would excess pesticides. If equipment is in need of repair, warn the person doing the repair of the potential hazard.
The EPA recommends ways to dispose of excess pesticides. Consult the label for disposal instructions or precautions. If there are excess pesticides: Containers: Do not leave pesticides or pesticide containers at the application site. Never give away pesticide containers. Leftover pesticide containers must be closed tightly and placed in the storage area. The seal should be checked on a regular basis. Always triple rinse empty containers of liquid pesticides as follows: Non-burnable Containers (metal, plastic, or glass) Containers that held organic mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, inorganic pesticides Minor Spills (under 500 lbs.) Major Spills (500 lbs and above) Get medical help immediately (Dial 911), if anyone has unusual or unexplained symptoms when working with pesticides. Do not let anyone get dangerously sick before calling for help. It is better to be too cautious than too late.
First aid should be initiated, while medical help is on the way. If you are alone with the victim, make sure they are breathing and not being further exposed to poison before you call for emergency help. If you are trained, apply artificial respiration if the victim is not breathing.
Read the first aid instructions on the pesticide label, if possible. Follow those instructions. Do not become exposed to poisoning while trying to help. Take the pesticide container (or the label) to the physician. Do not carry the pesticide container in the passenger space of a car or truck.
Poison in mouth or swallowed Procedure for inducing vomiting Do not induce vomiting if the victim: Pesticides that target pests can poison humans as well. Some pesticides are highly toxic to humans. Only a few drops in the mouth or on the skin can cause severe injury. Other pesticides are less toxic, but overexposure to them will cause injury. An employee must know the kinds of injury most likely to be caused by the pesticides in use There are two clues to pesticide poisoning: 1) nausea and headache, 2) Vomiting. Employees should know what the symptoms might mean and what signs to look for in others who may have been exposed. Pesticides, which are chemically similar to one another, will generally cause like patterns of injuries. The injury may be mild or severe, depending on the specific pesticide involved and the amount of overexposure. However, the pattern of injury caused by each chemical group is usually the same. There are two major types of pesticide poisoning injuries: External irritants cause redness, blisters, and rashes on the skin, plus swelling and a stinging sensation in eyes, nose, mouth and throat. Some pesticide groups are irritating to nearly all people; others cause irritation only to sensitive individuals.
Internal poisons injure organs or other systems inside the body. The poison enters the body directly through swallowing or indirectly by absorption during breathing or through the skin. Some pesticide groups cause both external irritation and internal poisoning injuries.
The first rule of safe operation for spray equipment is to know the capabilities and limitations of the equipment. Carry Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in the truck so that it may be taken to the spraying site. Wear the following protective clothing and equipment: General Safety Rules for Operating Equipment Additional Safety Procedures for Chainsaws Backpack Blower Operation Riding Lawn Mower Operation Riding lawn mowers are designed with safety features to protect the operator from personal harm or injury. It's also important for the operator to use safe operating practices at all times. Read and understand the contents of the owner's manual before operating the equipment. Never allow children to operate a riding mower. Never allow adults to operate without proper training. Clear the area to be mowed of all foreign objects, which may be picked up and thrown by cutter blades. Pick up all sticks, stones, trash, wire, and other debris. Keep everyone (children, pets, etc.,) a safe distance away from the area being mowed. Never mow with bystanders in the area. Do not operate the equipment barefoot or wear loose clothing, jewelry, hair, or footwear. Always wear substantial protective footwear. Always wear eye and ear protection when operating the equipment. Never remove safety shields or safety devices from the equipment. Any damage to the safety devices should be repaired or replaced immediately. Handle gasoline with care; it's highly flammable, and its vapors are explosive. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, open flames, or sparks away from fuel tank and fuel containers. Never fill the fuel tank indoors or over the full mark. Always ensure the fuel tank cap is secured before operating. Never make adjustments to the engine or mowing deck while the equipment is running or being operated. Battery for the electrical system contains sulfuric acid, which may be harmful to the eyes, skin, and clothing. Always keep the battery out of reach of children. Safe Operating Procedures for Riding Lawnmowers Operate the mower in daylight, or under good artificially lighted conditions. Always sit on the mower seat when starting and operating the mower. Keep feet on the mower footrests at all times when operating. For beginning operator, learn to steer and maneuver the equipment with slow engine speed before attempting to mow at faster speeds. Become familiar with the operation of the equipment. Be aware that mowers with front-mounted deck configuration have the back wheels positioned to swing the back of the mower to the outside during turns. Disengage the mowing blades before transporting or moving from one area to the next. Do not run the engine in a confined area without adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and could be deadly to the operator and individuals around the equipment. Never carry passengers. Maximum seating capacity of all mowers is one person. Be aware of holes, roots, rocks, and other hidden hazards in the terrain. When mowing tall grass, mow higher than desired to expose any hidden objects, then clean the area, and then mow at the desired cutting height. Avoid sudden starts and stops! Always look to the rear of the machine when backing up. Never raise the mowing deck or blades when the blades are running. Before adjusting the cutting height or servicing, disengage the blade drive, stop engine, and remove the ignition key. Wait for all movement of the machine to stop before getting off the machine. In case of clogging of the mower deck If the cutting blades strike a solid object or the machine begins to vibrate abnormally, immediately disengage the mowing blades and stop the engine. Inspect for loose bolts, screws, fittings, or damaged parts.
Make sure the cutting blades are in good condition, the blade is balanced, and the blade nuts are tight
Never touch the engine, muffler, or other machine components while the machine is running or immediately after stopping the equipment since these areas may be hot and cause a severe burn.
Never operate the machine while fatigued, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Be aware of people moving in and around the mower at all times, especially when mowing in highly-traveled areas.
Report all damage to the machine immediately to the shop repair personnel. Never operate a damaged machine.
21" Push Mower Operation Read and understand all safety precautions and operations manuals before operating unfamiliar equipment. Keep all persons and pets away from the operating areas. Before operating the unit, thoroughly inspect the unit for loose bolts, screws and fittings that may result in injury to the operator or damage to the equipment. Remove all rocks, sticks, wire, string, and debris from the area, which is to be mowed. Wear long pants and substantial shoes. Never operate while wearing loose clothing, jewelry or when having loose hair or being barefoot. Never operate the unit without ear, eye, and foot protection. Face shields may be necessary to protect the head from foreign objects the machine may throw. Always use caution when mixing fuel or refueling the machine. Never remove any guards, shields, safety devices, grass shields or safety precaution stickers. Repair or replace any damaged safety devices before each use. Do not operate engine indoors. Always be sure the area of operation is well ventilated. Always maintain secure footing. Grip the handle firmly when walking with the unit. When mowing slopes, mow across the face of the slope, never up and down. Always use extreme caution when changing directions. Never mow excessively steep slopes. Keep hands, face, and feet away from the mower housing and cutter blade when the engine is running. Always keep clear of the discharge. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before unclogging the discharge tunnel. Never try to clear the discharge tunnel with the engine running. Always remove the spark plug cap before removing the blade when sharpening or replacing, otherwise firing of the engine may result. Never adjust the cutting height while the engine is running. Always shut off the engine when going up, down, or over a curb. Never touch the engine during or immediately after operation; engine will be hot and may require a cool-down period. If the engine or machine vibrates abnormally, or if an object is struck, shut off, cool-down and inspect for loose parts, damage, or an unbalanced blade and make repairs before operating the machine again. When transporting the equipment, always tie down or strap the unit in place to prevent damage to the unit. Never tip the mower upward or on edge while running or operating. Never operate the machine on a gravel or sandy road, walkway, or driveway. Always disconnect the wire to the spark plug when making repairs or adjustments to the engine. Engine exhaust may be dangerous and result in injury if not operated in a well-ventilated area. Read and follow all instructions contained in the operator's manual and the decals placed on the brush chipper before operating the equipment. Be sure the machine is in good operating condition and that all safety devices, including shields and slip resistant strips, are installed and functioning properly. Allow only responsible, properly instructed individuals to operate the machine. Carefully supervise inexperienced operators. Make no modifications to the equipment unless specifically recommended. Loose clothing is more easily caught in moving parts and tree branches. Keep items such as sleeves, shirttails, and long hair properly confined. Avoid wearing items such as wristwatches, rings, necklaces, and neckties. Always wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the job conditions. Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protectors. All conditions require safety gear such as hard hats or reflective clothing. Rotating Knives Don't risk a cutting injury or being struck by high-speed particles. Always place the feed control bar in neutral, shut off the engine, and wait for the chipper rotor to stop before opening the access cover or removing the discharge chute. Never throw in any materials that might contain wires, stones, nails, or other metal objects, which may damage the knives and become dangerous projectiles. Keep everyone away from the front of the discharge chute while the cutter disk is turning. Material leaving this chute can cause personal injury. Keep hands and feet away from power-driven parts. Exhaust fumes can be fatal. Do not operate this machine indoors for more than a few seconds unless the area is adequately ventilated to remove toxic fumes. Never refuel the chipper while smoking or with the engine running. Do not allow any hot or burning materials near the chipper. High pressure can build up within the cooling system when the engine is hot. Allow the radiator to cool before removing the radiator cap. Place a rag over the cap and turn very slowly to release pressure gradually. Hydraulic fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin and cause personal injury, blindness, or death. Fluid leaks, under pressure, may not be visible. Use a piece of cardboard or wood to find leaks; never use bare hand. Wear safety glasses for eye protection. If any fluid is injected into the skin, it must be surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor familiar with this type of injury. Keep the battery cables away from the fuel line. Check periodically and tighten any loose bolts or connections. Before transporting the brush chipper, the following precautions should be followed to reduce the risk of injury due to collision or loss of vehicle control: A roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt were standard equipment for the tractor at time of factory assembly. The seat belt, when used by the operator, maximizes the protection offered by the ROPS. ALWAYS use your seat belt with the ROPS. Seat belts save lives when they are used.
If your Ford tractor is equipped with a ROPS it must be maintained in a serviceable condition. Be careful when driving through doorways or working in confined spaces with low headroom.
After the first 20 hours of operation, and then after every 300 hours of operation or six months, whichever comes first: A careful operator is the best operator. Most accidents can be avoided by observing certain precautions. To help prevent accidents, read and follow the precautions below before operating the tractor. Equipment should be operated only by those who are responsible and instructed to do so. Escaping hydraulic/diesel fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Never allow anyone to stand, or work under, or reach through the loader lift arms when the loader is raised, unless the loader cylinders are blocked in the extended position using a suitable support.
Never attempt to repair or tighten hoses under pressure.
Never attempt to repair or tighten hoses under pressure.
When it is necessary to remove pins from the loader that require a hammer and drift, use only a brass hammer and a brass drift, and wear safety glasses.
Do not lubricate or make mechanical adjustments while the unit is in motion or when the engine is running. However, if minor engine adjustments must be made, apply the parking brake, securely block the wheels, and use extreme caution. Be certain that the loader is fully lowered or supported so that it cannot fall.
Always wear safety goggles when servicing or repairing the machine.
Always wear safety goggles when servicing or repairing the machine.
Adequately support the loader when it is detached from the tractor.
Some components on the tractor, such as the cylinder head gasket, may contain asbestos. Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous to your health. It is therefore advised to have any maintenance or repair operations on such components carried out by the dealer. If, however, service operations are to be undertaken on parts that contain asbestos, the essential precautions listed below must be observed: Operating the Unit Position the transmission in neutral and apply the parking brake before starting the tractor. Do not start the engine or operate controls while standing beside the tractor. Always sit in the tractor seat when starting the engine or operating the controls. Do not bypass the safety-start switch. Consult the dealer if the safety-start controls malfunction. Use booster cables only in the recommended manner. Avoid accidental contact with the gearshift levers or power-reversing lever while the engine is running. Unexpected tractor movement can result from such contact. Do not get off the tractor while it is in motion. Never attach chains, ropes, or cables to the loader or ROPS for pulling purposes. Pull only from the swinging drawbar or the lower link drawbar in the down position. Use only a drawbar pin that locks in place. Pulling from the tractor rear axle or any point above the axle may cause the tractor to overturn. If the front-end of the tractor tends to rise when heavy implements are attached to the threepoint hitch, install front-end or front-wheel weights. Do not operate the tractor with a light front end. Always set the hydraulic selector lever in a raised position when attaching equipment and when transporting equipment. Be sure hydraulic couplers are properly mounted and will disconnect safely in case of accidental detachment of implement. Never leave the tractor without first lowering hydraulic equipment and loader buckets to the ground. Stop the engine, apply the parking brake, and put the gearshift levers and/or power-reversing lever into neutral before dismounting. Do not engage the parking brake while the tractor is in motion. Never leave the tractor when it is parked on an incline. Always park the tractor on level ground where possible. If the tractor is to be parked on an incline, always lower the buckets so that the cutting lips contact the ground, apply the parking brake, and securely block the wheels. Always keep a lookout for bystanders. Always check overhead clearance, particularly when transporting the tractor. If the engine or power steering ceases to operate, stop the tractor immediately. Do not run the engine in a closed building without adequate ventilation, as exhaust fumes can cause suffocation. Always carry out the recommended checks before commencing work each day. Do not enter the platform from the rear. Always check the location of gas and electrical lines before starting to dig. Watch out for overhead and underground high-voltage electrical lines when operating the loader. Never operate any controls when standing on the ground. Always travel slowly over uneven ground. Always use the recommended amount of counterweight to ensure good stability. Do not transport anyone in the loader bucket. Always carry the loader bucket low for maximum stability and visibility, whether the bucket is loaded or empty. Be careful when handling round objects such as oil drums, pipes, or poles. Lifting too high or rolling back too far could result in these objects rolling rearward, down the loader arms onto the operator. Trencher/Backhoe Be a qualified, trained operator to run this machine. Know the capacity of the machine. Never alter or remove safety equipment Buckle-up before starting the equipment. Keep others away from the area of operation. Use extreme caution on slopes and inclines. Avoid hazardous areas. Wear all the protective clothing and safety gear issued by the employer. Wear all the protective equipment called for by the job conditions.
- Heavy gloves
- Personal hearing protection
- Reflective clothing Learn where fire extinguishers are kept, and make sure you know how to use them. Learn where first aid or emergency equipment is kept and where to get help in a hurry. Study all the information and warning plates on the machine and read the manufacturer's operator manual before trying the equipment. Keep all protective devices in place and securely fastened. Never disengage or remove any safety device. Before using the equipment, check it out!. Use a flashlight to see into dark corners. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Check for missing or damaged parts. Have everything put back in good repair.
- Check the tires for cuts, bulges, and correct pressure. Replace badly worn or damaged tires.
- Check the engine oil system. Add oil as required.
- Check the hydraulic system.
- Check engine-cooling system.
- Never check for hydraulic leaks by using the hands. Use a scrap of cardboard or wood Cover the radiator cap with a cloth before opening it. Release radiator pressure by turning the cap slightly before removing it completely. If the radiator is hot, permit it to cool before adding liquid. Clean the grab-irons, rails, steps, pedals, and floor. Wipe up grease or oil. Brush away dust or mud. In the winter, scrape away snow and ice. Remove loose items from the operator's compartment. Put away tools, lunch buckets, chains, and hooks. Check at ground level. Inspect the work area for holes, drop offs, or obstacles. Examine the soil. Look for hard or soft spots, standing water, rocks or stumps. Warning: Never approach overhead or underground power cables with any part of the trencher unless all Local, State, and Federal (OSHA) required safety precautions have been taken. Check overhead. Know exactly how much clearance there is under power and telephone lines, tree limbs, and overpasses. Check underground. Look for traces of buried rubbish, footings, and walls. Make sure the location of all buried telephone and power cables, gas lines, and sewer or water mains is known. If the location of any buried utilities is unknown, check with the local electric, telephone, gas, water, and sewer companies. WARNING: Never fill the fuel tank with the engine running, while smoking, or when near an open flame. Never overfill the tank. If fuel is spilled, wipe it up immediately. Before starting, walk completely around the equipment. Make sure no one is under it, on it, or close to it. Let other workers and bystanders know you are starting up; don't start until everyone is clear. Always use handrails, grab-irons, ladders, or steps when mounting the machine. Never use the steering wheel or control levers as a handhold when climbing on or off. Never try to board moving equipment. Start the trencher only from the operator's seat or station. Depress service brake and set parking brake, disengage all clutches, and set all controls in neutral before starting the machine. Never start the equipment until others in the area have been warned. When starting the equipment in an enclosed space, make sure ventilation is adequate. After starting, check all instruments, gauges, and lights. Check all warning devices. Make sure everything is working properly. Always be aware of what is going on. Be alert. Watch out for others who may cause trouble by their carelessness. Never permit riders on the equipment. Never permit an unqualified person to operate the trencher. Never swing the trencher boom or wheel over anyone. When moving the equipment from one area to another, make sure it is in transport condition with all safety chains, tie downs, blocks, and counterweights in place. Adjust travel speed to ground conditions. Watch for obstacles. Go around rocks and stumps. Avoid crossing exposed railroad tracks, ditches, ridges, or curbs. If the crossing cannot be avoided, reduce speed and cross at less than a 90-degree angle. Avoid soft edges, deep holes, and steep grades. Stay in gear when traveling down hill. Do not shift into neutral. Use the service brakes carefully. Be aware of the surroundings at all times. Watch for low branches or overhangs from the blind side. Use extreme caution in working along the edge of high banks and steep slopes. Keep away from the edges of cuts or drop-offs. Use extreme caution when working close to a bank side, or beneath an overhang. Avoid undercuts. Stay alert for falling rock and sliding earth. Stay alert to changes in soil conditions. Cave-ins, especially on deep cuts, can be extremely hazardous to anyone nearby. Operate the trencher from the operator's seat only. Never attempt to work the controls from the ground. Never leave the operator's seat without first stopping the engine. Never allow other workers near the digging chain or wheel while the equipment is being operated. When starting a new cut, set the digging boom or wheel down carefully and have the chain moving slowly. Dropping a rapidly moving digging chain or wheel on the ground is extremely hazardous. It may cause the trencher to move quickly and unexpectedly. Never make sharp turns while digging. Whenever the trencher boom or wheel is down, turn very carefully During digging, if the machine strikes anything, begins to labor, or jams, shut down and inspect the work site and chain condition. Never attempt to free a stuck chain or wheel while the trencher is running. Turn the engine off before clearing away any jams. Stop the engine for all inspections. When working around a trencher that has just been shut down, keep away from the exhaust pipe and muffler. The vibration set up by digging may loosen attached hardware. Check nuts, bolts, and screws every day. If you move your trencher over public roads or streets, be sure all local and state regulations are followed. Stop at all railroad crossings. Look both ways before proceeding. Correct shutdown procedures are important. A shutdown sequence should include these steps: Lower the trenching boom or wheel and all attachments to the ground. Chock wheels or set the parking brake (if your unit has one). Place the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL. Idle engine for gradual cooling. Shut off the engine. Cycle all hydraulic controls, and move steering wheel or operating levers to eliminate any remaining pressure in the hydraulic system. Always stop trencher and shut off the engine before dismounting. Never dismount from moving equipment. Always face the machine when climbing down. Use handrails and steps. Check for slippery conditions on steps or ground. Never jump off the machine. Dismount carefully. If your machine becomes disabled, attach a warning tag describing the trouble. If the equipment should not be started, remove the ignition key. Never work on or clean any part of the machine with the engine running unless specifically instructed by manufacturer's manuals, and then only with another person at the controls. Backhoe Know the positions and functions of all controls before attempting to operate. Know the meaning of any identification symbols on the controls and gauges. This is a one-person machine. NO RIDERS ALLOWED. When operating the backhoe, always carry the loader bucket low for maximum visibility and stability. Be sure your vision is not obstructed when traveling or working. Before operating the backhoe, lower stabilizers so that rear wheels are just off the ground and machine is level. Always operate the backhoe from the correct seated position, NEVER from the ground. Never under dig the backhoe stabilizers, a cave-in may be the result. When using the backhoe to lift and place objects, such as sewer pipe, do so over the back end of the unit, NEVER TO THE SIDE. Excessive weight to the side could tip the machine. OVERLOADING IS DANGEROUS. Make certain to be within the safe load and work radius limitations of the machine, and on solid, level ground before lifting any load. When lifting, be sure the load is properly balanced. If possible, use a tag line and move slowly so the load does not sway or swing around. Never leave a load hanging, place it down as soon as possible. If the machine must be left, lower the load. The correct shutdown procedure for the backhoe is important. Place transmission in neutral or park position. Set parking brake. Lower loader bucket to ground. Lock backhoe in transport position or lower bucket to ground. Idle engine for gradual cooling, then stop engine. Keep the work area clean and dry. 