Operate Safely
23
Avoid steep slopes or unstable surfaces. If you must
drive on a slope, travel at an appropriate speed and with
extreme caution. Do not drive across an excessively
steep slope under any circumstances. Travel straight up
and down the slope. Before operating on slopes, check
the surface conditions for adequate traction. Loss of
traction can cause the machine to slide and tip.
WARNING! Avoid death or serious injury. Travel up
and down slopes with the heavy end of the machine
pointed uphill.
Check machine manufacturer’s recommendations.
Rules of the Road
When traveling on public roads or streets, obey all traf c
regulations applicable to machine use and classi cation.
Make sure lights and warning signs are in place and
visible. Make sure a SMV emblem is installed and visible
to any vehicle approaching from the rear.
Find out if you must use an escort vehicle. Approach
intersections with caution; observe speed and traf c
control signs. Avoid panic stops and sharp turns.
Like any responsible operator, be considerate of other
drivers. If traf c backs up behind you, it is a good idea
to pull over periodically and allow traf c to pass when it
is safe to do so.
Stop at all railroad crossings and look both ways before
proceeding. Never park in traf c areas. If it is necessary
to stop at night, pull off the road and set up ares or
re ectors. When driving at night, use appropriate lights.
Watch Out for Obstacles
Adjust your speed to conditions. Avoid crossing ditches,
curbs or exposed railroad tracks. If obstacles are
unavoidable, reduce speed and cross at an angle.
Use caution –
stay safely away
from bank or
excavation edge
Operate
perpendicular to
banks – stay back
from the edge
Operate Safely
24
Keep your machine under control. Keep speed to a
minimum when visibility is poor.
Before entering underpasses, tunnels or bunkers, check
for oncoming traf c or obstructions.
Work at Night Safely
Night operations require additional precautions to stay
safe. Pay close attention and stay alert. Others passing
through the work site may not be aware of hazards.
Plan the job, communicate the plan and inspect the
work area during daylight. Mark obstacles ahead of time
with re ective material.
Wear appropriate re ective apparel at all times – for
operators and crew on night operations.
Ensure visibility of gauges and controls.
Ensure adequate lighting to illuminate work zone
in compliance with state and local regulations and
requirements.
Ensure adequate hazard lights (strobe or ashing/
rotating lights) in compliance with state and local
regulations and requirements.
Utilize direct line of sight, not mirrors, when working
at night. Use spotters when direct line of sight is not
possible. Lights can re ect in mirrors, causing a hazard
to be unseen, or a masked visibility area.
Lack of natural light will impact visibility and may
increase the risk of being backed over by vehicles or
equipment.
Adjust work lights to minimize glare for traf c and
workers.
Know where the other workers are at all times. Tell
others where you are going.
Beware of fatigue. Check on crew members.
Stay in assigned work zones.
Enter and exit machine on side away from traf c, if
possible.
STOP
YIELD
Obey traf c
regulations
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