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Safety Section
Before Starting Engine
Operators must have had the proper training and
operators must be capable in all aspects of machine
operation. To comply with some local requirements, an
operator must attain an operators license or a
certificate.
You must be familiar with your machine in order to
understand the machine's capabilities. Also, before you
operate your machine you must become familiar with
the job site. If necessary, walk around the area and
take note of the following items.
• Check the area for clearance. Check for both
vertical clearance and for horizontal clearance.
• Check for the presence of overhead obstructions.
• Check for electrical power lines. Keep the machine
and the attachments away from electrical power
lines at least 8 m (25 ft).
• Check for steam lines. Check for compressed air
lines.
• Check for changes in the stability of the surface
of the job site. Check trenches that have been
backfilled. Check deteriorated roofs of basements
and of tunnels.
• Check sewers and service ducts.
When a load is picked up or when the boom is
extended, ensure that the surface on the job site offers
even resistance for the tires. Also, when a load is
picked up or when the boom is extended, ensure that
the surface on the job site offers even penetration for
the stabilizers.
Make sure that the load charts and the instruction
plates are in place and that the load charts and the
instructions can be read. Do not operate the machine
until you understand the correct method of using the
load charts.
On machines that are equipped with a cab, secure the
door in the shut position. Secure the windows in either
the open position or in the shut position. Ensure that all
windows are clean for the best visibility.
Inspect the condition of the seat belt and of the
mounting hardware. Replace any parts that are worn or
damaged. Regardless of appearance, replace the seat
belt after three years of use. Do not use a seat belt
extension on a retractable seat belt.
Make sure that all protective guards and covers are
secured on the machine.
Adjust the seat so that full pedal travel can be
achieved with the operator's back against the back of
the seat.
Make sure that the machine is equipped with a lighting
system that is adequate for the job conditions. Make sure
that all of the machine lights are working properly.
Make sure that the machine horn, the backup alarm and
all other warning devices are working properly.
Clear all obstacles from the path of the machine.
Before you attempt to start the engine and before you
move the machine, ensure that no one is underneath the
machine, around the machine, or on the machine. Make
sure that the area is free of personnel. Fasten the seat
belt.
Engine Starting
Illustration 28 g00100846
Before you service the machine or before you repair
the machine, attach a "DO NOT OPERATE" warning tag
or a similar warning tag to the engine start switch or to
the controls. This warning tag is available from your
Caterpillar dealer.
If a warning tag is attached to the engine start switch or
to the machine controls, do not start the engine. Also,
do not move any machine controls.
Ensure that the transmission control is in the
NEUTRAL position (N). The engine will not start unless
the transmission control is in the NEUTRAL position.
Ensure that the parking brake is engaged.
Diesel engine exhaust contains products of
combustion which can be harmful to your health.
Always run the engine in a well ventilated area. If you
are in an enclosed area, vent the exhaust to the outside.
Start the engine only when you are properly seated in
the operator's compartment. Do not short across the
battery terminals and do not short across the batteries.
A short could cause a bypass of the engine neutral
start system and this could cause the machine to move
if the machine was left in gear.