
30 SEBU7494-06
Safety Section
Guards
The interior so
und power level is 84 dB(A) for the 277
and 287 machines. The interior sound power level is
89 dB(A) for the 247, 257 and 267 machines. The
exterior soun
d power level is 106 dB(A). These levels
are measured according to the test procedures and
conditions that are specified in “2000/14/EC”.
Machine Vibration Levels
The hands and arms are subject to a weighted root
mean square acceleration that is 2.5 m/s
2
(8.2 ft/s
2
).
The whole body is subject to a weighted root mean
square acceleration that is 0.6 m/s
2
(2.3 ft/s
2
).
The measurements are obtained on a representative
machine by using the procedures that are in the
following st
andards:
•
“ISO 2631/1”
•
“ISO 5349”
•
“SAE J1166”
i01992325
Guards
(Operator Protection)
SMCS Code: 7
150-MCH; 7325
There are different types of guards that are used to
protect the
operator. The machine and the machine
application determines the type of guard that should
be used.
A daily inspection of the guards is required in order to
check for structures that are bent, cracked or loose.
Never oper
ate a machine with a damaged structure.
The operator becomes exposed to a hazardous
situation
if the machine is used improperly or if poor
operating techniques are used. This situation can
occur even though a machine is equipped with an
appropria
te protective guard. Follow the established
operating procedures that are recommended for your
machine.
Rollover Protective Structure
(ROPS), Falling Object Protective
Structure (FO PS) or Tip Over
Protection Structure (TOPS)
The ROPS/FOPS Structure (if equipped) on your
machine is specifically designed, tested and certified
for that machine. Excavators are not equipped
with ROPS structures. Any alteration or any
modification to the ROPS/FOPS Structure could
weaken the structure. This places the operator
into an unprotected environment. Modifications or
attachments that cause the machine to exceed the
weight that is stamped on the certification plate also
place the operator into an unprotected environment.
Excessive weight may inhibit the brake performance,
the steering performance and the ROPS. The
protection that is offered by the ROPS/FOPS
Structure will be impaired if the ROPS/FOPS
Structure has structural damage. Damage to the
structure can be caused by an overturn, a falling
object, a collision, etc.
Do not mount items (fire extinguishers, first aid
kits, work lights, etc) by welding brackets to the
ROPS/FOPS Structure or by drilling holes in the
ROPS/FOPS Structure. Welding brackets or drilling
holes in the ROPS/FOPS Structures can weaken
the structures. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for
mounting guidelines.
The Tip Over Protection Structure (TOPS) is
another type of guard that is used on mini hydraulic
excavators. This structure protects the operator in
the event of a tipover. The same guidelines for the
inspection, the maintenance and the modification of
the ROPS/FOPS Structure are required for the Tip
Over Protection Structure.
Other Guards (If Equipped)
Protection from flying objects and/or falling objects is
required for special applications. Logging applications
and demolition applications are two examples that
require special protection.
A front guard needs to be installed when a work
tool that creates flying objects is used. Mesh
front guards that are approved by Caterpillar or
polycarbonate front guards that are approved by
Caterpillar are available for machines with a cab or
an open canopy. On machines that are equipped with
cabs, the windshield should also be closed. Safety
glasses are recommended when flying hazards exist
for machines with cabs and machines with open
canopies.
If the work material extends above the cab, top
guards and front guards should be used. Typical
examples of this type of application are listed below: