3
HAZARDS AND RISKS
NEVER allow an untrained or suitable medically validated
competent person to operate the machine without adequate
assessment, instruction, competency validation and a signed JSEA
and work method statement.
ENSURE all users read, understand and follow the operating
instructions.
SERIOUS INJURY may result from improper or careless use of this
machine.
Ride on Power trowels are heavy units and require mechanical lifting
device/ crane or a multiple person lift, using correctly trained lifting
techniques and people of appropriate strength. Where provided,
use the lifting eye for mechanical lifts using approved lifting devices.
! MECHANICAL HAZARDS
DO NOT operate the machine unless all protective guards are in
place. Ensure all warning labels are still visible.
ENSURE that the motor operation switch is in the OFF position
and the spark plug ignition lead is disconnected and drive belt
or coupling removed before removing the guards or making
adjustments.
DO NOT increase the governed no-load motor speed above 140
RPM. Any increase may result in personal injury and damage to the
machine.
Be sure the runaway protection dead mans switch provided is
working properly, not fixed in on position so that if the foot should
slip away from your control, the ignition supply will be cut off. While
operating machine, if control is lost by the operator, remove foot
from runaway protection dead mans switch.
Take care not to come in contact with the muffler or engine when
the engine is hot, since it may result in severe burns. Wear suitable
protective gloves
Keep hands and feet clear of rotating or moving parts as they will
cause injury if contact is made. DO NOT place fingers, hands or
feet with in the Ring Guard while machine is still running.
It is important that the operator is seated and balanced when
starting the engine ensuring the area is clear of persons.
When starting the trowel, do not exceed the ¼ throttle setting. A
higher setting could engage the centrifugal clutch.
Be careful with the trowel around pipes or cables sticking out of the
floor or other obstacles on the floor. Should the trowel blades catch
on these, serious damage to the machine or harm to the operator
may result.
ENSURE that repairs to the motor and machine are carried out only
by QUALIFIED personnel.
! FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS
PETROL or diesel is extremely flammable and explosive under
some conditions.
ENSURE that petrol and diesel is only stored in an approved and
labelled storage container away from any source of ignition.
DO NOT refuel the motor while it is in running.
DO NOT refuel the motor in a confined space or in the vicinity
of ignition sources such as sparks, naked flames or a person
smoking.
DO NOT overfill the fuel tank and avoid spilling petrol or diesel when
refuelling. Spilled petrol and diesel or petrol vapour may ignite. If
spillage occurs, ensure that the machine is dry before starting the
motor.
ENSURE that the fuel tank cap is securely fitted after refuelling.
ENSURE a serviceable appropriate type and size fire extinguisher is
readily available for immediate use
! CHEMICAL HAZARDS
DO NOT operate or refuel a petrol or diesel motor in a confined
space without adequate ventilation.
CARBON MONOXIDE exhaust gases from internal combustion
motor driven units can cause death in confined spaces. Ensure
chemical TLV and oxygen content of area is safe for operation
WATER DISPENSER Careful not to get water on one self from end
of dispenser, located at the front of Trowel Machine.
! NOISE HAZARDS
EXCESSIVE NOISE can lead to temporary or permanent loss of
hearing.
WEAR an approved hearing protection device to limit noise
exposure, as required by Occupational Health and Safety
regulations.
! VIBRATION HAZARD
Excessive exposure to prolonged or extreme whole body and hand
vibration, can cause permanent injury
Ensure any abnormal or excessive vibration in equipment is
reported
Grip controls as lightly as possible within the bounds of safety using
vibration absorbing gloves
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
WEAR protective goggles, long sleeve close fitted clothing, trousers
and safety footwear, gloves while operating the machine.
WEAR sun cream, sun goggles and wide brimmed hat in sunny
exposed or high light reflecting areas
! ADDITIONAL HAZARDS
Slips/ trips/ falls are major causes of serious injury or death. Beware
of obstacles or water left on the walking or work surface.
Exercise caution and ensure that the perimeter of all elevated
formwork or platforms is protected per Australian Standards.
Ensure work platform or form work is adequate to support
concrete, equipment and persons applied load while wet
Always maintain good footing when stepping on to the Ride on
Trowel so that you do not slip
Ensure other persons and children are controlled and clear of the
area. Barricade as required
Ensure there are no electrical leads or hoses on floor being
trowelled.
