1800 AWL Operation · Service · Maintenance Manual
800.392.2686
13
Fire and Explosion Prevention
All fuels, most lubricants, and some coolant mixtures are
flammable.
Flammable fluids that are leaking or spilled onto hot surfaces
or onto electrical components can cause a fire. Fire may
cause personal injury and property damage.
Remove all flammable materials such as fuel, oil, and debris
from the machine. Do not allow any flammable materials
to accumulate on the machine. Serious personal injury can
occur when fuel or oil is spilled on yourself or your clothes,
which can ignite.
Store fuels and lubricants in properly marked containers away
from unauthorized persons. Store oily rags and any flammable
materials in protective containers. Do not smoke in areas
that are used for storing flammable materials.
Do not operate the machine near any flame.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
Exhaust shields (if equipped) protect hot exhaust components
from oil spray or fuel spray in case of a break in a line, in a
hose, or in a seal. Exhaust shields must be installed correctly.
Do not weld on lines or on tanks that contain flammable fluids.
Do not flame cut lines or tanks that contain flammable fluid.
Clean any such lines or tanks thoroughly with a nonflammable
solvent prior to welding or flame cutting.
Check all electrical wires daily. Repair any wires that are
loose or frayed before you operate the machine. Clean all
electrical connections and tighten all electrical connections.
Dust that is generated from repairing nonmetallic hoods or
non metallic fenders can be flammable and/or explosive.
Repair such components in a well ventilated area away from
open flames or sparks.
Inspect all lines and hoses for wear or for deterioration. The
hoses must be properly routed. The lines and the hoses
must have adequate support and secure clamps. Tighten
all connections to the recommended torque. Leaks can
cause fires.
Use caution when you are refueling a machine. Do not smoke
while you are refueling a machine. Do not refuel a machine
near open flames or sparks. Always stop the engine before
refueling. Fill the fuel tank outdoors.
Gases from a battery can explode. Keep any open flames
or sparks away from the top of a battery. Do not smoke in
battery charging areas.
Never check the battery charge by placing a metal object
across the terminal posts. Use a voltmeter or a hydrometer.
Improper jumper cable connections can cause an explosion
that can result in injury. Refer to the Operation Section of
this manual for specific instructions.
Do not charge a frozen battery. This may cause an explosion.
Fire Extinguisher
Make sure that a fire extinguisher is available. Be familiar
with the operation of the fire extinguisher. Inspect the fire
extinguisher and service the fire extinguisher regularly. Obey
the recommendations on the instruction plate.
Fire Extinguisher Location
Make sure that a fire extinguisher is on the machine. Make sure
that you are familiar with the operation of the fire extinguisher.
Inspect the fire extinguisher and service the fire extinguisher.
Obey the recommendations on the instruction plate.
Mount the fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place on
the machine, for crawlers mount on the left side of the cab
behind the seat. Consult your Rayco dealer for the proper
procedure of mounting the fire extinguisher.
Ether Starting Fluid
Ether is flammable and poisonous.
Use ether in well ventilated areas. Do not smoke while you
are replacing an ether cylinder or while you are using an
ether spray.
Do not store ether cylinders in living areas or in the operator
compartment of a machine. Do not store ether cylinders in
direct sunlight or in temperatures above 49 °C (120 °F). Keep
ether cylinders away from open flames or sparks.
Dispose of used ether cylinders properly. Do not puncture an
ether cylinder. Keep ether cylinders away from unauthorized
personnel.
Do not spray ether into an engine if the machine is equipped
with a thermal starting aid for cold weather starting.
Safety
