8999146EN: v1 26/02/2020
35
Original instructions (ENGLISH)
Website: www.spearheadmachinery.com
4.2
Work Site Assessment
4.2.1
Foreign Debris Hazards
The destined work site to use the machine should be thoroughly checked and familiarised following the guidance
given in Section 2.11 to assess the working area for hazards; removable and fixed.
Items should be assessed, removed or clearly marked (e.g. if too heavy to move) before cutting:
•
Items and ground characteristics which could cause a reduction in the tractors stability and traction and
operator safety and ease of control in operation
•
Insufficient lighting
•
Foreign objects which could be picked up and then flung by the machine damaging and causing risk to
bystanders, operator, tractor or the nearby environment. Items seen on the surface and buried deeply in
the material. For example rocks, tree stumps and metal girders
•
Foreign objects which could be picked up and then damage the machine; for example wire.
•
Items which could create a fire risk
In overgrown areas which could potentially hide debris that
could be struck by the blades, the area should be: inspected
and large debris removed, mowed at an intermediate height
and then re-inspected closely with any remaining debris being
removed. Then mow at the desired final height. This will also
bring benefits to operations with reduced power requirements
to mow, reduce wear and tear on the machine, leave less cut
debris and give a better overall finish.
Always wear your seat belt securely fastened and only
operate the tractor and reach arm with the Roll-over
Protection Structure (ROPS) in the raised position. If the
tractor or reach arm hits a solid item, a sudden movement
could throw you off of the seat and under the tractor and
machine. The seat belt is your best protection from falling off
the tractor and the ROPS provides protection from being
crushed during a tractor roll-over. Cab guarding should be
mandatory fitted to the tractor.
Figure 4.3
– Inspect The Work Site
It is important to inspect the reach arm and attachment to ensure all mandatory fixed and removable guarding is
in position and in correct working order before proceeding to begin work.
WARNING!
Extreme care should be taken when operating near loose objects such as gravel, rocks,
wire, and other debris. Inspect the area before cutting. Foreign objects should be removed from the site
to prevent machine damage and/or bodily injury or even death. Any objects that cannot be removed
must be clearly marked and carefully avoided by the operator. Stop cutting immediately if blades strike a
foreign object.
IMPORTANT:
Repair all damage and make certain rotor or blade carrier is balanced before resuming
cutting.
WARNING!
Many varied objects, such as wire, cable, rope, or chains, can become entangled in the
machine. These items can swing outside the confines of the safe cutting area of the machine at greater
velocities than the blades. Such a situation is extremely hazardous and could result in serious injury or
even death. Inspect the cutting area for such objects before cutting. Remove any like object from the
site. Never allow the cutting blades to contact such items.
