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As soon as technical equipment is used, then the directives on health and safety at work must be complied with. If this is not the case, serious accidents and injuries may quickly result. We have all experienced this: There is often a hectic rush and deadline stress on the construction site, because the ordering party is making pressure. Sometimes even several jobs must be finished on the same day, the machine operator then tends to ignore the necessary personal protective equipment, to say nothing of properly securing the site where suction work will take place.

I am sure that appropriate instructions are given at certain intervals, however, in their own best interest and in the interest of the company, it is important for the operators to sensitize themselves because there are unforeseeable dangers when working without protective equipment or on an unsecured construction site. The suction excavator is a very large and extensive technical device, therefore we have summarized 12 important points which you should always bear in mind.

1. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Always wear your personal protective equipment, such as tight-fitting working clothes, safety helmet, security shoes, safety goggles and ear protection.

2. DAILY INSPECTION

Carry out the "daily start-up” of the machine every day. Make absolutely certain that all protective barriers are present and closed and nobody is in the danger area. Furthermore, check that all mechanical and electrical safeguards are in the correct status and that the emergency stop function of the machine works.

3. ENSURE YOU HAVE A CLEAR VIEW

Make sure that you have an unobstructed view when moving the suction excavator. Do not wear darkened glasses, eye patches or cloths which could impair your view.

4. DO NOT TOLERATE ANY PERSONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE SUCTION OPENING

When operating the suction hose by remote control, you must have a clear view of the range of motion of the arm and stay outside of the danger area. Take care that no one is in the vicinity of the suction opening.

5. PARK THE SUCTION EXCAVATOR SAFELY

When performing suction work, the vehicle must be parked safely in the working position. The working range should be only within a cordoned off construction site area.

6. SUCK UP ONLY SAFE SUBSTANCES

Suck up and transport only materials that do not pose a risk to man, nature and environment. Bear in mind that the driving characteristics worsen when the material container is full.

7. DO NOT OVERLOAD THE MACHINE

Do not exceed the permissible maximum mass of your suction excavator, non-compliance can lead to damage to the machine.

8. THE HOSE CARRIER IS NOT A CRANE

Do not raise any heavy loads with the hose carrier as this may cause damage to the hose carrier or its fixture.

9. CAUTION WHEN EMPTYING

Be attentive when emptying. Make absolutely certain that you can open the cover safely. When tilting the material container, ensure that no one is in this area. Make sure that the cover is closed properly again after emptying.

10. DO NOT CLIMB INTO THE MATERIAL CONTAINER

It is forbidden to climb into the material container. No handles or steps are provided as climbing aids. There is a risk of you falling.

11. DO NOT WORK UNSECURED ON THE COVER

If you have to climb onto the cover for service reasons, you are responsible for your own safety. It is forbidden to stay on the cover without a fall protection device. It is absolutely necessary for you to use a belt safety device and the hooks and guides provided for this. If your vehicle has safety rails, this must be set up.

12. SECURE YOUR MACHINE

When you leave your workstation, secure the machine against misuse or unauthorised operation. You should turn off the remote control, remove the ignition key, activate the handbrake and lock the doors.

More information for safe operation of your suction excavator can be found in the operator's manual.

CONCLUSION:

To avoid accidents and damage, you should always perform your work on the construction site attentively and not in a hectic rush. Ensure that the machine and the remote control work properly before you start your work. In this way, you can be sure that there is no risk of danger for you or for others.

If others are not paying attention to safety, then you should draw their attention to it. It is always better to uncover sources of danger in advance and to avoid damage. Use the optionally fitted warning and safety devices on the machine. The safety rails, in particular, protect you against falling during inspection work on the cover. It can be set up manually or electrically for our machines and can be delivered in two versions. Protect yourself and your operating personnel against accidents.