Note
Operator training information is available from sources
such as powered floor cleaner manufacturers, govern-
ment agencies dealing with employee safety, industrial
trucking trade associations, public and private organiza-
tions, and safety advisers.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY RULES
AND PRACTICES
Operator responsibility
Safe operation is the responsibility of the operator.
The operator must develop safe work habits and be
aware of dangerous conditions in order to protect him-
self, other personnel, the powered floor cleaner and oth-
er material.
The operator must familiarize himself with the operation
and function of all control elements and instruments be-
fore agreeing to operate the device.
Before operating the device, operators must read and
be familiar with the operating instructions for each de-
vice and observe the safety rules and practices in the
following paragraphs.
Before operating any equipment, the operator must be
familiar with unusual operating conditions that may re-
quire additional safety precautions or special operating
instructions.
General
Before initial startup the powered floor cleaner:
1
Be in the operating position.
2
Set the direction controller to the neutral position.
3
Apply the brake.
4
Set the switch to the "ON" position.
Do not start the device or operate the device, its func-
tions or attachments from a location other than the
specified operator position.
Keep hands and feet within the designated area for the
operator or in the equipment compartment.
Understand the limitations of the device and operate the
device safely so as not to cause injury to personnel.
Protect pedestrians at all times.
1
Do not drive a powered floor cleaner towards people
standing in front of an object.
2
Before turning maneuvers, ensure that personnel
stay away from the rear swivel range.
3
Particular caution is required at front aisles, doors
and other places where pedestrians can step into
the path of the powered floor cleaner.
Do not allow passengers to drive with powered floor
cleaners unless the manufacturer has provided a safe
place to drive.
A powered floor cleaner is supervised when the opera-
tor is in sight, less than 25 ft (7.6 m) from the device.
A powered floor cleaner will not be supervised if the op-
erator is in sight more than 25 ft (7.6 m) from the device
or whenever the operator leaves the device and it is not
in sight.
Before leaving the driver's position:
1
Bring the device to a standstill.
2
Set the direction controller to the neutral position.
3
Apply the parking brake.
4
Stop the engine or switch off the controls.
5
If the machine has to be parked on an incline, lock
the wheels.
Maintain a safe distance from the edge of ramps, plat-
forms and similar work areas.
When powered floor cleaners are being driven on or off
long distance trucks or trailers, apply the brakes on the
truck or trailers and use wheel chocks or other safe me-
chanical means to prevent unintentional movement of
the truck or trailer.
Whenever powered floor cleaners are driven on and off
semi-trailers that are not coupled to a tractor, supports
may be required to prevent corners from tipping or div-
ing.
Care must be taken that overhead installations such as
lights, cables, pipes, sprinkler systems, etc. are not
touched.
Report all accidents involving personnel, building struc-
tures and equipment to the supervisor or as instructed.
Do not make any additions or modifications to the de-
vice.
Do not block access to escape routes, stairs or fire ex-
tinguishers.
Driving
Observe all traffic regulations including the permitted
speed limits. Drive on the right under normal traffic con-
ditions. Maintain a safe distance based on the travel
speed of the vehicle in front and keep the device under
control at all times.
Give the right of way to pedestrians and emergency ve-
hicles such as ambulances and fire engines.
Do not overtake another truck at intersections, blind
spots or other dangerous places.
At the intersections of aisles and other places where vis-
ibility is impaired, reduce the travel speed and sound the
acoustic warning device.
If possible, cross the railroad tracks at an angle. Park no
closer than 6 ft (1800 mm) to the nearest rail of a railway
line.
Travel up and down gradients slowly and with caution. If
possible, avoid turning and be extremely careful on gra-
dients, ramps or slopes; normally travel straight up and
down the gradient.
Maintain a clear view of the route and pay attention to
other traffic, personnel and safety distances.
Operate the device in driving conditions at a speed suf-
ficient to bring the device to a safe stop.
Carry out starts, stops, rotations or turns in a gentle
manner so as not to shift the load and / or overturn the
powered floor cleaner.
Do not perform stunt rides or mischief.
Reduce the travel speed on wet and slippery floors.
Before driving over a slatted frame or a bridge plate,
make sure that it is properly secured. Drive carefully and
slowly over the slatted frame or bridge plate and never
exceed the load-bearing capacity.
Do not drive the powered floor cleaner into an elevator
unless expressly authorized. Drive slowly towards the
elevator and then enter immediately after the elevator
car has been properly leveled. As soon as you are in the
elevator, put the control elements in neutral, switch off
the power and apply the brakes. It is advisable that ev-
eryone else exits the elevator before the powered floor
cleaner is allowed to enter or exit the elevator.
When cornering, reduce your speed to a safe level that
is compatible with the operating environment. Take the
curves gently. Except when maneuvering at very low
speed, turn the steering moderately and smoothly.
The operation of a powered floor cleaner requires spe-
cial safety aspects such as the following:
1
A powered floor cleaner can tip over if an operator
does not slow down to a safe speed before corner-
ing. Signs that a truck is being driven at excessive
speed during turning maneuvers include:
● Skidding of the tires
● Device sliding away
● Lifting of the wheels and
● The need to firmly grip the steering wheel so as
not to slip out of the seat
2
The chance of a side tipping is increased under any
of the following conditions or a combination thereof:
● Driving on an uneven surface
● Driving at excessive speed
3
Tipping forward can occur and its likelihood is in-
creased under the following conditions or a combi-
nation thereof:
● The operator should stay with the powered floor
cleaner if it falls off a loading ramp or ramp. The
operator should hold on tight and lean away from
the point of impact.
● If the environment presents a serious hazard or
other abnormal operating conditions exist, the us-
er may need to use different and / or additional
safety precautions and special operating instruc-
tions as appropriate for the conditions.
Maintenance of the device by the operator
At the beginning of each shift and before operating the
powered floor cleaner, its condition must be checked,
paying particular attention to the following:
● Condition of tires
● Check the tire pressure for pneumatic tires
● Warning and safety devices
● Lights
● Battery
● Controls
● Lifting and tipping systems
● Chains and cables
● Limit switches
● Brakes
● Steering mechanism
● Additional items or special equipment as specified
by the user and / or manufacturer
If it is determined that the device is in need of repair, is
in any way unsafe or contributes to an unsafe condition,
the matter must be reported immediately to the user-
designated authority and the device must not be put into
service until it has been returned to a safe operating
condition.
If the device becomes unsafe in any way during opera-
tion, the matter must be reported immediately to the au-
thority designated by the user, and the device must not
be put into service until it has been returned to a safe
operating condition.
Do not make any repairs or adjustments unless ex-
pressly authorized.
Do not use an open flame when checking the electrolyte
level in batteries.
English
MAINTENANCE AND
RESTORATION ACTIVITIES
Operation of the device can be dangerous if mainte-
nance is neglected or repairs, modifications or adjust-
ments are not carried out in accordance with the
manufacturer's design criteria. Therefore, maintenance
facilities (on-site or off-site), trained personnel, and de-
tailed procedures should be provided.
Parts manuals and maintenance manuals are available
from the manufacturer of the powered floor cleaner.
In unusual cases that are not dealt with in the above
manuals, contact the manufacturer of the powered floor
cleaner. Maintenance and inspection of the device must
be performed in accordance with the following practic-
es:
1
A scheduled maintenance, lubrication and inspec-
tion system must be observed. Consult the manu-
facturer's recommendations.
2
Only trained and authorized personnel may main-
tain, repair, adjust and inspect the device in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instructions.
When lifting a powered floor cleaner for repair or inspec-
tion, the device must be lifted safely and stably. Remov-
ing components such as counterweights or posts
changes the center of gravity and can lead to an unsta-
ble condition.
Before starting the inspection and repair of the powered
floor cleaner:
1
Raise the drive wheels off the ground, disconnect
the battery, and use wheel chocks or other secure
truck positioning device.
2
Block the chassis before working on it.
3
Disconnect the battery before working on the electri-
cal system.
4
The charging plug may only be connected to the
battery connection and never to the unit plug.
Operation of the powered floor cleaner to test the per-
formance must be carried out in an approved area hav-
ing a safe clearance.
1
Before initial startup:
● Be in the operating position.
● Apply the brake.
● Set the direction controller to the neutral position.
● Set the switch to the "ON" position.
● Check the function of the lifting and tilting sys-
tems, steering, warning devices and brakes.
2
Before leaving the unit:
● Stop the device.
● Set the direction controller to the neutral position.
● Apply the parking brake.
● Stop the engine or switch off the controls.
● Switch off the control circuit
● If the machine has to be parked on an incline,
lock the wheels.
Avoid fire hazards and have fire protection equipment
ready in the work area. Do not use an open flame to
check the fluid level, especially of battery electrolytes.
Do not use open pans of fuel or flammable cleaning flu-
ids to clean parts.
Properly ventilate the work area, discharge exhaust
gases and keep the workshop clean and dry.
The brakes, steering mechanisms, control mecha-
nisms, warning devices, lighting, controls, protection
and safety devices, stops for the articulated axles and
the frame parts must be checked carefully and regularly
and kept in a safe operating condition.
FIRE SAFETY STANDARD
Devices that are not in a safe operating state must be
taken out of service.
Repairs may not be made in Class I, Class II, and Class
III locations.
Repairs to the electrical system of battery-operated
floor cleaners may only be made after the battery has
been disconnected.
Operating temperature. If it is determined that any part
of a powered floor cleaner is above its normal operating
temperature and poses a hazard, the vehicle should be
taken out of service and not restarted until the cause of
such overheating has been eliminated.
Fire protection. The device must be kept in a clean
condition and reasonably free of lint, excess oil and
grease. Non-flammable agents are preferred for clean-
ing the device. Flammable liquids [those with flash
points at or above 100 °F (37.8 °C)] are not permitted.
Precautions regarding toxicity, ventilation and fire haz-
ard must be appropriate for the agent or solvent used.
Visibility of the type plate. The type designations of
the device stated on the type plate and the type mark-
ings must not be painted over so that their identification
information is covered.
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