General Hazard InformationAttach a "Do Not Operate" warning tag or a similar warning tag to the start switch or to the controls before you service the equipment or before you repair the equipment. These warning tags (Special Instruction, SEHS7332) are available from your Caterpillar dealer.
When possible, make all repairs with the machine parked on a level, hard surface. The machine should be blocked in order to prevent the machine from rolling.
Know the width of your equipment in order to maintain proper clearance when you operate the equipment near fences or near boundary obstacles.
Be aware of high voltage power lines and power cables that are buried. If the machine comes in contact with these hazards, serious injury or death may occur from electrocution.
Make sure that all protective guards and all covers are secured in place on the equipment. If a guard, a cover, or a shield must be removed in order to perform the repair work, use extra caution.
Keep the equipment free from foreign material. Remove debris, oil, tools, and other items from the deck, from walkways, and from steps.
Secure all loose items such as lunch boxes, tools, and other items that are not a part of the equipment.
Know the appropriate work site hand signals and the personnel that are authorized to give the hand signals. Accept hand signals from one person only.
Do not smoke when you service an air conditioner. Also, do not smoke if refrigerant gas may be present. Inhaling the fumes that are released from a flame that contacts air conditioner refrigerant can cause bodily harm or death. Inhaling gas from air conditioner refrigerant through a lighted cigarette can cause bodily harm or death.
Use all cleaning solutions with care. Report all necessary repairs.
Do not allow unauthorized personnel on the equipment.
Disconnect the battery and discharge any capacitors before starting work on the machine.
Do not work on any machine that is supported only by lift jacks or a hoist. Always use blocks or jack stands in order to support the machine before performing any service of disassembly.
Make sure that the work area around the machine is safe and be aware of any hazardous conditions that may exist. If an engine is started inside an enclosure, make sure that the engine's exhaust is properly vented.
Always use tools that are in good working condition. Ensure that you understand the proper use of the tools before performing any service work.
Replace all fasteners with the same part number. Do not use a lesser quality fastener if replacements are necessary.
You should be prepared to stop an engine that has been recently overhauled. You should also be prepared to stop the machine if the fuel system has been recently worked on. If the engine has not been assembled correctly or if the fuel setting is not adjusted properly, the engine can possibly overspeed. This may cause bodily injury, death or property damage. You should be prepared to shut off the fuel and air supply to the engine in order to stop the engine.
Caution should be used when any cover plate is removed. Slowly back off the last two bolts or the last two nuts that are located at opposite ends of the cover or device. Then, pry the cover loose in order to relieve any spring or other pressure, before removing the last two bolts or nuts completely.
Repairs that require welding should be performed only with the benefit of the appropriate reference information. Repairs that require welding should be performed only by personnel that are adequately trained and knowledgeable in welding procedures. Refer to Instruction Manual, SEGV2549, "Techniques of Structural Repair Course". The type of metal that is being welded should be determined prior to making any repairs. The correct procedures and materials should be used in order to provide a weld that is equivalent in strength to the parent material.
Do not damage wiring during the removal operations. Wiring should be reinstalled so that the wiring is not damaged. Wiring should also be installed so that the wiring will not be damaged during normal operation of the equipment. Do not connect wiring to a line that may contain fluid.
Always use lift arm supports in order to keep the lift arms raised. Keep all work tools tilted downward when repair work is being formed with the lift arms in the raised position. Prior to performing any maintenance or repairs, ensure that all hydraulic pressure has been relieved.
Tighten connections to the correct torque. Make sure that all heat shields, clamps and guards are installed correctly in order to avoid excessive heat, vibration or rubbing against other parts during operation. Shields that protect against oil spray onto hot exhaust components in the event of a line, tube or seal failure must be installed correctly.
Do not operate a machine if there is damage to any rotating parts. Do not operate a machine if any rotating parts will contact any other part during operation. Any high speed rotating component that has been damaged or altered should be checked for balance before reusing. Ensure that all safety devices are properly installed and that all safety devices are functioning correctly.
On track-type machines, be careful when servicing or separating tracks. Use caution when a track pin is removed or installed. Pieces of the track pin may break off and the pieces may become a flying hazard. Wear protective glasses. The tracks can unroll quickly, when the tracks are separated. Keep a safe distance from the front and the rear of the machine, when the tracks are separated. The machine can move unexpectedly when both tracks are disengaged from the sprockets. Always block the machine in order to prevent the machine from moving. Use caution when a bucket pin, a ripper tooth, or any other item is removed or installed. Pieces of those items may also break off and those pieces may become a flying hazard.
Unless you are instructed otherwise, perform maintenance with the equipment in the servicing position. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual for the procedure for placing the equipment in the servicing position.
