Fire or Explosion Prevention

Remove the hydraulic tank fill cap only after the engine has been stopped, and the fill cap is cool enough to remove with your bare hand. Remove the hydraulic tank fill cap slowly, to relieve pressure. Relieve all pressure in air, oil, fuel, or cooling systems before any lines, fittings or related items are disconnected or removed. Batteries Batteries give off flammable fumes which can explode. Do not smoke when observing the battery electrolyte levels. Electrolyte is an acid and can cause personal injury if it contacts the skin or eyes. Always wear protective glasses when working with batteries. Fire or Explosion Prevention All fuels, most lubricants, and some coolant mixtures are flammable. Fuel leaked, or spilled, onto hot surfaces or electrical components can cause a fire. Do not smoke while refueling or while in a refueling area. Do not smoke in areas where batteries are charged, or where flammable materials are stored. Refer to “Operation Section, Engine Starting” in this manual for specific starting instructions. Clean and tighten all electrical connections. Check daily for loose or frayed electrical wires. Have all loose or frayed electrical wires tightened, repaired, or replaced before operating the machine. Keep all fuels and lubricants stored in properly marked containers and away from all unauthorized persons. Store all oily rags, or other flammable material, in protective containers. Do not weld or flame cut on pipes or tubes that contain flammable fluids. Clean them thoroughly with a nonflammable solvent before welding or flame cutting on them. Remove all flammable materials such as fuel, oil and other debris before they accumulate on the machine. Do not expose the machine to flames, burning brush, etc., if at all possible. Shields, which protect hot exhaust components from oil or fuel spray in the event of a line, tube or seal failure, must be installed correctly. Fire Extinguisher Have a fire extinguisher available and know how to use it. Inspect and have it serviced as recommended on its instruction plate. Make sure the fire extinguisher is mounted on the right side fender at the rear of the machine, in the location provided. Ether Ether is poisonous and flammable. Inhaling ether vapors, or the repeated contact of ether with skin, can cause personal injury. Use ether only in well-ventilated areas. Do not smoke while changing ether cylinders. Use ether with care to avoid fires. Do not store replacement ether cylinders in living areas or in the operator's compartment. Do not store ether cylinders in direct sunlight or at temperatures above 40°C (102°F). Discard the cylinders in a protective place. Do not puncture or burn the cylinders. Keep ether cylinders out of the reach of unauthorized personnel. Lines, Tubes and Hoses Do not bend or strike high pressure lines. Do not install bent or damaged lines, tubes or hoses. Repair any loose or damaged fuel and oil lines, tubes and hoses. Leaks can cause fires. 11 Safety Section Safety TM5-2430-200-10