Section 408.15341. Mobile equipment; general.

(1) The muffler and exhaust pipe of mobile equipment used in tree trimming and removal operations shall be guarded or so located as  to prevent contact by an employee during normal use.

(2)   Defects or malfunctions of mobile equipment which affect its safe operation shall be corrected   before  being  placed   into  use.  During maintenance, the equipment shall be shut off and at rest,  except  when necessary to make adjustments with the equipment running.

(3)   An employee shall not attempt to locate an unseen hydraulic leak by use of hands or fingers unless the equipment is    shut   off   and depressurized.

(4)   Before backing up any mobile equipment including   a  truck,  the operator shall check the rear area. Where the area may be congested with people or the view obscured because of the load or type of equipment, the mobile equipment shall be equipped with an automatic back up alarm  or  an employee shall assist the operator.

(5)   Tools, material and equipment shall be stored or otherwise secured on a vehicle during transit.

(6)   An employee shall ride only in a designated seat of mobile equipment which is secured to the equipment, except as prescribed in R 408.15344(1).

(7)   Mobile equipment shall not be operated at more  than  its   rated capacity.

(8)       Work platforms and steps on mobile  equipment   shall  have  a slip- resistant surface.

(9)   A pad shall be set under an outrigger foot when it is put on a soft surface. Traction for outrigger feet shall be assured where  ice  and  snow are present.

(10)   When outriggers are provided on mobile equipment   which  is  being used to lift or dig, the outriggers shall be extended. An audible warning such as a horn, bell or voice, shall be used when lowering outriggers.

History: 1979 AC.