Grapple Boom Safety - Wallenstein LXT95 Operator's Manual

Safety

2.13 Grapple Boom Safety

Operator Safe Area
In certain cases where the boom is fully retracted and handling
an 8 ft (2.4 m) log, it is possible to create a collision hazard with
the operator at the control station. Follow these important points
to keep operators and workers safe from potential hazards.
• Create a 90° operator safety zone based on the position
of your work station, and material stack. Never move the
grapple or material into the operator safe zone.
• Always move the work station opposite the work area. If
work area is on the left of the trailer, position the control
station on the right of the trailer.
• Always be aware of the position of the boom and material
being handled.
• Always be aware of overhead hazards, modify your work
zone to take these hazards into account:
- Telephone lines
- Tree branches
- Roof overhang
- Wash lines, ropes or cables
- Power lines – stay a minimum 20 ft (6 m) away.
• A Safe Area must be designated for workers on foot near
this equipment.
• The boundaries of a designated Safe Area must be
communicated to all workers within and near the Work
Zone.
Work Zone Arrangement
Injury may occur from heavy material falling / dropping or
material on a rotating boom creates a collision hazard if workers
or bystanders are inside the working zone. Follow these
important points to keep workers and bystanders safe from
potential hazards:
• A Work Zone includes any area where work with this
grapple is done and can include the traveled portion of a
road if being used as a landing.
• Create a 20 ft (6 m) radius work zone perimeter, clearly
marked with safety cones.
• Workers and bystanders should never approach the grapple
while in operation without first signaling the operator.
• Work being done in a Work Zone in a forestry operation
must be planned and the work area must be located,
constructed, maintained, and operated to ensure that:
- Logs can be moved safely in the area
- Log piles and equipment used to handle the logs do not
become unstable or otherwise create a hazard
- Workers can work in locations clear of moving logs and
equipment
- Workers are not exposed to incoming or runaway logs
or other debris
- The area is kept free from buildup of bark and other
debris to the extent that it would pose a risk to workers
- An effective method of dust control is used and
maintained
• Log piles must, to the extent practicable, be located on
stable and relatively level ground.
• Log piles must not be higher than the safe operating reach
of the excavator being used to handle the logs.
12
LXT95 / LXT115
Log Trailer & Grapple