Vestil D series hoppers - Manual (Page 8)

11/4/2013 D & H series hoppers, manual
Copyright 2013 Vestil Manufacturing Corp. Page 8 of 13
S
AFETY
P
RINCIPLES
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. created this manual to acquaint owners and users of our fork-mounted hoppers with safe use and
maintenance procedures. Although Vestil diligently strives to identify foreseeable, hazardous situations, this manual cannot
address every conceivable danger. The end-user is ultimately responsible for exercising sound judgment at all times.
The mechanisms of each hopper are relatively intuitive to operate. Nonetheless, all persons who might use or operate this
product should familiarize themselves with the instructions provided in this manual. Each person who might use or maintain the
product must read this entire manual and fully understand the directions BEFORE using or performing maintenance on the
hopper.
Failure to apply the directions in this manual might lead to serious personal injury or even death. Vestil is not liable
for any injury or property damage that occurs as a consequence of failing to apply either: 1) the instructions that appear in this
manual; or 2) the information disclosed on labels affixed to the product. Furthermore, failure to exercise good judgment and
common sense could result in property damage, serious personal injury or death, and also are not the responsibility of Vestil.
To draw attention to hazards that users might encounter, this manual classifies personal injury risks and situations that could
lead to property damage with SIGNAL WORDS. These signal words announce an associated safety message. The reader must
understand that the signal word chosen indicates the seriousness of the described hazard.
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in DEATH or SERIOUS
INJURY. Use of this signal word is limited to the most extreme situations.
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in DEATH or SERIOUS
INJURY.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in MINOR or MODERATE
injury.
Identifies practices likely to result in product/property damage, such as operation that might damage
the hopper.
Safety Recommendations:
Study the entire manual before using the product for the first time. Read the manual when necessary to refresh your
understanding of the safe operation, inspection and maintenance procedures explained on p.9. If questions remain after you
finish reading this manual, ask your supervisor or employer for assistance. DO NOT attempt to resolve any problems with the
boom unless you are authorized to do so and are certain that it will be safe to use afterwards.
Electrocution might result if the hopper contacts electrified wires. Reduce the likelihood that an operator or
bystander might be electrocuted by applying common sense:
 DO NOT contact electrified wires with the hopper or any part of the forklift truck.
 DO NOT use the hopper in an area where it will contact electrified wires.
 Before using the hopper, always inspect the usage area for unusual conditions that require special precautions.
Material handling is dangerous. Improper or careless operation might result in serious personal injuries
sustained by the hopper/forklift operator(s) and bystanders. Reduce the likelihood of injury boom operators by applying the
following:
 Failure to read and understand the instructions included in this manual before using or servicing the hopper constitutes
misuse.
 DO NOT use a malfunctioning or structurally damaged hopper. Examples structural damage include: 1) damage to the
hopper release mechanism (that allows the hopper to dump); 2) broken fork pocket(s); 3) main connection pin; or 4)
broken welds. Inspect the hopper before each use according to the inspection instructions on p. 9. DO NOT use the
hopper unless it passes every part of the inspection.
 DO NOT use the hopper if the safety chain is damaged or absent; DO NOT lift the hopper until it is securely connected
to the carriage of the fork truck with the safety chain.
 DO NOT fill the hopper with a load weighing more than the maximum rated load (see Table, p. 2-3).
 DO NOT stand beneath or travel under the hopper at any time. DO NOT permit any person to stand beneath or travel
under the hopper.
 DO NOT allow people to ride on or in the hopper.
 DO NOT use the hopper if any product label (see p. 10 or 11) is unreadable, damaged, or missing. Contact Vestil to
order replacement labels.
 ALWAYS apply proper (fork) lift truck operation practices learned during your training program. Before raising the
hopper from the floor AND tilt the (forklift) mast toward the cab of the truck to ensure that the hopper will not slide
towards the tips of the forks.
 DO NOT modify the hopper in any way! Modification(s) might make the hopper unsafe to use.
 DO NOT dump the hopper UNLESS every person in the vicinity is safely behind the forklift truck.
 DO NOT dump the hopper if the forklift is facing down a slope. Only dump the hopper while parked on a level surface.