Safety Instructions

Article 1

General Information

These safety instructions apply to all machines offered by HawkTech s.r.o., including power trowels, concrete mixers, ride on trowels, core drilling machines, concrete cutters, and related construction equipment. Every operator is required to read this document before operating any machine for the first time.

Article 2

Main Hazards And Risks

Article 3

Personal Protective Equipment

The personal protective equipment listed below is mandatory when operating all HawkTech machines. Operators must wear it throughout the entire period of work with the machine.

• Safety footwear, minimum rating S3, for protection against crushing and sole penetration.
• Protective gloves that are slip resistant and mechanically resistant.
• Hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs, with a minimum SNR of 25 decibels.
• Safety glasses or a face shield when working with discs, drilling, or chiselling.
• A respirator rated FFP2 or higher when working in dusty environments.
• A high visibility reflective vest when working on construction sites and roads.
• A hard hat in areas with risk of falling objects.
• Work clothing that fits closely to the body, without loose ends or jewellery.

Article 4

Preparation Before Starting

• Visually inspect the machine for cracks in the frame, loose bolts, and damaged guards.
• Check oil and fuel levels. Never refuel while the machine is running or while the engine is hot.
• Inspect working tools such as blades, discs, and drills, and replace any damaged parts immediately.
• Verify the function of all controls, including levers, switches, and the emergency stop.
• Check cables and plugs on electric machines. Damaged insulation means the machine must not be operated.
• Verify that all guards and protective covers are fitted. A missing guard means the machine must not be operated.

• Demarcate the work area and prevent unauthorised persons from entering.
• Remove obstacles, formwork, hoses, and cables from the machine's path.
• Check the load bearing capacity of the surface, such as a concrete slab, platform, or scaffolding.
• Ensure adequate ventilation, especially for combustion engine machines used in enclosed spaces.
• Maintain a safety distance of at least 5 metres between bystanders and the operating machine.

Article 5

Safety Rules During Operation

• Operate the machine only from the designated operator position.
• Maintain a stable stance. Never operate the machine on an unstable or slippery surface.
• Do not exceed the machine's maximum operating parameters for speed, load, or pressure.
• Do not expose the machine to weather conditions beyond its rated use, such as storms, strong wind, or flooding.
• Do not operate the machine under the influence of alcohol, medication, or narcotics.
• Switch off the machine every time you leave the operator position. Never leave it running unattended.
• Do not use the machine for any purpose other than its specified technical application.
• Report faults, failures, or unusual noises to the supervisor immediately and do not continue operating.
• Record every repair, fault, or incident in the machine's logbook.

Article 6

Stopping And Shutting Down

• Reduce operating speed or power and move the machine to a safe area away from the work surface.
• Disengage the working tool and wait for the rotation or movement to come to a complete stop.
• Switch off the engine and allow it to cool before taking any further action.
• Secure the machine against unintentional movement using a brake, chock, or stop.
• Clean the working parts of the machine, removing concrete, soil, or dust.
• Cover or store the machine according to the operator manual to protect it from weather.
• Record the machine condition and shutdown time in the logbook.

Article 7

Maintenance And Service

• All maintenance must be carried out with the machine stopped, secured, and cooled, following the lockout tagout procedure.
• Perform regular maintenance according to the schedule in the specific machine's operator manual.
• Use only original or approved spare parts. Never use improvised substitutes.
• Engine or electrical repairs must be performed only by an authorised service technician.
• Record all repairs, part replacements, and inspections in the machine's service logbook.
• Do not operate a machine that has exceeded its scheduled service or inspection interval.

Article 8

Emergency Procedures

• Immediately switch off the machine and secure it against further movement.
• Call the emergency services. Ambulance 155. Integrated emergency service 112.
• Administer first aid, including stopping bleeding, placing the person in the recovery position, and performing CPR if needed.
• Secure the accident scene and prevent further persons from entering.
• Report the accident to the responsible person and record it in the accident log.

• Switch off the machine and remove any ignition sources.
• Extinguish small fires with a class B extinguisher using carbon dioxide or powder. Never use water on burning fuel.
• For a large fire, evacuate the area and call the fire brigade at 150, or the emergency number 112.
• If fuel is leaking, ventilate the area, do not operate the machine, and inform the supervisor.

Article 9

Applicable Regulations And Standards

• Directive 2006/42/EC, the Machinery Directive.
• Directive 2003/10/EC, the Noise at Work Directive.
• Directive 2002/44/EC, the Vibration at Work Directive.
• EN ISO 11684, covering machine safety signs.
• EN ISO 12100, covering safety of machinery, risk assessment, and reduction.
• The operator manual provided with each specific machine.