Maintenance and Servicing

The Owner should be aware that the reliability, safety, and longevity of the Sidelifter depends on the standard of maintenance and servicing that it receives during its working life. The maintenance and servicing schedules set out in the Steelbro Manuals must be met, and only suitably qualified technicians should carry out this work using best practice safe working methods.

Service personnel should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when maintaining and servicing Sidelifters.

Maintenance Hazards

Service personnel should be aware of these materials and substances which can be hazardous when working with Sidelifter components:

• Exhaust Gas - Exhaust gases from power pack engines contain many toxic air contaminants including carbon monoxide which is a colourless, odorless gas. Power packs should only be operated in well ventilated areas.
• Diesel Fuel - The vapour and the liquid are irritants to the lungs and skin. Use nitrile or viton gloves to avoid skin contact with diesel fuel. Handle diesel fuel with care and avoid exposure to naked flame.
• Hydraulic Oil - Hazards associated with hydraulic oils include burns from hot fluid and accidental injection of fluid beneath the skin due to pinhole leaks in hoses. Gloves will not prevent this type of accident. Always ensure hydraulic system pressure has been relieved before working on hydraulic systems. When detecting hydraulic leaks use a piece of wood or cardboard and not your fingers to find a leak. Pinhole leaks can also atomise hydraulic fluid which can then be ignited by spark or flame. Use nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact with hydraulic oils.
• Battery Acids and Gases - Lead acid batteries use highly corrosive sulphuric acid and produce hydrogen and oxygen which are flammable. Avoid naked flames around batteries and protect your skin using butyl gloves.
• Antifreeze - The power pack uses an ethylene glycol long life coolant as a corrosion inhibitor and protection against freezing damage. These coolants are toxic by ingestion and absorption through the skin. Use butyl or viton gloves for protection.