Residual Risks

The electric tug has been developed to standards that minimize the risk associated with its use. The operator should observe the guidelines in this manual at all times.

The residual risks associated with the use of the electric tug are mainly:

  • Risks of colliding with persons or objects while driving; The operator should exercise extreme caution while driving, avoiding narrow spaces that do not allow the desired manoeuvres to be performed safely. They should also avoid routes where there are other persons or animals.
  • Risks of tipping the electric tug and/or the load if the electric tug is used on sloping and/or uneven terrain; During operation, the operator must operate the tiller head in such a way as to prevent the loss of control and balance of the electric tug.
  • Risks of short circuits due to accidental and significant impacts. In the event of an accident, the operator should stop the electric tug and verify that the electrical system and batteries are still intact.
  • Danger of crushing (parts of) the body against an obstacle: danger that exists during reversing and is mainly due to the design of the steering side of the electric tug. The operator must be extremely attentive when driving in reverse; they should, if possible, avoid performing the movement with behind their back, columns, scaffolding and other obstacles in general.
  • Risk of crushing the lower limbs by the wheels: danger which exists when changing direction of travel, starting to reverse or encountering an obstacle of a certain height. The operator must pay particular attention to the movement of the drive- and support wheels during use and manoeuvring; they are also required to wear appropriate PPE (safety footwear, at least class S1).
  • Risk of crushing that occurs during insertion of the battery and/or closing the lid of the battery compartment. They must work with both feet firmly on the ground and both hands on the relevant handle of the battery or lid; he/she is required to wear the appropriate work gloves.
  • Risk of the tires losing traction. The operator should avoid using the electric tug on slippery or frozen terrain.
  • Risk of operator strain due to vibrations. Vibrations are mainly caused by driving over uneven ground and are transmitted to the operator through contact with the tiller head, while driving the electric tug.
  • Potential risk of reduced motor braking power due to overheating of the drive control unit. During continuous intensive use, the drive control unit will thermally cut-back the electric tug in performance when it nears its critical temperature. Meaning, it will have reduced de-/acceleration power. Driving slowly (turtle setting) is strongly recommended in these situations.

The residual risks associated with commissioning and maintenance are mainly:

  • Risks of limb crushing associated with work of disassembly and assembly of portions of the electric tug;
  • Risks of excessive effort in handling the electric tug and its components;
  • Risks of electrocution, burning, poisoning, corrosion, fire and explosion associated with battery inspection and repair work.

Residual risks when using trolleys/carts/containers/other types of loads:

  • When using the electric tug with a load, the operator should pay attention to the risks of traction loss of the drive wheel during acceleration and deceleration, due to the inertia of the load.
  • Use the electric tug within the limits indicated in the VDI table and according to the instructions listed in Using the electric tug.