A INTRODUCTION
1 Safe Operating Guidelines
There is no one single factor that is more important for minimizing the possibility of personal injury to the operator and
those working in the area, or damage to property, equipment, or material than being familiar with the equipment and
using Safe Operating Practices.
The MULE is designed for lifting and transporting of material only. Under no circumstances, either during initial
installation or in any other use, should the hoist be used for lifting or transporting personnel.
No operator should be permitted to use the equipment that is not familiar with its operation, is not physically or
mentally fit, or has not been schooled in safe operating practices. The misuse of MULE can lead to certain hazards
which cannot be protected against by mechanical means; hazards which can only be avoided by the exercise of
intelligence, care, and common sense.
Safe Operating Practices also involve a program of periodic inspection and preventative maintenance (covered in a
separate section). Part of the operator’s training should be an awareness of potential malfunctions/hazards requiring
adjustments or repairs, and bringing these to the attention of supervision for corrective action.
Supervision and management also have an important role to play in any safety program by ensuring that a maintenance
schedule is adhered to, and that the equipment provided for the operators is suitable for the job intended without
violation of one or more of the rules covering safe operating practices and good common sense.
Do’s and Don’ts (Safe Operation of MULE)
The following are Do’s and Don’ts for safe operation of MULE. A few minutes spent reading these rules can make an
operator aware of dangerous practices to avoid and precautions to take for their own safety and the safety of others.
Frequent examinations and periodic inspections of the equipment as well as a conscientious observance of safety rules
may save lives as well as time and money.
DON’TS:
Never lift or transport a load until all personnel are clear and do not transport the load over
personnel.
Do not allow any unqualified personnel to operate hoist.
Never pick up a load beyond the capacity rating appearing on the MULE. Overloading can be
caused by jerking as well as by static overload.
Never carry personnel on the gripper, the hook or the load.
Do not operate MULE if you are not physically fit.
Do not operate MULE to extreme limits of travel of cable without first checking for proper
limit switch action.
Do not tamper with or adjust any parts of the MULE unless specifically authorized to do so.
Never use the wire rope as a sling.
Do not divert attention from load while operating hoist.
1. All users should read the Owner’s Manual before operating the unit.
2.
The installation and operation of MULE is subject to hazards that can be avoided only by
using extreme care and common sense. It is essential that the competent person be
appropriately trained in the installation, dismantlement, proper use and safe operation of
the MULE and its accessories. Construction robotics can assist owners/employers in
providing this training.
