31. GENERAL1.1 INTRODUCTION – MAINTENANCE SAFETY PRECAUTIONSCareless performing of the easy work may cause injuries. Take care to always perform work safely, atleast observing the following. It is of utmost importance that maintenance personnel pay strict attentionto these warnings and precautions to avoid possible injury to themselves or others, or damage to theequipment. A maintenance program must be followed to ensure that the machine is safe to operate.The specific precautions to be observed during maintenance are inserted at the appropriate point in themanual. These precautions are those that apply when servicing hydraulic and larger machinecomponent parts.MODIFICATION OF THE MACHINE WITHOUT CERTIFICATION BY ARESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY THAT THE MACHINE IS AT LEAST AS SAFE AS ORIGINALLYMANUFACTURED, IS A SAFETY VIOLATION.SINCE THE MACHINE MANUFACTURER HAS NO DIRECT CONTROL OVER THEFIELD INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE, SAFETY IN THIS AREA RESPONSIBILITY OF THEOWNER OR OPERATOR.FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS LlSTED IN THIS SECTIONMAY RESULT IN MACHINE DAMAGE, PERSONNEL INJURY OR DEATH AND IS A SAFETYVIOLATION. When carrying out any operation or maintenance, have trained and experienced personnel carry outthe work. When carrying out any operation or maintenance, carefully read out Operation and MaintenanceManual. Read all the precautions given on the decals which are fixed to the machine. Be sure you fully understand the contents of the operation. It is important to prepare necessary toolsand parts and to keep the machine. Your safety, and that of others , is the first consideration whenengaging in the maintenance of equipment. Always be conscious ofweight. Never attempt to move heavy parts without the aid of amechanical device. Do not allow heavy objects to rest in anunstable position. When raising a portion of the equipment, ensurethat adequate support is provided.