Operator`s manual

40
SECTION 10
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
POTENTIAL WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
HAZARD
Operating or driving
the Argo in water
without the occupants
wearing an approved
personal flotation
device (PFD).
If you lose control of the Argo in water and it
capsizes and sinks, the driver and passengers
may be injured or drown.
All occupants must wear an approved personal
flotation device (PFD) or life jacket while
travelling in water.
Operating the Argo in
water without taking
along a paddle.
If you run out of gas or have an engine failure the
Argo will not be able to move under it’s own
power and you may be stranded.
Equip the vehicle with a paddle and bailing can.
Failure of driver and
passengers to adjust
positions so that the
vehicle is floating level
when operating the
Argo in water.
Water may enter the vehicle and cause it to
capsize or sink, which could result in injury or
drowning to driver and passengers.
When using the Argo in water, adjust the
position of cargo and passengers so the vehicle
floats level.
Failure to enter the
water correctly.
You may cause waves, which will enter the Argo
and cause it to capsize or sink, which could
result in injury or drowning to driver and
passengers.
The point of entry should be free of rocks,
stumps and other obstacles. Enter the water
from a firm, gradual slope whenever possible.
Be careful not to submerge the bumper as you
enter the water.
Carrying more than
specified number of
people in an Argo,
either on land or in
water.
Greatly reduces ability to balance and control
the Argo on both land and in the water and could
cause an accident, resulting in injury or death to
driver and passengers.
Never exceed the load capacity of the Argo:
6x6 - Land-4 people/317 kg (700 lbs.)
- Water-2 people/158 kg (350 lbs.)
8x8 - Land-6 people/454 kg (1000 lbs.)
- Water-4 people/317 kg (700 lbs.)
Overloading the vehicle.
Heavy loads and high loads decrease the
stability of the vehicle and may cause it to roll.
Trying to steer an overloaded vehicle can
overheat the brakes. This will lead to brake fade
which means loss of steering control and the
ability to stop the vehicle. Overloading your
vehicle can lead to premature brake system
failures and costly damage to drive chains, axles
or bearings.
Follow the recommended load capacity for your
vehicle listed in Section 1.
Overloading cargo area
in 6x6.
Exceeding the weight limitation will decrease the
stability of the vehicle on inclines and increase
the possibility of rolling over backwards when
climbing a grade.
The rear compartment capacity of all 6 wheel
Argo vehicles is 65 kg (140 lbs). Do not exceed
this weight in the rear compartment.
Failure to fasten seat
belts if the Argo is
equipped with rollover
protection.
If the Argo overturns, the driver and passengers
may be thrown from the vehicle and the roll bar
or roll cage could strike them.
Seat belts must be properly adjusted and worn
by all occupants at all times EXCEPT when
operating in water.
Failure to unfasten
seat belts (if the Argo
is so equipped) when
the vehicle is in water.
If the Argo capsizes or sinks the driver and
passengers may be unable to unfasten their seat
belts and may drown.
Do not use seat belts or any passenger restrain-
ing device while operating an Argo in water.
Failure to inspect the
Argo before operating.
Failure to properly
maintain the Argo.
Increases the possibility of an accident or
equipment damage.
Always inspect your Argo each time you use it
to make sure it is in safe operating condition.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance
procedures and schedules described in this
Operator’s Manual.