Chapter 1 Safety Information
80101253 Rev 04 EO 6309JJ
WARNING
Read, understand, and follow all of the warning listed below.
Failure to follow these warning could result in severe personal injury or death.
• Read and understand the Owner’s Manual, all decals and warning on liftgate before operating liftgate.
• Do not operate liftgate without a thorough knowledge and understanding of the operation of the liftgate.
•Liftgate hazards can result in crushing or falling.
•This liftgate is designed for loading and unloading of cargo. If personnel are required to ride liftgate, observe
and familiarize yourself with the liftgate operation, decals and manuals. Ensure stable footing at all times.
•Do not ride liftgate with unstable loads.
•Wheeled loads must be properly retained from rolling.
•Tall, high center of gravity loads must be retained from falling over.
•Never overload liftgate:
Load platform as close to the vehicle, and towards the middle of the platform as possible. Refer to owner’s
manual and capacity decal of liftgate for maximum load and load placement.
•Keep hands and feet clear of all potential pinch points.
•Never use liftgate if it makes any unusual noise, has unusual vibration, raises or lowers unevenly, or fails to
operate smoothly.
•Never use liftgate if it shows any signs of structural damage such as cracked welds, bent or distorted
members.
•Do not attempt any repairs unless you are qualified to do so. Care should be taken when work is performed
on a disabled liftgate located near moving traffic. When possible the vehicle should be moved away from
traffic areas for repair. Precautionary measures should be taken to ensure personal safety including those
recommended in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 571.125.
•When welding to liftgate, or liftgate components, take all necessary safety precautions, including using
respiratory protection and other pertinent personal protective gear when welding harmful materials.
• All protective covers, guards, and safety devices must be in place and access doors closed before operating
liftgate.
•Do not allow anyone to stand in, or near area, in which Platform will open and close before opening or closing
Platform.
•Do not allow anyone to stand near the Platform where a falling load could land on them.
•Platform is always to be properly stored and secured for transit. See the Owner’s Manual for details.
•Take care to retain cargo during transit for liftgate Platforms which function as the tailgate or door of the cargo
area. Small objects can fall through the space between the vehicle and the folded Platform.
•A Lock-Out device or Shut-Off Switch should always be used to prevent unauthorized use of liftgate.
•For liftgates with Runners, never use liftgate if Runners do not travel freely and smoothly.
•For liftgates with Roller Lifting Chain, the Chain should be replaced every (5) five years or 15,000 cycles,
whichever comes first. Replace only with Waltco approved Roller Chain.
•Never transfer loads which exceed lifting capacity on or over any part of the Platform unless the liftgate is
equipped with a special reinforced Platform and Platform Support Bars for use when the Platform is used as
loading ramp (dock board). Refer to the “Using Platform as a loading ramp” Chapter in the Operation
Instructions of the BZ/RZ series Owner’s Manual.
•For liftgates equipped with Trailer Hitches, never exceed the rated capacity of the hitch. Do not exceed the
vehicle’s weight rating. Refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual.
•Vehicle must comply with all state and federal standards.
•Follow the “Maintenance Guide” chapter in the Owner’s Manual.
