Main risks

• Hands and feet being trapped or crushed by the plate or shoe, and possible tip-overs on slopes or near trenches.
• Ejection of stones and debris that may cause eye injuries and bruising.
• Exposure to high levels of vibration and noise that can affect hands, arms and hearing.
• Inhalation of dust (including silica) and exhaust gases; serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces.
• Burns from contact with hot engine and exhaust surfaces.
• Fire due to fuel spills or sparks; electrical hazard on corded or battery-powered models.
• Damage to buried services or cables if compacting over them.
• Overexertion and musculoskeletal injuries due to the weight of the equipment and its handling.

Safe use

• Before use, check overall condition: fasteners, guards, handle, shoe/plate, absence of leaks and correct operation of the stop switch.
• Wear hearing protection, safety glasses or a face shield, good-grip gloves (preferably anti-vibration), safety footwear, and a respirator when dust is present.
• Clear and signpost the work area; keep other people at a safe distance and remove loose objects that could be thrown up.
• Operate on firm, stable surfaces, with both hands on the handle and a balanced stance; progress steadily without forcing the machine.
• Avoid steep slopes and trench edges; work slowly and do not position yourself downhill of the equipment.
• Do not use combustion engines indoors, in basements or in poorly ventilated spaces. Ensure adequate ventilation at all times.
• Switch off and wait for a complete stop before cleaning, clearing blockages, adjusting or changing accessories.
• When refuelling, engine off and cool; refill away from sparks or flames and clean up any spillage.
• Protect cables and hoses (if present) from cuts, crushing and moisture. Do not leave the machine running unattended.
• For loading, unloading or transport, use the designated lifting points and secure it properly to prevent movement.

Storage and maintenance

• Allow to cool before storing. Clean off dust, mud and debris that could affect ventilation or movement.
• Store in a dry, stable and ventilated place, out of the reach of children and away from sources of heat or ignition.
• Periodically check fasteners, belts/moving parts, dampers and the condition of the shoe or plate; replace worn parts with compatible spares.
• If the equipment is combustion-powered, store fuel in suitable, well-sealed containers, away from flames; check that there are no leaks.
• If electric or battery-powered, inspect cables, plugs and chargers; do not use or charge if there is visible damage.
• Carry out lubrication, filter cleaning and consumable changes following the manufacturer’s instructions, always with the machine switched off and disconnected.

Restrictions of use

• Not a toy: for use only by adults with basic knowledge of operating construction machinery.
• Do not use under the influence of alcohol, drugs, certain medicines or extreme fatigue.
• Do not operate combustion engines indoors or in poorly ventilated atmospheres. Keep flammable materials away during compaction and refuelling.
• Do not transport people or use the compactor to push, pull or lift loads.
• Do not lift the machine by the handle or by points not intended for lifting.
• Do not work on fragile surfaces, freshly laid pavement without authorisation, or on surface conduits; locate buried services before compacting.
• Avoid use in heavy rain, snow or deep puddles if the equipment is not designed for it.
• Keep children, animals and bystanders away from the work area at all times.