Important Safety Information

Safety Precautions

General Items:


Local Regulations

As a general rule, following local regulations and standards is paramount in all Crawler operations. These rules are designed to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment and should always be your top priority.


Prioritize Compliance with Local Laws:

Always ensure that your operations comply with the local laws, codes, and standards applicable in your area. These regulations may cover a range of aspects including safety, environmental protection, and equipment usage, and must be adhered to without exception.

Stay Informed and Updated:

Keep yourself and your team informed about the relevant local regulations and any updates or changes that may occur. Regular training sessions and safety briefings should include discussions on these regulations to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities.

Incorporate Regulations into SOPs:

Integrate local regulatory requirements into your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). By embedding these regulations into your daily operations, you ensure consistent compliance and reduce the risk of legal or safety issues.

Consult Local Authorities When in Doubt:

If there is any uncertainty about the applicability or interpretation of local regulations, consult with local authorities or legal experts. It is better to seek clarification than to risk non-compliance.


By prioritizing local regulations above all else, you ensure that your operations are legally compliant, safe, and environmentally responsible.


Safe Lifting Guidelines for Crawlers

When lifting and handling Crawlers, it is essential to follow these safety guidelines to prevent injury and damage to the equipment:


Use Designated Handles: 

Always lift the Crawler and Reels using the designated handles or lifting points. 

Be Mindful of Weight and Balance:

 Crawlers can be heavy and have uneven weight distribution, which may shift unexpectedly during lifting. Ensure you have a firm grip on the designated handles and maintain a stable stance to prevent loss of control.

Lift with a Team: 

For heavier Crawlers and reels, always lift with the help of others to evenly distribute the load and reduce the risk of injury. Use coordinated communication to lift and move the equipment safely.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques: 

Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs rather than your back to avoid strain or injury. Ensure the equipment is close to your body while lifting to maintain balance.


Storage

Keep your Crawler, tether and controller in the carrying case if not in use. 


Transporting

It is important to store and transport your vehicle in a safe and secure fashion. 

Batteries and Chargers

Battery technology has come a long way in recent years. Lithium-ion batteries have drastically increased in energy density which allows for high output batteries at a very small size. Deep Trekker™ uses these batteries to provide long-lasting products that are used in some of the world’s harshest environments. As a result of the high energy output of these batteries and the environments they are used in, there are some precautions to take when using these systems. This document includes some “best practices” to help reduce the inherent risks associated with using high output batteries.


General Charger Information 


General Battery Information

Misuse of the device’s battery may lead it to overheat or ignite and cause serious injury. Make sure to follow the safety rules listed below:


Shipping

Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods and require accompanying documentation to ship them. You must declare that lithium-ion batteries are included in the contents of your shipment so the necessary precautions can be taken.

There are differences between shipping lithium-ion batteries alone and shipping lithium-ion batteries that are in equipment. Follow the appropriate rules and guidelines when attempting to ship Deep Trekker™ products that have lithium-ion batteries. 

Reach out to support@deeptrekker.com for proper battery shipping documentation. 

NEVER attempt to ship a device that has a lithium-ion battery that is suspected to be damaged.

Hazards of Damaged Batteries 


Inspection

It is important to regularly check the battery skid and controller for signs of water ingress. When the mechanical integrity of the battery skid or controller is compromised, water may be allowed to ingress and damage the lithium-ion battery inside. This damage does not always occur right away, and may occur at a much later date, and it also may not be immediately obvious. 

Warning: Stop what you are doing immediately if the battery skid or controller emits a popping or hissing sound, feels hot, emits an unusual smell, or appears abnormal in any way, and take the appropriate measures.Warning: Under no circumstances should you try to use a battery pack or controller that has signs of water ingress or damage. Caution: If you observe that a pin is bent on any of the connectors, do not attempt to fix the issue. Contact Deep Trekker™ Support or your authorized Deep Trekker™ Reseller for assistance.

Addressing a Damaged Deep Trekker™ Crawler Battery

Inside each pack is a lithium-ion battery pack. The packs are waterproof, and damage or water ingress is very rare. If this does occur, it can compromise the lithium-ion battery pack inside. Damaged lithium-ion batteries have the potential to leak electrolyte, which is a hazardous substance, and may cause a fire and/or explosion.

 

If you suspect that your vehicle has been damaged and the battery packs have been compromised, you should immediately address the situation as follows:

Addressing a Damaged Deep Trekker™ Controller Battery

The DT controller is water resistant, but not rated for use underwater. If a controller has been dropped in water, the lithium-ion battery inside may be damaged, and the controller is considered compromised. 

If you suspect that your controller has been damaged and the internal battery is compromised, you should immediately address the situation, as follows:

Lasers and Lights

When operating Crawlers equipped with lights and lasers, it is crucial to adhere to the following safety guidelines to ensure the protection of personnel, equipment, and the environment:

Avoid Direct Eye Exposure: 

Never look directly into the lights or lasers used on Crawlers. Prolonged or direct exposure can cause serious eye damage, including temporary or permanent vision impairment. Ensure that all personnel are aware of the locations and operational status of these systems.

Use Proper Eye Protection: 

When working near Crawlers with active lights or lasers, always wear appropriate protective eyewear that meets the necessary safety standards for the type of light or laser in use. This is especially important during maintenance or testing phases.

Laser Specific Warnings:

Class 3B lasers can cause vision damage if safety guidelines are not followed properly. Follow local governing laws around laser safety on top of the listed guidelines which are in accordance with IEC standards. Visit this page for details on laser safety

Magnets

When operating Crawlers equipped with magnetically coupled devices, including thrusters, it is important to follow these safety guidelines to protect personnel, equipment, and the surrounding environment:


Warning: Take extreme care when Removing or installing wheel hubs. The magnets will pull the hubs very hard against the surface which can create a pinch point for anything, including hands and fingers beneath the hubs.

Avoid Close Proximity to Magnetic Fields:

Personnel with medical implants (such as pacemakers) should avoid close proximity to Crawlers with active magnetic devices, as strong magnetic fields can interfere with these devices. Ensure that all personnel are aware of the locations and operational status of magnetic components.

Secure and Shield Sensitive Equipment:

Keep electronic devices, magnetic storage media, and other magnetically sensitive equipment away from Crawler wheels and other magnetic components. Magnetic fields can disrupt or damage such equipment, leading to data loss or malfunction.

Use Caution During Maintenance: 

During maintenance, repairs, or inspections involving magnetically coupled devices, ensure that power is completely shut off to prevent accidental activation. Use non-magnetic tools and secure loose metallic objects to avoid unintended attraction to magnetic fields.

Pinch and Cut Points

Crawlers contain various moving components that can create pinch and cut hazards. These include thruster blades, magnetic couplers, grabber claws, and other mechanical parts. To ensure the safety of personnel and prevent equipment damage, follow these safety guidelines:


Maintain Safe Distance from Moving Parts: 

Always keep hands, fingers, and loose clothing away from any moving components such as thruster blades, grabber claws, and mechanical couplers. These areas can cause severe injuries if caught or pinched.

Use Lockout/Tagout Procedures: 

Before performing any maintenance, repairs, or adjustments on the Crawlers, engage lockout/tagout procedures to ensure that all moving parts are completely deactivated. This will prevent accidental activation and reduce the risk of injury.

Accessories such as the cutter and power tool should always be powered off and disconnected before attempting any maintenance.

Be Aware of Automatic Movements: 

Some Crawler components, like camera heads or elevating arms, may activate automatically during certain operations. Always be aware of the Crawler's operational status and avoid areas where sudden movements may occur.

Wear Appropriate Protective Gear: 

When working near moving parts, wear protective gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of cuts, pinches, and other injuries. Ensure that PPE does not interfere with the ability to operate safely around the Crawlers.

Secure Loose Items and Hair: 

Ensure that all loose items such as tools, clothing, and long hair are secured before approaching the Crawlers. Loose objects can easily get caught in moving parts, leading to injury or equipment damage.

Training and Awareness: 

Ensure all personnel working with or around the Crawlers are properly trained on the risks associated with pinch and cut points. Conduct regular safety briefings to reinforce the importance of maintaining a safe distance from moving parts.

Emergency Stop Procedures: 

Familiarize all personnel with the location and operation of emergency stop controls. In the event of a hazardous situation, knowing how to quickly deactivate the Crawlers can prevent serious injuries.