FC Weekly Safety Tip for 9/19/2014

Safe Use of Harvesting Equipment

 

Harvesting equipment is a necessity on farms to gather the crops for a bountiful harvest. Harvest time is primary revenue time on many farms and is also one of the peak periods for farm injuries and deaths. Many of these injuries can be prevented through effective farm safety management.

 

•      Develop a "safety first" attitude. Follow safe work practices all the time and set a good example for others.

•      Be physically and mentally fit before operating equipment. Fatigue, stress and worry can distract you from safely operating equipment. Take frequent breaks.

•      Pay attention to all safety information. Read operator's manual and warning decals.

•      Inspect the equipment and correct any hazards before operating.

•      Identify hazardous areas on equipment and make sure you stay away from moving parts. Beware of pinch points, shear points, wrap points, pull-in areas, thrown objects, crush points, stored energy hazards and freewheeling parts.

•      Make sure everyone who operates the equipment has the appropriate training and is physically able to operate it safely.

•      Shut down equipment, turn off the engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop before dismounting equipment.

•      Keep bystanders and others away from equipment operation area. Do not allow "extra riders", especially children.

 

Information supplied by the National Safety Council’s Agricultural Division, the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) – www.necasag.org or 888-844-6322.

FC Saferty Tip of the Week 9-12-2014

Farm Vehicle Safety

Harvest season means more farm vehicles will be sharing the roadways with other vehicles. That includes combines and other harvesting equipment moving from one field to another, as well as trucks and tractors transporting produce. To help ensure your safety:

• Display the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem on all off-road vehicles. Make sure emblems are in good condition and properly mounted.
• Use proper vehicle lighting.
• Use flashers anytime you use public roads. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) recommends two flashing amber lights, mounted at least 42 inches high, in both the front and rear.
• Comply with your state laws. Most state laws require using headlights 30 minutes before sunset, until 30 minutes after sunrise. Also use headlights whenever insufficient light or unfavorable weather conditions exist. ASAE recommends two headlights on the front, at the same level, positioned as far apart as possible. They also recommend one rear-left and one rear-right red taillight mounted as far apart as possible, and two red reflectors visible from the rear.
• Inspect hitches to verify they are sturdy and properly mounted before towing equipment or using wagons. Always use safety chains, if equipped.

 

http://www.nationwide.com/pre-harvest-safety.jsp

FC Safety Tip of the Week; Equipment Mounting & Dismounting

 

Equipment Mounting & Dismounting

 

Safe access when mounting or dismounting various pieces of equipment is an essential part of workplace safety.

 

Three Points of Contact

–     Use either two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet when mounting and dismounting equipment. Failure to use this method has resulted in numerous serious injuries.

–     Keep hands free when making three points of contact.

–     Maintain traction by ensuring footwear is free of potential hazards such as dirt, oil, and grease.

–     Use hoisting materials to transport tools and other objects that may keep hands from being free.

 

Inspection and Maintenance

–     Inspect contact areas for slip or trip hazards.

–     Ensure steps and handrails are properly secured and free of defects and debris.

–     Ensure landing areas are equipped with adequate lighting.

 

Proper Approach

–     Always face equipment when mounting or dismounting.

–     Always use the access provided by the manufacturer.

 

 

 

https://safety.cat.com/cda/layout?m=399415&x=7

FC Safety Tip of the week: Hydraulic Equipment Safety

Hydraulic Equipment Safety

Farm equipment operators must be extremely careful when working around hydraulic equipment. Hydraulic pressure is often strong enough to knock a person out if a leak or explosion occurs.

Follow these guidelines when working with hydraulic equipment:

• Inspect hydraulic equipment regularly for leaks. Report and fix any leaks immediately.
• Ensure that all couplings are properly installed and in good working condition.
• Ensure that all lines and fittings are in good condition. Repair or replace any equipment that is not in good condition.
• Lock transport wheels and support jacks on implements in place before disconnecting hydraulic cylinders. This action will prevent sudden shocks to the machine or personal injury.
• Keep couplings and hoses in good repair so that the hydraulic system can safely sustain maximum pressure.

http://www.fss.txstate.edu/ehsrm/safetymanual/agsafe/farmequip.html

Grain Bin Safety Tips

There are very few activities more dangerous, and that injures more people, than accidents in and around grain bins. 

The following are reminders and safety measures to practice while working around grain:

Follow these important safety tips when working in
and around grain bins - it may save your life.

1. Keep children out of grain bins, beds and wagons at all times. Grain flow can cover them before anyone realizes what is happening.

2. Lock out the control circuit before entering a bin, whether or not grain is flowing. Be especially careful around automatic unloading equipment.

3. Have three people involved when you enter a grain bin, and enter with a rope and safety harness. In the case of an accident, it will take two people to lift you out using the equipment.

4. Don’t count on someone outside the bin to hear your shouted instructions. Equipment noise may block out your calls for help.

5. If you become trapped in a bin of flowing grain with nothing to hold onto but you are still able to walk, stay near the outside wall. Keep walking until the bin is empty or grain flow stops. If you are covered by flowing grain, cup your hands over your mouth, and take short breaths until help arrives.

6. If another person becomes submerged in grain, assume he is alive and begin rescue operations immediately. Turn on the fan to move air into the bin. Cut large holes around the bin, approximately 5 ft. up from the base, to empty grain. (If you cut too many holes, the bin may collapse on you.) Use the front-end loader of a tractor, an abrasive saw or an air chisel. A cutting torch is a last resort – it could cause a fire or an explosion from dust and fumigant residue.

7. Never attempt a rescue by going into the grain yourself. Call 911. Your local emergency team has the training and equipment to do the job safely.