Greene County SWCD

SAFETY

THE FOLLOWING IS A 3 SET SERIES OF INFORMATIONAL FACTS FOR THOSE WORKING IN A FARM SETTING. It was complied from AgSafe, The Safety Center, Inc. and FELS.
We hope this information is helpful and will provide the knowledge needed to keep you safe on the farm.

#1 Safely Working Around Agricultural Machinery
INSPECT YOUR EQUIPMENT
After you have been trained on your employer's equipment, it is important to begin your operation with a safety inspection. (See Figure 1.) This means that you need to thoroughly inspect all parts of the machine to be sure they are in good working condition. Before operating equipment, you should:
• Inspect all safety guards, including chain guards and PTO guards. If any guards are missing or broken, notify your supervisor immediately so they can be replaced or repaired.
• Check all of the hydraulic lines and fuel lines to make sure they are securely fastened and in good condition. Notify your supervisor if you notice any leaks and bad connections so they can be repaired or replaced. Check hydraulic lines for pinhole leaks using cardboard only.
• Make certain that all stops and speeds are set correctly. During your equipment training you learned how the parts of the machine respond once the power is turned on. This will help you to notice any unusual noise or movements.
• Check to make sure that the tension belts and chain drives are adjusted properly.
• Keep machine parts clean and free of accumulation of crop material, dirt or debris.
• Never operate any equipment that is not in safe working condition.
WEAR ONLY PROPER CLOTHING
No jewelry or loose-fitting clothing should be worn while operating agricultural machinery. (See Figure 2.) Machines that have revolving parts can easily entangle jewelry and baggy clothes, drawing you into the machine very quickly. Make sure shirts that have buttons are buttoned together at the cuffs and front, and clothing with zippers are zipped up.
LOOK AROUND BEFORE STARTING THE EQUIPMENT
Adjust your seat so you can easily reach all controls and see all gauges and indicator lights. After you have completed the initial safety inspection, you can turn on the power.
However, make sure that everyone is at a safe distance away from the machine before starting. (See Figure 3.) Keep your mind on your work. Most agricultural machines require your concentration in order for the process to run safely and efficiently. Do your best to avoid distractions from your work.
Never by-pass start any equipment. If the machine does not start the way it was designed, inform your supervisor.
LEAVE THE GUARDS ON THE MACHINE
If it is necessary for you to remove a safety guard, first get permission from your supervisor and make sure the machine is locked out. Replace the guards immediately when the adjustment or repair is completed. (See Figure 4.)
USE LOCKOUT/BLOCKOUT PROCEDURES
If the machine you are working with jams or gets caught up on something, turn off the power and lock it in the "off" position. (See Figure 5.) You must do this FIRST before you attempt to make any adjustments. Your employer's lockout/blockout procedure is to be followed immediately when you discover the machine to be malfunctioning. NEVER leave a machine running unattended. Never attempt to repair the machine yourself; however, inform your supervisor immediately after locking it out.
A lockout procedure simply means to put a lock on the part of the machine that controls the power to prevent it from being turned back on. Or, remove the key and take it with you. To begin a lockout procedure, turn off the power to the machine and lock the switch, valve or block with a lock and key that is only used for lockout purposes. It is VERY important that the machine is locked off and not just switched off. Many deaths and serious injuries occur each year when a machine is turned back on while another person is inside it making the necessary repair.
Use the lockout procedure whenever possible; only use the tag-out method when a lockout method is unavailable. A tag-out means using special tags that warn others of the danger of starting up the machine. A tag should have a printed warning of what could happen if the power to the machine is turned on, and must be tough enough so it can't be removed accidentally. Remember, tags alone do not prevent equipment from starting. They are only warnings. If you use a tag system, you need to be extra careful.
IF YOU FEEL ILL, STAY OFF THE MACHINE
Do not operate any machine, large or small, if you are feeling sick. (See Figure 6.) If you are not well, notify your supervisor. Illnesses and fevers can dampen your judgment and can create hazardous working conditions. It's just not worth the risk of injury.
STAY CLEAR OF UNSHIELDED MOVING PARTS
Unshielded moving parts, such as snapping or husking rolls, straw spreaders and choppers, cutterbars, discs, and feed rolls, cannot be shielded to protect you and still operate correctly. For this reason, it is important that you concentrate on your work and watch your movements and clothing around machinery. (See Figure 7.) Do not allow other people to go near unshielded moving parts, except when the machine is locked out and the person is a qualified person hired to make adjustments or repairs.
USE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS
Keeping your work area and machine clean and free of clutter should become a habit for you. (See Figure 8.) Keeping walkways clear of clutter helps prevent slips and falls and also reduces the risk of fires. All platforms and access ladders or steps should be kept free from grease, dirt or debris by washing them with soap and water regularly. If you must go to the top of the machine, clean your shoes or boots of any grease with soap and water before climbing, and use the handrail as you climb. When you are on top of the machine, watch your step to prevent falling off. Never jump down from the top of the machine. Instead, use the ladder or steps.
USE HAND SIGNALS WHEN NOISE LEVEL IS HIGH
If the noise level gets too high for you to be heard correctly when you speak loudly, use hand signals. (See Figure 9.) Ask your supervisor about the hand signals that are used for your job. It is important for you to maintain constant communication with your fellow employees at all times.
NEVER PERMIT RIDERS
Do not permit riders on any moving equipment, such as tractors, forklifts, etc., even if it is for a short distance. (See Figure 10.) While moving the equipment, keep your eyes watching for bystanders who may not see you coming, and always travel at a safe, slow speed. If your machine is heavy and very large, check out your path in advance for clearances, obstructions and ditches; locate an alternate route if any are encountered. Drive with extra care if visibility is limited due to rain or fog, or if ground conditions are icy, wet or very dusty.
Always wear seatbelts, even if the machinery is equipped with a ROPS. Seatbelts prevent you from being thrown from an over-turning vehicle that could crush you from its weight.

#2 Safely Handling Pesticides

STORE PESTICIDES PROPERLY
Not only is it important, but it is also legally required that pesticides are stored in a safe, secure and well- identified place. (See Figure 1.)
• Pesticides should be stored in a properly labeled container with the label clearly visible. Never store pesticides in old bottles or food containers where they could be mistaken for food or drink for people or animals.
• You must never store pesticides near food, feed or seed.
• Store pesticides in containers that can be tightly sealed. Check the containers regularly to make sure they have no leaks, breaks, tears or defects.
• Store pesticides in a location away from freezing temperatures or extreme heat.
• All pesticides are to be stored under lock and key at all times. The building, room or structure where they are stored should be clearly marked with pesticide warning signs.
MIX AND LOAD PESTICIDES PROPERLY
Many injuries occur when chemicals are being mixed. The most dangerous pesticide job is pouring and mixing the concentrated chemicals. (See Figure 2.)
• Before you begin to mix the chemical, READ THE LABEL.
• Before handling a pesticide, put on protective clothing (coveralls, gloves, boots, goggles or face shield, hat, and respirator if the label indicates one must be worn.)
• Mix the pesticides outdoors where there is good ventilation and light.
• Stand upwind of the pesticide to avoid contaminating yourself.
• Use a specifically designated sharp knife to open pesticide bags. Do not use scissors or a personal knife; do not tear bags open.
• Measure accurately and use only the amount specified on the label. It's against the law to use more than label directions indicate.
• When removing concentrated material from the container, keep the container below eye level to avoid splashing or spilling the pesticide into your face and eyes.
• If you splash or spill a pesticide, STOP IMMEDIATELY! Remove your contaminated clothing and wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Speed is essential when you or your clothing are contaminated. Remember also to clean up the spill.
• California safety regulations require that closed systems be used when you mix more than 1 gallon of liquid category 1 pesticides per day. Category 1 pesticides are any that have the word DANGER on the label.
APPLY PESTICIDES PROPERLY
Careful attention to simple guidelines during pesticide mixing and application will greatly increase your ability to control the pest and will make your job much safer for you and those around you. (See Figure 3.)
• Before you begin to apply a pesticide, READ THE LABEL and put on the required protective clothing.
• Check the equipment for leaking hoses or connections and plugged or worn nozzles, and examine the filter to see that it's clean and free of debris.
• Clear all livestock, pets and people from the area to be treated and calibrate your equipment before you begin to use it to ensure the proper amount is coming out.
• Mix the pesticide at the recommended rate and apply it at the specified dosage. Make sure the measurement device you use is a proper, commercially designed device for applying pesticides. Do not guess at the measurement. Apply pesticides only at the correct time and under favorable weather conditions. Never apply a pesticide if the wind will cause the pesticide to drift out of the area to be treated.
• Use extreme care to prevent the pesticide from contaminating streams, ponds, lakes or other bodies of water.
• As with any safe handling training, it is important to know what you can do to prevent becoming exposed to a toxic substance. Outlined below are pointers about pesticide exposure.
DON'T EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE AROUND PESTICIDES
Do not carry cigarettes in your pockets, nor eat or drink while working with pesticides. (See Figure 4.) Your cigarettes can absorb pesticide film or residue that could make you sick. Also, be careful not to wipe your face with your shirt sleeves. This could put the pesticide directly onto your bare skin.
AVOID PESTICIDE EXPOSURE
There are four ways that pesticides can enter the body: through the skin, the mouth, the nose and the eyes. (See Figure 5.) Pesticides can enter your body in solid, liquid or gaseous form. It's particularly important to remember that highly concentrated and highly toxic chemicals, especially liquids and gases, present the greatest danger. If they are not washed off immediately, the liquid concentrates can penetrate your unbroken skin. (See Figure 6.) The longer a pesticide remains on your skin or in your eyes, or the longer you inhale it, the greater the damage that is likely to occur. Protective clothing, such as coveralls, aprons, boots, gloves, goggles and face shields, and respirators provide protection against exposure to these chemicals.
Absorption through the skin is the most common form of poisoning. Absorption may occur from a splash, spill or drift when mixing, loading, applying, or disposing of pesticides. It may also result from exposure to large amounts of residue while cleaning out clogged nozzles and filter screens. Generally, wettable powders, dusts and granular pesticides are not as easily absorbed thorough the skin and other body tissues as are the liquid forms. Again, consistent use of proper protective clothing will greatly reduce the potential risk of pesticide absorption.
If a pesticide is taken into the mouth in sufficient amounts, it may cause either serious illness, severe injury, or even death. The most frequent cases of accidental oral exposure are those when pesticides have been taken out of their original labeled container and illegally put into an unlabeled bottle or food container. For this reason, always store a pesticide in a properly labeled container. If you get a clogged spray line or nozzle, never use your mouth to clear it. And never eat or smoke until you have left the spray area and have washed off thoroughly with soap and water.
Pesticides that are inhaled in large enough amounts can cause serious damage to nose, throat, and lung tissues. Vapors and extremely fine particles are the most serious contributors to respiratory exposure. Wear your respirator while working with powder and liquid pesticides. If you are unsure if a respirator is needed, ask your supervisor.
The tissues of the eye are particularly sensitive and absorbent, which means getting pesticides in the eyes brings an immediate threat of loss of sight, illness, or even death. In California, eye protection is required at all times. If pesticides get in your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes.

#3 Safely Working Around Tractors

SECURELY FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT IF THE TRACTOR HAS ROPS

Don't rely on the tractor's Rollover Protection System (ROPS) alone for your protection; use your seat belt. (See Figure 1.) Studies show that tractor drivers can still be thrown from an upset tractor and be seriously injured or crushed. The seat belt will help keep you inside the ROPS in the event of a rollover.

REDUCE SPEED WHEN TURNING

When operating a tractor, avoid sharp turns and high speeds. High speeds, coupled with rough ground and narrow wheel settings, increase the chance for a rollover. (See Figure 2.) Make turns slowly and at wide angles.

AVOID OPERATING TRACTORS NEAR DITCHES, EMBANKMENTS AND HOLES

Keep tractors and implements away from irrigation ditches and embankment edges to avoid tractor upsets. Edges may be weak and break from the weight of the equipment. When you are traveling downhill, use low gears. When you must go up a slope, back up to increase your stability. Approaching a steep slope in the forward position will cause the tractor to upset and possibly injure or kill you. (See Figure 3.) Look ahead at your path. Keep your eyes open for large holes, rocks or any slopes, and avoid them.

IF YOU GET STUCK, GET HELP FROM ANOTHER TRACTOR

If you get stuck, do not tie a fence post or any other object to the tire for traction; it may tip the tractor over as it tries to overcome the hump, or the post may be thrown up behind the tractor, hitting the driver. The best solution is to have another tractor pull you out. (See Figure 4.)

DO NOT PERMIT OTHERS TO RIDE

Many unnecessary injuries occur because riders fall unintentionally from the tractor. (See Figure 5.) An unexpected jolt or stop can cause a rider to lose balance and fall beneath the trailing equipment or tractor tires. Unless a seat is specifically designed for an additional person, never permit anyone to ride.

HITCH ONLY TO THE DRAWBAR AND HITCH POINTS

Tractors are designed to tow loads from the rear hitch only. (See Figure 6.) Never hitch a load to the axle or seat as this will cause the tractor to upset backwards. Always match your load to the tractor. Tractors that are too small for the load will have problems stopping once the load has begun to move. If the tractor needs extra weight for balance, add front weights as necessary. Balance the weight of the load on the trailing implement in order to minimize the stress at the hitch point.

NEVER ENGAGE IN STUNT DRIVING OR HORSEPLAY

Tractors are not designed for high speeds or for quick maneuvers. Due to the location of the tractor's center of gravity, the tractor can very easily tip to the side if not handled properly. Horseplay and stunts are unsafe acts that promote injuries and death and will not be tolerated by your employer. (See Figure 7.)

SET THE BRAKES SECURELY WHEN THE TRACTOR IS STOPPED

When you need to make adjustments to the tractor or to the trailing equipment, put the tractor into neutral, set the brakes (see Figure 8), turn off the engine and remove the key. Be sure to disengage the PTO before working on any trailing equipment. Always replace the PTO shield and other shields after your adjustments.

INSPECT YOUR TRACTOR REGULARLY

Since tractors can be taken on public roads as well as in the field, it is important that tail lights, signals and safety chains are maintained in good condition. Inspect the brake fluid and engine fluid (see Figure 9), and notify your supervisor if any adjustments/repairs need to be made. Make sure your tractor has a Slow Moving Vehicle emblem at the rear, if it is to be driven on public roads.

USE SPECIAL CAUTION WITH ARTICULATED-FRAME TRACTORS

Because articulated-frame tractors bend in the middle, it is especially important that you exercise caution when others are nearby. Before starting articulated-frame tractors, make sure bystanders are not nearby. (See Figure 10.) Understand that steering is more difficult with these tractors and any load being pulled will swing wider side to side, so drive slowly. When making turns, stop first and then begin your turn slowly.

USE COMMON SENSE WHEN OPERATING TRACTORS

To prevent unnecessary injuries, don't jump from the tractor but use the provided hand railing and steps. (See Figure 11.) Use safety hand signals to maintain communication with co-workers. Ask your supervisor for a copy of the hand signals used by your company.

Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More

Reviewed for NASD: 04/2002

This publication is compiled from various reference sources and is designed to provide current and authoritative information on the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the publishers are not engaged in rendering medical, legal, accounting or other professional service. AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc., and FELS believe the information provided to be correct, but assume no liability for consequential or other damages attendant to the use of this material. In no event shall the liability of AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc., or FELS for any claim, however designated, exceed the purchase price, if any, for this publication. No claim may be maintained against AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc., or FELS in any tribunal unless written notice of the claim is delivered to the applicable entity within 30 days of its discovery. Information about the Agsafe Project can be obtained by writing to Agsafe, 140 Warren Hall, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 .