What are some tips for safely operating farm machinery? To avoid accidents on the farm, you need to pay attention to many important safety tips, such as:
- Be aware of and understand the nature of potential hazards.
- Familiarize yourself with hazard warnings and decals on farm machinery.
- Keep guards in place when operating machinery.
- Stop engines, disconnect power sources, pocket keys, and allow all movement to subside before servicing or maintaining any agricultural equipment.
- Only allow riders who are required for safely operating the machine.
- Ensure everyone is clear of any machinery being started, engaged, or operated.
Common hazards include:
Pinch Points
When two parts move together, with one that turns in a circle. For example, belt drives, gear drives, feeder rolls, etc. Clothing can be drawn into a pinch point. Stay well back of the area where a part is rotating.
Pull-Ins
Feed rolls and other similar components can drag an operator in, if the person is trying to unclog or feed material by hand.
Wrap Points
Any exposed, rotating shaft that can snag clothing and wrap it around the shaft.
This can include:
- Shaft ends that extend beyond bearings.
- Couplers, u-joints or keys protruding on shafts can increase the likelihood of wrapping.
- Exposed beaters of any kind can become wrap hazards.
Shearing Points
When two surfaces move across each other like scissors. This kind of action is common on harvesting equipment.
The blades can either rotate or reciprocate and can be found on equipment that is not meant for cutting like an auger.
Crush Points
Are created when two objects move toward each other or one moving object moves toward a stationary object.
Raised hydraulics, overhead doors or equipment on jacks are all examples of potential crushing dangers.
Thrown Objects
Many pieces of farm machinery can hurt objects with great force. Mowers, choppers, and mills can all fling material. Being aware of your surroundings is important.
Free Moving
Farm machinery can continue rotating for a period even after power is cut. Stay clear of all moving parts until all motion has stopped before attempting any maintenance.
Remember:
The important thing around any farm machinery is to be aware of your circumstances and keep safety top of mind. We hope you enjoyed these tips on safely operating farm machinery!
Your Campbell & Haliburton insurance broker will be happy to discuss your farm insurance with you.
