Agsafe, Coalition for Health and Safety in Agriculture
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The following safety module
is intended to be used as a refresher safety awareness session and is in no way
to be used as a substitute for job training nor proper equipment use.
The safety modules
may be used by anyone with the understanding that credit be given to AgSafe.
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.
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.
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, 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.)
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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
NASD Review: 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
.
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