Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety Training Robert Grisso Biological Systems Engineering...

Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety Training

Robert GrissoBiological Systems Engineering

Virginia Tech

Machinery HazardsMachinery HazardsInjuries can occur when a

machine has one or more of the following hazards:

pinch point

crush point

wrap point

pull-in point

shearing, cutting points

Pinch pointPinch point

Two or more parts move together with one moving in a circle.

Example:

pulley

belt

Crush pointCrush point

Two components move toward each other.

Example:three-point hitch

hydraulic cylinder

Wrap pointWrap point

Exposed, rotating components. (Nicks, mud or rust increase wrap potential.)

Example:

PTO shaft

auger

Pull-in pointPull-in point

Mechanism designed to pull in crops or other material.

Example:

baler pick-up

combine

feed grinder

conveyor

Shearing, cutting pointsShearing, cutting points

Two parts move across each other, or one part moves across a stationary object.

Example:cutter baraugerfeed mixerfan blade

Nature of Injury (Virginia 1990)

Nature of injury % of injuriesAmputation 2.3Bruise 6.8Burn 2.3Cut 27.3Crushed/mangled 4.5Fracture 13.6Puncture 9.1Sprain/strain 15.9Multiple injury 6.8Other/unknown 11.4

Work Injury by Body Part (Virginia 1990)

Body part % of injuriesHand/wrist 18.2Leg/knee 15.9Arm/shoulder 13.6Finger 13.6Back 11.4Foot 6.8Multiple 6.8Head/Neck 4.5Eye 2.3Chest/trunk 2.3Other/unknown 4.5

Work Injuries by Accident TypeType of Accident % of InjuriesContact with sharp object 20.5Struck by or against object 11.4Struck by flying object 6.8Struck by falling object 2.3Caught between objects 9.1Caught under object 4.5Caught in object 2.3Fall from elevation 6.8Fall from same level 2.3Overexertion 6.8Other/unknown 27.3

Major Causes of Accidents and Average Workdays Lost

Cause No. % injuries Averageworkdayslost…….

Animals 8 18.2 40.86Machinery 7 15.9 10.00Work surface 5 11.4 0.75Hand tools 5 11.4 4.80Power tools 3 6.8 0.67Tractors 3 6.8 60.00Plant/tree 3 6.8 1.00Liquid 3 6.8 12.33Chemicals 1 2.3 0.00Unknown 6 13.6 6.50

Activity When Injured

Activity % of injuriesLivestock handling 31.8Field work 11.4Machinery maintenance 11.4Building maintenance 9.1Routine chores 4.5Other 27.3Unknown 4.5

Injury Rates (Virginia Farmers 2006)

Cause of injury Number

of injuries

Hours of exposure

Injuries / 100,000 hrs

Falls 7 2,630 266.12

Heavy lifting 4 23,741 16.84

Horses 1 6,582 15.19

Operating machinery 6 41,423 14.48

Power tools 2 19,053 10.49

Livestock 11 148,584 7.40

Hand tools 2 31,783 6.29

Operating tractors 7 143,076 4.89

Diagnosed health problemsMedical Diagnosis Percent of

respondents

Allergies 31.0

Hypertension 30.9

Arthritis 30.7

Hearing problems 27.8

Eye problems 21.8

Cardiovascular disease 17.8

Cancer 16.1

Foot problems 13.8

Diabetes 12.6

Heart attack 7.6

Asthma 7.3

Ulcers 7.3

Diagnosed health problems

Medical Diagnosis Percent of respondents

Migraine 6.5

Stroke 3.4

Yellow jaundice 3.1

COPD Emphysema 1.5

Kidney disease 1.5

Hip fracture 1.1

Cirrhosis 0.8

Death RatesNumber of Death per 100,000 Workers

29.1

21

12.6

3.3

3.8

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Mining

Agriculture

Construction

Manufacturing

All Industry

Agricultural Fatalities by Age

Agricultural Fatalities (Virginia 2006)

One farm accident fatality reported for the month of July, 2006, a tractor overturn. In addition, there were two farm accident fatalities reported in July that occurred in June, both tractor run-over.

Tractor overturns continue to be the #1 killer in farm accidents, accounting for four of the seven fatalities for 2006.

Agricultural Injury (Virginia 2006)

One farm accident injury reported for the month of July, 2006, in which a farm worker was knocked down and injured by a steer.

In addition, an injury that occurred in May was reported in July in which a young man was using an ATV to herd cattle and side-swiped a farm building.

The total number of farm accident injuries reported for 2006 is now thirteen.

Livestock Behavior

Livestock injuries

Livestock related

deaths and injuries are

a major problem. 20% of all farm

injuries serious enough

to need hospitalization

are livestock related.

Understanding cattle behavior

Sensory characteristicsSight:– Poor depth perception:

Cattle need time to adjust to changes in lighting, flooring etc.

– Blind spot and kick zone

Hearing:– Sensitive hearing:

Cattle are agitated by shouting, barking dogs and any sudden noise.

Understanding cattle behavior

Blind spot and kick zone– All grazing animals

have wide-angle vision but can’t see behind themselves.

– Nature’s way of protecting the blind spot is for the animal to kick into that space.

Tractor Accidents

1. Rollover

2. Turn over

3. Hillside

4. Run over and Crushing

Tractor Related Fatalities

Tractor Stability

Tractor Stability - Side over turn

Tractor Overturns- Causes

Driving on steep terrain


Going over rough ground (holes and stumps)


Driving too fast (especially when turning)


Driving into ditches or embankments

Backward Roll

Hitch only to Drawbar

Tractor overturn

Tractor Overturns - Causes

Improper hitching (too high, or to the axle) Improper operation of front-end loader Lack of knowledge of operational controls

Tractor Overturns - Prevention

Slow down on steep slopes, rough ground and Slow down on steep slopes, rough ground and sharp turnssharp turns

Keep wheels spread wide whenever possibleKeep wheels spread wide whenever possible Counter-balance weight (front and rear) for more Counter-balance weight (front and rear) for more

stabilitystability Stay clear of ditches, embankments and large Stay clear of ditches, embankments and large

obstacles (stumps)obstacles (stumps)

Overturn Hazards

Tricycle Front End

No ROPS or Seatbelt

Tractor Overturns – Prevention

Always hitch the load to the tractor drawbar Travel with the bucket low at all times Lock brake pedals together for road travel Know the controls of the tractor Have ROPS installed and wear seatbelt (only with

ROPS)

Tractors on the Road

Entanglement injuries are among the most traumatic events seen in hospital emergency departments. – Major lacerations– Crushed or fractured

limbs– Amputations– Head and spinal cord

injuries– Permanent disability

PTO Entanglement

Tractor Loader

No Riders in the Bucket

Tractor Loader

No Extra Riders

Proper Playground

Personal Protection

Communication

Shutdown all Equipment

Operator’s Manual

Tractor

Manual

Know the controls

Control Types:

1. Foot controls - these controls are operated by the operator’s feet.

2. Hand controls - these controls are operated by the operator’s hands.

3. Combination controls - these controls can be operated by the operator’s feet and/or hands. The most common is the engine speed control.

The nine basic controls common to all agricultural tractors are:

1. Brake control - this gives the operator control over stopping, turning, and parking.

2. Clutch control - this allows the operator to engage or disengage power to moving parts of the tractor. A clutch control can be considered the go-no-go control. This includes: traction controls, combination traction and brake controls, PTO controls, and field implement controls.

Basic Controls cont:

3. Engine speed control (throttle)- this allows the operator to regulate the revolutions per minute (RPM’s) of the engine.

4. Ground speed and directional controls (transmission gears)- these controls give the operator control over ground speed (how fast you are traveling) and direction (forward or reverse).

5. Differential lock - this control locks together the rotation of the main drive wheels. Control types continued:


6. Steering control - better known as the steering wheel - gives the operator the ability to turn right or left while moving in either a forward or reverse direction.

7. Electrical controls - these controls are either on or off. Electrical controls activate accessories such as the engine starter and lights.


8. Engine stop controls - on gasoline engines, it stops the spark going to the spark plugs; on some gasoline and all diesel engines, it shuts off the fuel to the engine. Stop controls can be either electrically or manually (push-pull) activated.

9. Lift controls for implements or equipment - these are typically hand type controls and give the operator the ability to position or maneuver any attachments into a desired position.

NOTE:

To find out the specific types and the operation of controls on your tractor, read the operator’s manual.

Instruments

Instruments are the devices that allow the tractor to communicate with the operator and notify him/her of safe and/or unsafe conditions. Instruments may be in the form of a warning light, analog gauge, or digital display.

Most Common Instruments used include:

1. Engine speed indicator (tachometer)- this indicator identifies the engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM).

2. Oil pressure indicator - the oil pressure indicator will either tell the operator the actual oil pressure or warn of low oil pressure during engine operation.

3. Engine temperature indicator - the engine temperature indicator will either indicate actual operating temperature or notify the operator of an unsafe operating condition.

Most Common Instruments cont.

4. Electrical system condition - this is commonly referred to as the battery condition indicator. However, it’s actual purpose is to indicate if the electrical charging system is supplying adequate voltage to maintain all electrical components while in operation.

5. Miscellaneous instruments - some manufacturers include a variety of other instruments. Some additional indicators may include: fuel gauge, coolant level, air filter condition, transmission temperature, hydraulic oil level and many more.

Operator symbols

are visually recognized figures used to transmit information free of words of explanation (ASABE, 1995). The operator symbols are used to identify operator controls, instruments, and servicing locations and/or devices.

Hand signals

are used when the operator is being assisted by another person. The hand signals become the method of communication between the operator and assistant when noise or distance prevents the use of normal voice communications.

Safety signs

are a visual alerting device in the form of a decal, label, placard, or other marking such as an embossing, stamping, etching, or other process that advises the observer of the nature and degree of the potential hazard(s) that can cause injury or death. Safety signs can also provide safety precautions or evasive actions to take, or provide other directions to eliminate or reduce the hazard (ASABE).

Three basic types of Safety Signs:

DANGER - indicates a threatening hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. The signal word “DANGER” is to be limited to the most extreme situations, typically for machine components that, for connection purposes, cannot be guarded (ASABE).

Safety Signs cont.

WARNING - indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed. The signal word “WARNING” may also be used to alert against unsafe practices (ASABE).

Safety Signs cont.

CAUTION - indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. The signal word “CAUTION” may also be used to alert against unsafe conditions (ASABE).

Pre-operational Check

Battery condition - when checking the battery, safety has priority over everything you do. When checking the battery the operator should:

Pre-operational Check (battery safety)

wear the proper safety equipment. (gloves, apron, face shield, etc.)

keep fire or flame away from the battery.

inspect for loose and/or corroded connections.

Pre-operational Check (battery safety cont.) inspect electrolyte level

(fluid level). (not required on maintenance free batteries)

inspect battery hold down. -- Battery should be secure and unable to move around.

Pre-operational Check (battery safety cont.) inspect condition of

cables (cracked, chaffed, torn, or melted insulation).

look for cleanliness of the battery top. --No build-up of trash such as leaves.

Pre-operational Check (Fuel, coolant and oil levels)

Maintaining adequate fluid levels is important to keeping the agricultural tractor running.

Fuel level - check the fuel level by removing the fuel cap and visually checking the level in the tank. The fuel level may also be read from a fuel gauge if the tractor is so equipped.

Pre-operational Check (Fuel, coolant and oil levels cont.)

Coolant - check the coolant level by removing the radiator cap and visually checking for the proper level. WARNING - NEVER REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP IF THE ENGINE IS HOT. Allow the engine to cool until the radiator is cool to the touch.

Pre-operational Check (Fuel, coolant and oil levels cont.)

Oil (engine) - check the oil level by removing the dip stick and reading the level indicated on the dip stick.

Oil (hydraulic) - Check the transmission and hydraulic oil levels according to the operator’s manual.

Pre-operational Check (Fluid leaks)

Check for any wet or damp areas on the machinery as well as any puddles on the floor or ground under the agricultural tractor.

WARNING: When a fluid leak is identified, have the problem corrected before operating the tractor.

Pre-operational Check (Tire condition and pressures)

Check tire condition by looking for cuts, bruises or breaks in the sidewalls, excessive weathering, uneven tread wear, damp spots on tires filled with fluid, and air pressure. See the operator’s manual for correct air pressure.

Pre-operational Check (Tractor Tires Servicing procedure:)

attach an unpressurized air hose to the tractor tire valve stem.

stand to the side, not in front of the tire, and slowly add air pressure using a regulator to avoid excess pressure.

with the desired air pressure registering on the gauge, shut off the flow of air to the tire and remove the air hose form the valve stem. Note: some air may escape while removing the air hose depending on the type of connector used.

Pre-operational Check (Defective and/or loose equipment)

Check for any loose or missing bolts, pins, wiring, or shields. Tighten all loose accessories and guards and replace anything found defective.

Air filter - check the air filter every day.

Pre-operational Check (Safety devices)

Includes fire extinguishers, first aid kit, and safety signs or warning labels. Also check for any safety switches that have been disconnected or bypassed. If a safety switch is not working, have it corrected before operating the tractor.

Pre-operational Check (Operator’s compartment)

Consists of the platform, seat, controls, instruments, and ROPS.

Platform - should be clear of any trash, mud or other clutter and have an anti-slip surface.

Seat - should be adjustable and positioned to where the operator can reach all controls comfortably. The seat should also be equipped with a seat belt if a Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) is attached to the tractor.

Pre-operational Check (Operator’s compartment cont.)

Controls - should all be identifiable and within comfortable reach of the operator and functional.

Instruments - should all be identifiable, functional, and readable from the operator’s seat.

ROPS - should be attached according to the operator’s manual with no unauthorized modifications.

Pre-operational Check (Cab, if equiped)

Check for clean, cracked or broken windows.

Check for functional wipers, doors, and clutter that may block your view from any angle.

Check mirrors for adjustment and cleanliness.

Pre-operational Check (Equipment setup) Check for proper ballasting (weights), Check for properly attached connections,

and that you have the proper size tractor for the job.

Pre-start Checklist (includes:)

1. Make sure everyone is clear: no one else should be on or next to the agricultural tractor.

2. If parked inside a building, open doors to allow for adequate ventilation during starting.

3. Properly mount the tractor and adjust the operator’s seat.

4. Fasten seat belt if tractor is equipped with a ROPS.

Pre-start Checklist cont.

5. Check all controls:– place hydraulic controls in a neutral or static

position.

– place three point lift control in a down or locked position.

– put PTO in an off or disengaged position.

– place brakes in a set or locked position.

– set ground speed and directional controls in neutral or park position.

Pre-start Checklist cont.

6. Clutch pedal is in disengaged position.

7. Turn ignition switch to “On” position and check gauges and warning lights for operation. Starting a tractor from the ground can result in the tractor riding you instead of you riding it.

Pre-start Safety

DANGER: NEVER START A TRACTOR WHILE STANDING ON THE GROUND. ALWAYS START FROM THE OPERATOR’S SEAT.

DANGER: NEVER BYPASS START A TRACTOR FOR SAFE OPERATION OF TRACTORS:

Safe Operating Procedures

Watch where you are going, especially at row ends, on roads, and around trees and low hanging obstacles.

When backing, use a spotter to guide you when your vision is blocked.

Avoid upsets drive the tractor with care and at speeds compatible with safety, especially when operating over rough ground, when crossing ditches or slopes, and when turning corners.

Safe Operating Procedures cont.

Avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments, and holes.

Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation. Travel straight up or down a steep slope rather

than across it. A bare tractor or tractor with rear mounted

attachments should be backed up the slope in reverse and travel forward downhill.


A tractor with a front-end bucket (loader) should travel forward uphill and backed downhill with the loader bucket as low as possible at all times.

Lock tractor brake pedals together when transporting on roads to provide two wheel braking.

Keep brakes evenly adjusted to provide even braking when brakes are locked together.


Keep the tractor in the same gear when going downhill as used when going uphill. Do not coast or free wheel down hills.

Any towed vehicle whose total weight exceeds that of the towing tractor must be equipped with brakes for safe operation.

When the tractor is stuck or tires are frozen to the ground, back the tractor up to prevent upset.


Always check overhead clearance, especially when transporting the tractor or towing high objects.

When operating at night, adjust lights to prevent blinding an oncoming driver.

Make sure seat belt is fastened if ROPS is installed.

Do not permit others to ride on the tractor. Tractors have only one seat for one person.


Operate the tractor smoothly - no jerky turns, starts or stops.

Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended, and never above the center line of the rear axle.

When the tractor is stopped, be sure the brakes are securely set.

Never use attachments unless they are properly matched to your tractor.

Operate controls only from the operator’s seat.


Never leave the tractor unattended with the engine running.

Pay attention to what you are doing, don’t let a day dream turn into a permanent dream.

Never operate nor allow anyone else to operate agricultural tractors or machinery while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.


Do not let your tractor bounce. You may lose steering control.

Do not brake suddenly. Apply brakes smoothly and gradually.

Never use a tractor to round up farm animals.

Prevent Roll-overs by:

operating the tractor with care and at speeds compatible with safety, especially when operating over rough ground, when crossing ditches or slopes, and when turning corners.

avoiding operation of the tractor near ditches, embankments, and holes.

staying off slopes too steep for safe operation. traveling straight up or down a steep slope rather

than across it.

Prevent Roll-overs by (cont.):

backing a bare tractor or tractor with rear mounted attachments up the slope in reverse and travel forward downhill.

traveling forward with a front-end bucket (loader) uphill and backing downhill with the loader bucket as low as possible at all times.

staying away from ditches and embankments a distance equal to or greater than the depth of the ditch or embankment.

Roll-over Warning

DANGER - Carelessness on hillsides, around ditches, near embankments and holes can lead to serious injury or death.

TRANSPORTATION OF EQUIPMENT AND LOADS

- never exceed the rated load capacities of your tractor.

- be sure the tractor is properly ballasted for the equipment and/or load.

- select a safe ground speed.

- always let the engine assist with braking when going down hills.

TRANSPORTATION cont.

- lock the brakes together.

- slow down when making turns and make wide gentle turns.

- place all implements into their narrowest transport configuration.

- avoid transporting equipment and loads along hillsides and near ditches and holes.

TRANSPORTATION cont.

- use proper safety hitch pin with safety clip retainer.

- raise all implements to their transport position and lock them in place.

- allow sufficient clearance for oversize loads.

- watch overhead clearance when moving high loads or equipment.

PREPARING FOR HIGHWAY TRAVEL

- Refer to the operator’s manual for transporting instructions.

- Lock the brake pedals together.

- Raise all implements to their transport position and lock them in place.

- Place all implements into their narrowest transport position.

- Disengage PTO and differential lock.

HIGHWAY TRAVEL

- Make sure tractor and towed equipment are equipped with SMV (slow moving vehicle) emblems.

- Make sure any required clearance flags or hazard lights are in place and in working order.

- Make sure you use a proper safety hitch pin with safety clip retainer.

- Make sure any towed implements are equipped with a safety chain linking tractor and implement.

HIGHWAY TRAVEL

- Clean off all reflectors and road lights, front and rear, and be certain they are in working order.

- Familiarize yourself with -- and obey-- all local, state, an federal laws appropriate to your class of equipment.

- Allowing passengers to ride can become a deadly mistake.

RULES OF THE ROAD

WARNING: Do not allow any riders on the tractor or towed equipment.

Know the route you are going to travel. Use flashing lights when traveling on roads, day

or night, unless prohibited by law.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Use caution when towing a load at transport speeds. If the towed equipment is not equipped with brakes:

DO NOT TOW equipment weighing more than twice the tractor weight.

Do not exceed 10 MPH (16 KPH) if the towed equipment weighs more than the tractor.

Do not exceed 20 MPH (32 KPH) while towing equipment that weights less than the tractor.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Use extreme caution when transporting on snow covered or slippery pavement.

Wait for traffic to clear before entering a public road.

Beware of blind intersections. Slow down until you have a clear view.

Make wide, gentle turns. Signal your intent to slow, stop, or turn.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Shift to a lower gear before going up or down hills.

Keep tractor in gear. Never coast with clutch disengaged or transmission in neutral.

Stay out of the path of oncoming traffic. Drive in the right hand lane as close to the edge as

possible.

RULES OF THE ROAD

If traffic builds up behind you, pull off the road and let it go by. When pulling off the road, pull completely off the road staying away from ditches and embankments.

Drive defensively. Anticipate what other drivers might do.

When towing a load, start braking sooner than normal and slow down gradually.

Watch out for overhead obstructions.

Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety Training

Self-Propelled Machinery

Self-Propelled Machinery Defined

In order to be classified as self-propelled machinery it must:

1. have its own power source built into the machine,

2. be designed to perform a specific task or job, and

3. be able to propel itself from one location to another using an on board operator and/or remote/radio controlling device.

SELF-PROPELLED EQUIPMENT CLASSIFICATIONS

CHEMICAL APPLICATORS. Chemical applicators are those pieces of machinery designed to apply fertilizer, lime, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides.

HARVESTING EQUIPMENT. Harvesting equipment is the machinery used for some aspect of crop gathering. In some applications, more than one type machine may be involved in harvesting certain crops.

SELF-PROPELLED CLASSIFICATIONS cont.

FARM MAINTENANCE. Farm maintenance includes any machine used to construct and/or maintain roads, clean animal storage buildings and feedlots, maintain fields and construct or maintain structures.

FEEDING OPERATIONS. Feeding operations equipment is any machine used specifically for the purpose of feeding animals.

ATV’s on the Farm

Safe Farm Shop

Fatigue and Stress

Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety Training Robert Grisso Biological Systems Engineering...

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Transcript of Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety Training Robert Grisso Biological Systems Engineering...