Farm Safety: Machinery
Agriculture has the highest death and serious injury rate of any sector in the UK. Yet, many of the hazards that lead to death or serious injury are manageable and require careful consideration, planning and often minimal amounts of effort and time.
Working with machinery will always involve risk; moving vehicles, moving parts, breakdowns and so on, all provide serious hazards to farm workers. Every year machinery accounts for a large proportion of injuries sustained by people working on farms. Machinery has the potential to cause serious injuries that could keep you off work for months. Can you afford that amount of time off work?
What are the risks?
The law requires you to assess and control risks from work activities so far as is reasonably practicable. The risks machinery presents to you, your employees/contractors and visitors is no different. Many agricultural machines have potentially dangerous moving parts, for example:
·??????? Balers – pick-ups, twine mechanisms and moving rear doors.
·??????? Forage harvesters – chopping cylinders.
·??????? Combine harvesters – augers in the grain tank and the header unit.
·??????? Potato harvesters – rotating rollers and conveyors.
·??????? Slurry tankers – power take-off (PTO) shafts.
·??????? Bale and straw choppers – chopping mechanisms.
·??????? Tractor – hitch mechanisms, PTOs and PTO shafts.
·??????? Power harrows – rotating tines.
·??????? Feeder wagons – rotating components in the mixing chamber.
Reducing the risk – Before you start
Before using a machine consider the following:
·??????? Is the machine you intend to use suitable for the job?
·??????? Are all safety devices such as guards in place and working correctly?
·??????? Are you (or the operator) properly trained to do this job/use this machine?
·??????? Has the instruction manual for the machine been provided, read and understood?
·??????? Is the right personal protective equipment (PPE) available and worn?
·??????? Has a risk assessment been carried out?
·??????? Has the work been properly planned and communicated to those who may be at risk?
·??????? If two or more people are involved, has everyone understood what needs to be done and has a system of communication been agreed on?
Is the machine operator competent to do the job safely?
·??????? Are all operators/workers trained to do this job?
o?? Workers should not use a machine unless they are properly trained and know how to use it safely.
o?? You should also check that any contractors you intend to use are competent to do the job.
o?? Don't forget that training is needed by casual or seasonal workers.
·??????? Is suitable clothing and footwear available and worn (including any PPE)?
o?? Safety boots should usually be worn when using machinery and operators should wear clothes that will not snag on machinery or controls.
o?? Any jewellery (including watches and rings) that might snag should be removed and long hair tied back so it does not get caught up in moving parts.
·??????? Have operators been provided with relevant information?
o?? The operator should read and understand the instruction manual.
o?? They should also be provided with any relevant information to enable them to do the work safely, e.g. information from risk assessments.
o?? Where workers travel on the machine, e.g. a manned potato harvester, they should also receive adequate instructions and training.
Before using the machine
Before working with any machinery, carry out a basic check to make sure that it is in good working order and safe to use. This could include:
·??????? Mechanical defects – pay particular attention to items such as brakes, wheels and tyres.
·??????? Guards and other protective devices (eg PTO shaft guards) should be correctly fitted and maintained in good condition.
·??????? Check that stopping devices are functioning correctly, eg emergency stops.
·??????? All controls should be clearly marked to show what they do.
·??????? If workers are to be carried on the machine ensure they can do so safely, eg check for safe means of access, working platforms have guard rails etc.
·??????? Hitching and attachment points – check the machine has been safely attached to the towing vehicle. Pay attention to the condition of drawbar/pick-up hitch, and hitch rings, pins, clips etc.
·??????? Carry out any pre-use checks as specified in the operator's manual.
·??????? For self-propelled machines, make sure mirrors are clean and properly adjusted. Check any other reversing aids are working.
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Using the machine
When you are working with a machine:
·??????? Don't remove guards (e.g. by overriding safety devices) in order to allow the machine to work quicker or to avoid blockages or other problems.
·??????? If guards become damaged or defective, stop work and take action to get them fixed. Don't leave it until later.
·??????? Don't run the machine when the guards are removed.
·??????? Replace all guards before making a test run and check the machine before restarting.
·??????? Check for bystanders and warn them before you restart the machine.
·??????? If the machine is to be checked again after the test run, repeat all safety procedures – especially Safe Stop
Dealing with mechanical and other problems
·??????? Always follow the Safe Stop procedure before carrying out any intervention.
·??????? Secure anything which could fall on you, e.g. by using props or scotches on tailgates/doors.
·??????? Secure anything which could move or rotate, e.g. by using chocks.
·??????? Remember that energy may be stored e.g. in springs or hydraulics. Consider how will you stop this energy being released or release it safely.
·??????? Use the right tools for the job. The wrong tools may not work, cause damage or create additional safety risks.
·??????? Remember that machine components may suddenly move when a blockage is cleared.
·??????? Follow the manufacturer's instructions/procedures, e.g. as set out in the operator's manual.
·??????? Use built-in ladders and other purpose-designed access points and platforms where provided. Where such facilities don't exist, you will need to consider alternative safe means of access, e.g. with measures provided to prevent falls.
·??????? When the job is finished, always replace the guards before running the machine.
·??????? Check the machine over and make sure that people are well clear before restarting.
NEVER
·??????? Use a machine unless you know how to use it safely and have received suitable training.
·??????? Attempt to clear blockages or clean a machine unless you have followed the 'safe stop' procedure, the drive is disconnected, the machine is stationery and components have stopped.
·??????? Wear long chains, loose clothing, gloves or rings, or keep long hair loose, which may get caught up in moving parts.
·??????? Distract people who are using machines.
·??????? Mount or dismount from a moving tractor or other self-propelled machine.
Safe Stop
·??????? Engage handbrake.
·??????? Controls in neutral.
·??????? Switch engine off (or turn off power).
·??????? Remove key (or lock-off the power supply).
You should follow safe stop when:
·??????? Leaving the driver’s seat/operating position.
·??????? When anyone else approaches.
·??????? Before anyone carries out any maintenance, adjustments or deals with a blockage.
The HSE have provided excellent advice and guidance on how to manage agricultural machinery:
Please take the time to click the link and read the work that the HSE have done to help support farmers manage the hazards within agriculture.
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At EOS HSQE Consultancy, we will work with you to identify areas for improvement, making sure your farm is safe, hazards are suitably identified, controlled and monitored.
If you need support from EOS HSQE Consultancy contact us on LinkedIn or at [email protected].