Iowa State University Extension
Most
operators try to bale hay quickly to avoid adverse weather
and a consequent reduction in hay quality. Unfortunately,
such haste can cause fatigue and the use of shortcuts that
result in accidents, says __________, ______________.
"Large
round bales multiply your risks when you take shortcuts,"
s/he explains. "Those bales can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds,
the same as a small car, so you need to know how to handle
them."
According
to the Iowa Department of Public Health, four tractor operators
were fatally crushed in a three-year period by large round
bales. _______ says most accidents occur during transport.
A bale may roll backwards onto the operator from raised front-end
loader arms. Uneven weight distribution of the bale also can
make the tractor less stable and contribute to tractor rollover.
Balers
also pose safety problems. Moving pick-up tines and the power
take-off unit are equally as dangerous on balers that make
large bales as those that make small, square bales. Operators
often misjudge the speed and power of the baler, s/he says.
They also need to be prepared for fire, caused by a combination
of hot, dry weather conditions, friction from belts and chains,
and readily combustible hay.
______
offers these safety tips:
- Never
try to stop a rolling bale. Large round bales have the momentum
of a subcompact car traveling at the same speed.
- Make
sure your tractor and loader are large enough to safely
handle bales. Rollovers are common if equipment is not used
correctly.
- Always
use a grapple hook if you have a front-end loader. This
keeps bales from rolling back onto the loader arms in the
raised position.
- Try
to keep the bale on the up-slope side of the tractor during
transport.
"This
may mean you need to put the transmission in reverse and back
up a hill when using a rear-mounted spike, or that you back
down a hill when using a front-end loader," _______ explains.
"If you cannot keep the bale uphill from you, drive slowly
and don't make any sudden movements."
- Avoid
driving across a slope with a large round bale. Never drive
with the front-end loader in the upright position.
- Always
take the time to disengage the power take-off unit and shut
off the engine before you get off the tractor.
- Keep
a Class ABC fire extinguisher on your tractor for emergencies.
For
more information about baling safety, contact the _______
County extension office for a free copy of Reduce Risks around
Big Round Bales, Pm-1518g.
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
news release was distributed by Iowa State University Extension
as part of the Safe Farm Program. Safe Farm promotes health
and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University,
and a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their
families. Distribution date: July 1993.
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