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Farm Safety Association, Inc.
Modern
farm tractors provide most of the muscle power needed for today's
high output agricultural enterprises. Tractors are more common
on farms than any other piece of equipment and are used to carry
mounted and semi-mounted implements, to transport equipment
and materials, to pull tillage equipment and wagons and as remote
power sources for other equipment
Unfortunately
every year, tractor accidents result in serious disabling
injuries and tragic loss of life. Losses due to property damage,
medical bills, time off work, reduced productivity and insurance
costs are considerable. The major causes of injury and death
to tractor operators are rollovers, falls and contact with
tractor attachments.
Statistics
show that in Ontario 244 people died as a result of tractor-related
accidents between 1980 and 1994. This accounted for almost
48% of the total fatalities for that period. Clearly one-half
of all fatalities are caused by this agent of death. The vast
majority (about half) of these fatalities were tractor rollovers
to the side or the rear.
During
a recent eight year period in Ontario, there were more than
450 hospitalizations for accidents involving farm tractors.
The average length of stay in hospital was 10 days for these
injuries with a maximum for one individual of 130 days for
an accident involving a power takeoff shaft contact.
Manufacturers
are continually improving the design of tractors to make them
more safe. However, they are unable, as yet, to build in mechanisms
which recognize unsafe conditions. Tractor operators who know
their machine and are aware of the hazards which may occur,
are better equipped to avoid a tractor mishap.
Rollovers
or overturns are involved in about half of the fatal tractor
accidents and are responsible for many disabling injuries
and much property damage. With the use of protective frames
and crush-resistant cabs with seat belts, the number of serious
and fatal injuries from such accidents should decrease. Rollovers
are generally due to driving too fast for conditions; striking
surface hazards such as rocks, stumps and holes; running into
ditches; hitching high for extra traction; driving on steep
slopes; and operating front-end loaders improperly. Tractor
upsets also occur when handling large round hay bales and
other heavy loads with front-end loaders.
Falls
from moving tractors often result in serious and sometimes
fatal injuries. Many times the victim is a child, but operators
and adult riders can also fall. Falls often occur from smaller
and/or older tractors used around the farmstead, where extra
riders and overhead hazards are more common than in fields.
Another
cause of tractor-related death and serious injury is being
caught by, or entangled in, rotating power takeoff (PTO) shafts.
In most cases, the PTO shields were inadequate or had been
removed.
Other
tractor-connected injuries and damage involve:
Colliding
with motor vehicles or roadside objects;
Slipping
and falling while mounting and dismounting;
Running
over bystanders;
Striking
overhead hazards;
Being
struck by flying objects, broken parts, or hydraulic fluid;
Being
crushed by a poorly supported tractor during repair work;
Sustaining
cuts, bruises, burns and other nuisance, but painful injuries,
connected with maintenance and routine operation;
Being
overcome by exhaust gases inside closed buildings;
Being
burned by fires that erupt during refueling or as a result
of a collision or upset.
Be
Physically and Mentally Fit
There are numerous human factors involved in fatal tractor-related accidents. Certain factors like poor judgment, poor attitude, insufficient knowledge or training, fatigue, haste, stress, depression, intoxication, or showing off can cause a fatal tractor overturn accident.
Each
operator should be physically and mentally fit when operating
a tractor. An operator who is sleepy, tired or not feeling
well may not be able to react in time to avoid an accident.
Your tractor does what you make it do.
Be
Properly Trained
A person
who does not know how to operate a tractor safely in potentially
hazardous situations can be injured or killed by exercising
poor judgment. Make sure all persons permitted to operate tractors
have been thoroughly trained. A good place to start training
is with the operator's manual. Review the operator's manual,
if possible with the tractor in front of you.
Be
Familiar With Operator's Manual
Read and
follow procedures as outlined in the operator's manual. By being
familiar with the operating features of a tractor, the operator
will develop confidence when the tractor is driven under adverse
conditions. Learn the location and purpose of all of the guages
and controls as well as other indicators. Knowing where the
controls are by memory can allow you to react more quickly in
an emergency situation. There have been accident situations
where individuals have become entangled in machinery or the
power takeoff shaft and rescuers or family did not know how
to disengage the equipment. Family members should be showed
how to shut down equipment or disengage the PTO in case of emergency.
Study
the various decals on your equipment. They may point out DANGER,
WARNING and CAUTION for various points on the tractor. Have
an experienced tractor operator with you as you review the
various decals and ask questions!
A
copy of all operating manuals and other relevant safety materials
should be kept on file for quick reference.
Use
Tractor for Intended Purposes
The tractor
has many uses around the farm, however, improper use can result
in an accident. For example, using the tractor to round up the
cattle is dangerous because the operator may encounter rough,
uneven ground and make sharp turns at high speeds.
Check
Tractor Before Operating
A pre-operational
check of the tractor will assure you that it is in safe operating
condition. Check the tires for proper inflation and defects,
windows for visibility, seat position, seat belts, brakes for
adjustment, steering response, rear view mirrors, slow-moving
vehicle emblem, reflectors, and running lights for day or night
time operation.
Safety
Check: Walk around the tractor and any attached implement
checking the area for obstacles that may be under or near
the tractor. This includes stones, boards, children's toys
etc. Make sure there are no bystanders; remember this is a
work area. Check that the wheels are free, not frozen or stuck
in the ground. If the rear wheels are frozen to the ground,
then the tractor may flip backwards around the axle when power
is applied. Check for any loose parts or objects on the tractor
such as tools on the platforms or around brakes and other
controls.
Service
Walkaround: Walk around the tractor a second time to
check the tractor itself. This time look at the tires for
wear and inflation, the power takeoff shaft for shielding
and guarding (rotate the shield to make sure it moves freely),
the hitch for proper hitch pin and safety clip. Pay particular
attention to the ground under the tractor for any signs
of liquid leaks such as oil, coolant or fuel.
Check
the oil: Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and check
the oil level. If oil is required, remember to wipe off
the filler cap before you remove it to avoid dirt falling
into the engine. Use a clean funnel and clean the
top of the oil can to prevent rust or other foreign objects
going in with the oil.
Check
the radiator: Slowly remove the red cap and check the
liquid level.
Check
the air pre-cleaner and air cleaner. Remove and shake
out any dirt.
Check
the fuel level. Fill if necessary, but it should have
been filled at the end of the last day the tractor was used.
Check
the fire extinguisher. Your tractor should have a fire
extinguisher in case of fire during operation or refueling.
Make sure it is charged and easily accessible.
Any noted
defects should be corrected immediately. These can affect performance
and your safety!
Occasionally
it may be necessary to handle, adjust or change the battery
on your tractor. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can cause
considerable harm if it comes into contact with your skin. They
can also produce mixtures of hydrogen gas and oxygen which can
explode if contacted with heat or sparks. Remember these safety
points:
- Do
the work or adjustments in an area free of sparks and heat
sources. Don't smoke while working near the battery. Make
sure the area is well ventilated.
- Always
wear personal protective equipment, covering the eyes and
hands. A full face shield will offer the most protection.
- Never
work leaning directly over the battery.
- Always
disconnect the ground cable first and identify the
cables as positive and negative so that you don't re-attach
them wrong.
- Make
sure that you clean the terminals and cable connections
before re-attaching them. Make sure the new battery is secured
with the hold-down assembly provided.
- While
installing the battery make sure that the terminals don't
come into contact with metal parts on the engine or tractor
body.
- Make
sure that you connect the ground cable last to prevent sparks
and tighten the connections!
Working
with or on hydraulic equipment can be dangerous. Some of the
hazards cannot even be seen readily. Hydraulic systems are under
tremendous pressure and this is where the unseen danger lies.
Before
servicing hydraulic systems:
- Shut
off the engine powering the hydraulic pump.
- Lower
the implement to the ground.
- Relieve
pressure by moving the hydraulic control lever back and
forth.
- If
working around or under a raised implement, make sure that
it is blocked or supported by something other than the cylinder
itself.
- Use
a piece of cardboard or wood to check for leaks in hoses
and fittings. Even a small amount of pressurized hydraulic
fluid can be injected through the skin and cause severe
health problems. Seek medical attention immediately if hydraulic
fluid penetrates your skin.
- Use
caution when releasing blocks or transport locks on equipment.
If a cylinder has leaked and lost pressure, the implement
may fall to the ground as the locks are released. An
Ontario farmer was killed when a cultivator wing fell on
him, due to fluid leakage from a hydraulic cylinder. Normally
the cylinder would have kept the wing from dropping.
Before even
considering starting the tractor, ask yourself the following
questions:
Yes
No
Are you in good
health?
Are you free from
the effects of drugs and alcohol?
Are you wearing
hearing protection?
Are your close
snug-fitting?
Are you wearing
safety glasses?
Is any long hair
tucked under a hat?
If you
answered NO to any question, DO NOT OPERATE THE
TRACTOR!
- If your
tractor is indoors, you must provide adequate ventilation by
opening doors or windows and using exhaust fans if available.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas and can build up rapidly in
a confined or relatively closed area. Carbon monoxide is always
present in the exhaust of all engines.
- Start
the tractor only from the operator's platform. Many
modern tractors cannot start unless the clutch pedal is depressed,
but some older tractors still in use can be started while
the operator is standing on the ground. This must never
be done. There are recorded cases of farmers who have
been killed while attempting to start the tractor while standing
next to it. The tractors in question were either in gear or
the operator bumped the gear shift, causing the tractor to
lurch forward and run over them. Never attempt to bypass
the safety start switch.
- Check
the Power Takeoff controls to make sure that they are disengaged,
and that the transmission is in neutral and the clutch depressed.
- Start
the engine following recommended starting procedures in your
operator's manual.
- Allow
the engine to warm up before staring to work with it. Working
a cold engine is a major source of contamination of engine
oil.
- Check
all the instruments. Make sure that there is proper oil pressure,
that the battery is charging etc.
Shutting
down the engine:
- Always
allow an engine to cool down at a fast idle before shutting
it off. This allows the valves and pistons to cool down uniformly.
Lower all hydraulic lift equipment to the ground.
- After
shutting off refill the fuel tank when the tractor has cooled
a bit. Make sure that the park brakes are locked. Check that
there is no combustible debris near the exhaust system.
Note:
Everyone on the farm including family and employees should
be taught how to safely shut off machinery. This is especially
important in an accident situation. The first person on the
scene must know how to shut things off. It could save a life!
Take
Special Care With Large Four-Wheel Drive Tractors With Articulated
Steering
Operating
large four-wheel-drive tractors with articulated steering requires
skills in addition to those necessary for operating a two-wheel-drive
tractor. The operator must be especially concerned about safety
because of the increased power and large dimensions of the tractor,
faster speeds, and different visual perspective.
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Adjust
your operator's seat so that you can comfortably reach the
pedals and controls. Check for visibility all around and adjust
any side mirrors that you have. If mirrors or windows need
cleaning, take the time to do it. You don't want an accident
on the roadway because you didn't see a vehicle behind a smudge.
Make sure that the operator's platform is clear of objects
or debris. It is not uncommon for something to interfere with
pedal operation. If your tractor is equipped with a rollover
protective structure, buckle your seatbelt on before starting
up.
Make
sure that everyone is clear from around the tractor before
starting it in motion. There have been many fatalities
in Ontario where small children were not seen and were run
over. Sometimes you may wish to sound the horn to warn others
that you are moving out. This also gives you the opportunity
to test the horn before highway travel.
Case
History: Unaware of the two year old victim's presence, the
driver of a tractor backed up and ran over the victim.
When
you engage the power to the drive wheels, do so slowly.
Test
your brakes as you start out at a slow speed. Likewise
turn your steering wheel in each direction to make sure it
operates as it should. Power steering should be quick and
responsive.
If the
power steering ceases to operate, stop the tractor immediately.
If a
load is attached, make sure that it is hitched to the drawbar.
Pulling from any point above the rear axle could cause the
tractor to flip over backwards. Make sure that you are using
a drawbar pin that locks in place, and is of proper size for
the job at hand. Often we have seen operators trying to "make
do" with a bolt or pin too small and a bump or other situation
could pop the pin and cause you to lose your load.
When
heavy loads and equipment are attached to the rear of the
tractor you may notice that the front of the tractor may start
to rise. If this occurs, you should install front-end or wheel
weights to help keep the tractor stable.
Watch
where you are going while operating the tractor, particularly
near ditches and embankments, on the roadway and near obstacles
such as rocks and trees. Watch for overhead powerlines, especially
if you a pulling implements or a load that may come near them.
If a long grain auger or other high load contacts or even
comes near some lines, an electrical charge may follow the
easiest path to ground which could endanger your life.
Too often
we hear of tractors and wagons jack-knifing. If any towed
vehicle has a total weight that exceeds that of the towing
tractor, then the vehicle should have independent brakes for
safe operation.
Use Engine Braking
Using
the braking power of the engine when going downhill with a heavy
load can prevent a runaway tractor and overturn. By stopping
and shifting to a low gear before starting downhill you will
maintain good control. A rule of thumb is to use the same gear
to go down a hill that you would use to pull the load uphill.
Also, use a tractor large enough and with adequate braking power
to control the load being pulled. If the load you are towing
exceeds the weight of the towing tractor, the wagon should have
independent brakes.
Case
History: A farm tractor was pulling a load of hay down a steep
grade. After traveling approximately 85 meters down the slope,
the driver prepared to turn right. The tractor veered sharply
to the right and overturned, pinning the operator.
Space Wheels
as Far Apart as Possible
Spacing
the wheels of the tractor as far apart as practical is one of
the most effective ways of increasing base line stability and
reducing side overturns.
Hitching Implements Properly
People
have been killed or seriously injured during hitching operations.
Observe the following points while hitching your tractor to
wagons or implements:
- Make
sure that the area is clear and no one is behind the tractor
- Back
the tractor up slowly to the implement
- Stop
and apply the emergency brake
- Put
the transmission in neutral
- Dismount
the tractor and hitch up
If you
have someone assisting you in hitching an implement:
- make
sure your helper stands clear while you back up the tractor
- back
up a little more than necessary and stop the tractor
- put
the tractor in a forward gear, then allow the helper behind
it
- inch
the tractor forward while your assistant drops in the draw
pin
Remember:
If the tractor is in forward gear, and you foot slips off the
clutch, it can't run over the person assisting you.
Take Special Care on Rough Terrain
Drive
around ditches and steep slopes when possible. Forward movement
up a steep slope can cause a rear overturn because the center
of gravity of the tractor is higher and moves toward the rear
of the tractor. Backing up a steep hill or out of a ditch helps
maintain stability and can save you from an overturn.
Crossing
slopes also can be dangerous. The operator should be alert
for dips and raises that could trigger an overturn. If the
tractor becomes unstable while operating on a slope, avoid
an overturn and regain stability by turning down grade.
Some
farms may have other 'obstacles' to contend with such as small
bridges over creeks or paths over railway lines. Small bridges
should be constructed in such a way that they are capable
of handling the weight of your tractor and whatever implements
and load you are towing. The bridge you construct should also
have bullrails (boards along the edges) to prevent the tractor
wheels going off the side. Make sure the bridge is wide enough
and always try to approach it straight on when possible, lining
up trailing equipment.
Most
tractors sold today in Ontario come equipped with Rollover
Protective Structures (ROPS) and seatbelts. ROPS
have been around for about thirty years and have saved many
lives in rollover situations that could have ended in tragedy.
Rollover protective structures are engineered for each specific
tractor and must meet national and international standards.
The structure protects you by limiting a rear rollover to 90
degrees and when used in conjunction with the seatbelt, keeps
you within a "frame of safety", preventing you from being tossed
about the cab or from the tractor.
One should
never drill holes into or alter the rollover frame in any
way. Some people have been known to drill holes to mount radios
etc. This practice is dangerous. The ROPS structure becomes
weaker at that point and in the event of a rollover, it could
cave-in or collapse, not offering total protection to the
operator.
ROPS
can be either a protective frame that is highly visible or
built into a cab structure. Rollover protective structures
are available for many older tractors as well. Check with
your dealer or manufacturer to determine if one exists for
your tractor. In recent years, many manufacturers have reduced
the cost of ROPS or subsidized the installation of them.
All
tractor operators should be aware that a tractor is sensitive
to any shift of its centre or gravity or balancing point. This
is the point around which all tractor weight balances and is
found on most tractors just ahead of the operator's seat and
just above the height of the rear axle. different forces and
practices can cause the stability of the tractor to change.
These
include:
Centrifugal
force is a force that tends to resist a change in direction.
If a tractor was traveling in a straight line then suddenly
turned, there would be a tendency for the tractor to want
to continue in that straight line. This is centrifugal force.
By doubling the tractor's speed, the centrifugal force is
increased four times.
Raising
a load such as with a front end loader, also raises the
centre of gravity, making the tractor less stable, or a little
top heavy.
Heavy
implements or loads mounted on the rear of the tractor
will shift the centre of gravity further to the rear making
it easier to flip backwards.
Crossing
steep slopes can change the centre of gravity depending
upon the angle of the slope.
Front-end loaders are used in the agricultural and landscape
industries to handle many types of material from feed and manure
to soil and gravel. The versatility of loaders allows an operator
to load, lift, transport and handle materials with great ease.
Like other mechanical devices, safety lies with the operator
and his knowledge of what the machine can and cannot do. A heavy
load raised too high can change the centre of gravity and the
stability of the tractor-loader combination. This can lead to
situations where the tractor can tip over. There are a number
of rules that an operator can follow to prevent such accidents
from occurring:
Keep
the loader bucket low while transporting loads. As mentioned
above, a raised bucket can change the centre of gravity of
the tractor. Obstacles on the traveling surface such as rocks,boards,or
holes in the ground could lead to a quick upset if the load
is carried too high. Avoid traveling downhill with loaded
buckets.
Restrict
your speed when traveling with a load. Remember, keep
it low, travel slow. The added load which you carry in the
bucket adds to the momentum of the tractor. If you were moving
at a high speed and decided to turn it could flip you over.
Keep
your load even in the bucket. An uneven load could lead
to dangerous situations. Your loader can only hand so much
weight and you don't want to put undue stress on the various
components. Check your operator's manual for the loader's
capacity.
Ballast
will help give you stability. Extra ballast will help
counter-balance the extra weight at the front of your tractor
and reduce rollover potential.
When
not in use, remove your loader from the tractor. Having
the loader always attached while trying to perform other duties
with the tractor can make some situations complicated and
lead to poor visibility and added fuel costs.
Don't
misuse your loader. The loader bucket was not meant to
be used as a work platform for people. Hydraulics can fail
leading to tragedy.
When
leaving your tractor-loader alone, lower the bucket to the
ground. This is so that it cannot accidentally be lowered
by children or others.
Handling
large round bales: A number of operators have been injured
when improperly secured bales rolled down the arms of the
front-end tractor loaders. Proper restraining devices should
be used to prevent the bales from coming loose. A manufactured
bale spear, specifically for this purpose is ideal.
Remember:
.Never
work or walk under a raised loader.
.Watch
for overhead electrical wires and other obstacles when raising
loaders.
.Be
careful near banks and slopes. Added weight can cause them
to collapse.
.Don't
move or swing loads when people are working in the area.
.Never
allow anyone to pass under a raised bucket.
.Keep
the work area as flat as possible.
.Match
the proper bucket to the job you are doing.
Case
History: The victim was driving a loader tractor along the
shoulder of a road with the bucket raised. The tractor ran
off the shoulder and rolled over into the ditch. The victim
was pinned underneath the tractor.
Tractor
rollovers account for about half of fatal tractor accidents,
and are responsible for many
disabling injuries and considerable property damage. Overturns
often result from operator distraction.
Side Rollovers
Rollovers
to the side are the most common type of rollover. There are
a number of ways that this type of overturn can occur.
Driving
across a steep slope: The greater the angle of the slop,
the greater the danger will be of rollover. Your tractor was
designed to distribute it's weight around the centre of gravity
of the vehicle. If you cross a slope with a very steep angle
there may be more weight on the downward side of the centre
of gravity and the tractor could simply flip over. This problem
is compounded by the fact that you may encounter obstacles
which will change your stability such as potholes on the downhill
side or rocks and other obstacles on the uphill side. Your
tractor may also have side-mounted implements on it. You should
keep the side-mounted implements on the uphill side of the
slope for added stability. Don't raise the implements or loader
buckets. Keep them as low to the ground as possible. Avoid
turning uphill. If stability becomes uncertain, turn downhill.
This could prevent a rear rollover.
Driving
too close to a ditch, culvert or pond can lead to the
tractor rolling into the ditch if you get too close to the
edge. A good rule of thumb is to stay as far away from the
embankment as the ditch is deep. This keeps you behind the
sheer line. The edge of a bank has little to hold it there
and the weight of your tractor can cause the earth to sheer
away along this line, causing you to slide into the ditch.
Case
History: The victim was cutting hay near the edge of an embankment.
The tractor went over the edge and rolled on top of the victim,
trapping the individual face down in approximately one foot
of water.
Turning
while traveling too fast can result in a side rollover.
As your vehicle travels faster it wants to continue on in
the straight line in which you are heading. Without slowing
down, if you make a sudden, quick turn, the weight of the
tractor wants to keep going and causes it to flip over.
Driving
with a front-end loader too high changes the centre of
gravity of your tractor. It raises the centre of gravity,
making it 'top heavy'. A sudden turn or raising the tractor
on one side can cause a side rollover. The problem is compounded
when the loader has material in it, especially if it is not
evenly distributed.
Towing
a load that is too heavy to control can cause jack-knifing.
Case
History: The victim was driving a tractor and bale wagon down
a 40 degree slope. The wagon jackknifed, causing the tractor
to roll over and pin the driver.
Driving
on roadways without locking rear brakes. If you do not
lock your brake pedals together for travel on the roadway,
should you need to apply them suddenly, you may only hit one
pedal. If this occurs it could cause one wheel to lock up,
leaving the other in motion. The result could cause you to
swerve into the ditch or into oncoming traffic.
Rear
Rollovers
Tractor
rear rollovers are caused by:
Hitching
too high is one of the main causes of rollovers to the
rear with farm tractors. Loads should only be hitched to the
drawbar. If a load is hitched above the drawbar and power
is applied, the tractor may revolve around the rear axle.
It only takes about 1.5 seconds for a tractor to flip backwards,
not enough time often for the operator to react, let alone
escape.
Case
History: The victim was using a tractor to pull out small
trees on a relative's farm. A chain was wrapped around the
base of the tree, and the other end was hitched to the rear
of the tractor. The hitch point was higher than the tractor's
rear axle. When an attempt was made to pull out the tree,
the tractor flipped over backward and crushed the victim.
Driving
forward up a steep slope can be extremely dangerous, since
the slope and the drawbar leverage act against you. The same
problem occurs when a tractor is backing down a slope. If
brakes were suddenly applied while backing down a slope, the
tractor could pivot around the rear axle, flipping over. Try
to avoid backing down slopes or driving forward up a steep
slope. The higher the slope and the greater your speed of
travel will compound the problem. Sometimes while driving
across slopes stability of your tractor becomes uncertain.
If this occurs, turn the tractor downhill, not uphill.
A sudden uphill turn could upset you.
Driving
forward when stuck in mud or ice can be dangerous. If
the tires are frozen to the ground or will not move, you
could end up with a rear rollover when power is applied.
If you get mired in mud, try backing your tractor out first.
This will keep the front end down and reduce the risk of
rollover. If the tractor does not become free, then you
may need to tow it out. Make sure that the towing vehicle
is heavy enough for the job and that the tow lines are hitched
to the drawbar. The towing tractor must have a rollover
protective structure on it.
An operator's
chances of surviving an upset to the rear without injury are
poor unless the tractor is equipped with rollover protection.
In a backward tip, the tractor hood can hit the ground less
than 1-1/2 seconds after the front wheels begin rising. Once
the wheels begin to rise, the operator has less than three-quarters
of a second to realize what is happening and to take preventive
action. Frequently the tractor is past the critical point of
no return before the operator can do anything to keep it from
falling on himself or others.
The danger
of rear rollover is especially significant when the tractor
is towing of pulling a load with a chain or tow rope. As well
as the possibility of a rollover occurring, there is danger
in using tow ropes or cables. These items store energy by
stretching under load. By jerking the rope or cable or making
a running start to move a heavy stationary load can stress
a nylon rope or cable to the breaking point. If it snaps,
it will act like a stretched rubber band and sling back at
the tractor. It could smash a cab's windows or even decapitate
and operator.
How can
this type of fatality be prevented?
- Operator
training and retraining
- Develop
a safety awareness
Crush proof
cabs or roll-bars. The margin of safety can also be increased
by using seatbelts in conjunction with roll-bars.
Not all
cabs presently being sold for tractors are crush proof; check
and make sure that a cab is crush proof (R.O.P.S.) and meets
A.S.A.E. standards.
Most
major tractor companies have a low cost retro-fit roll-bar.
The price for a roll-bar is insignificant when measured in
terms of saving lives, or the pain and suffering resulting
from serious injury.
Falling
from tractors is a common cause of serious injury and death.
Falls are needless and preventable accidents. Falls occur
from moving and parked tractors. Let's explore some methods
for preventing these accidents.
Mounting
and Dismounting
- Keep
the steps and platform clean and dry. Take time to clean
off any debris,snow, ice, grease, and other items that accumulate
on the platform and steps.
- Never
jump from the tractor. There have been instances where
children and adults have leaped from tractors only to have
clothing, scarves, laces etc catch on levers or other protruding
parts. Some of these leaps have also ended in twisted ankles
or broken bones.
- Use
handrails, handholds, and steps to get up to the operator's
platform. Use three point contact method to mount the
machine at all times - either two hands and one foot, or
two feet and one hand. Make sure you boots have non-slip
soles.
Before mounting
power-steered, four-wheel-drive tractors that hinge in the middle
of the tractor chassis, make sure that all people are clear
of the tractor. When mounting, avoid moving or pulling the steering
wheel. These precautions can prevent a bystander from being
crushed or struck by the tires, chassis, or mounted implements
which may swing when the steering wheel is turned.
Operator
Falls
Operators
sometimes fall from tractors and are crushed under the wheels
or mangled by trailing equipment. The following safety practices
can help prevent such injuries:
1. Operate
the tractor from the operator's platform only. Fasten
the seat belt if your tractor is equipped with a protective
frame or enclosure. If you get tired of sitting, stop and
take a break. Don't start the tractor engine or try to operate
controls while standing beside the tractor. Always sit in
the tractor seat when starting or operating controls. There
have been fatalities and serious injuries to people who attempted
to start the tractor while standing next to it. In some of
these cases, accidental contact with the gear shift lever
cause the tractors to lurch forward, crushing the victims.
Never
operate the tractor while riding on the draw bar, sitting
on the fender, standing on the steps, or sitting on the
backrest of the operator's seat. Do not attempt to get
on or off of the tractor while it is in motion. Although
a tractor may appear to be moving slow enough to jump on
or off, a slip can leave you crushed under the wheels before
the operator can react.
2.
Maintain safe operating speeds. Never drive so fast
that the front wheels of the tractor bounce. Watch ahead
for obstructions and avoid them. Slow down before making
turns. Always watch where you are going, particularly when
there may be obstacles such as tree limbs, ditches etc.
Speed and obstacles don't mix well.
3.
Rest when you are tired. Stop the tractor and lie
down for a short nap if you feel tired or sleepy. Stop for
10 or 15 minutes every 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Don't drive when
you feel like dozing. In this condition you are not alert
enough to operate a tractor. Fatigue has been blamed for
many tractor related fatalities in Ontario. Statistics show
that many of the fatalities and injury accidents occur after
the operator has been working with the machine for several
hours without breaks. A person is not as alert after a long
day compared to starting fresh in the morning.
Tractors
are designed to carry one person, the operator. The proper
place to ride is sitting in the operator's seat.
You will
often be tempted to use your tractor to transport a helper.
Children often plead for rides. Do not give in.
An unexpected bump or turn could toss an extra rider right
out the cab door and off the tractor. Your passenger cannot
anticipate every tractor movement and brace against it. Furthermore,
all the vibration and bumps are transmitted to the passenger.
He can easily lose his grip and fall off.
Passengers
can cause other problems, too. They can interfere with your
operation of controls, they can accidentally move controls
themselves, and they frequently distract the operator's attention.
Many
people think an extra rider is safe in the cab of a tractor,
but in an accident the extra rider may be tossed around, hit
the door, and be thrown out.
Make
exceptions to the 'no extra rider' rule only under these conditions:
when a second seat is provided on the tractor or instructions
are being given or received. There is potential danger for
the instructor while training a new operator, but the training
is essential. The danger can be minimized by driving at a
slow speed and on level ground.
MAKE
'NO RIDERS' THE RULE - NOT THE EXCEPTION
Case
History: The victim was riding on the fender of a tractor
driven by their spouse. An attached rotary mower was cutting
grass. As the tractor came close to a pine tree, branches
knocked the victim off the tractor and into the path of the
mower. The tractor could not be stopped in time, and the mower
ran over the victim.
There are
many accidents involving tractors and passenger vehicles on
public roads each year in Ontario. Tractor road speed is much
slower than automobiles, averaging about 30 km/hr. Tractor engine
noise, power train noise and sound proof cabs do not allow the
operator to hear approaching traffic. This means that the operator
must depend upon vision to warn him/her of oncoming traffic.
One of
the main reasons for tractor accidents is the difference in
speeds between cars and tractors. The closure time - that
is the time it takes for one vehicle to overtake another -
is much less for farm machinery than with automobiles.
The short
closure time means the driver of a passenger vehicle has but
a few seconds to identify the tractor and react accordingly.
This is why positive identification of slow-moving vehicles
is important. The accompanying diagram illustrates this situation.
Before
taking your tractor on the highway, you should ensure that
it is prepared for such a trip and that your combination of
vehicles conforms to the highway regulations where you will
be operating.
Under
the ONTARIO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT, your farm tractor
is not a motor vehicle but it is considered a vehicle.
Registration plates are not required for farm tractors,
farm implements or self-propelled implements of husbandry
when traveling from farm to farm for farming purposes, or
places necessary for repair or maintenance. Insurance coverage
for the above mentioned vehicles is usually included in the
farm insurance policy.
Safe
farm equipment road travel requires knowledge of traffic rules,
maturity and common sense.
The SLOW
MOVING VEHICLE (SMV) SIGN is used to warn other road users
that the vehicle displaying the sign may be a vehicle traveling
slower than the normal speed of traffic. Every farm tractor
or self-propelled implement of husbandry, when operating on
a highway, or any vehicle towed by either of them must
have a slow moving vehicle sign attached to the rear, except
when directly crossing a highway.
Always
be seen! Remember that the SMV sign is for your safety.
The sign must be displayed in the centre of the rear of the
rear-most vehicle, between 0.6 meters and 2 meters above the
roadway.
It must be clearly visible for a distance of not less than
150 meters
The SMV colours deteriorate through exposure to the sun
and weather. To ensure that the sign is clearly visible
to other road users, it should be replaced when faded or
damaged.
Do a pre-trip inspection of all of your equipment. Make sure
that it is in good mechanical condition.
As a driver of a vehicle, it is your responsibility, by
law, to clearly indicate all turns, slowing or stopping
and to make certain that a turn can be made safely.
If your equipment of load which you are towing does not
allow other drivers to see your hand signals, then you should
equip your vehicle with electrical or mechanical signals.
* Your
visibility is vital at all times. Always use your lights
when it is dark or visibility is poor. Many collisions occur
due to the fact that other motorists do not see you in advance.
Lights
are required in Ontario on a highway at any time from one-half
hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and at any
other time when due to insufficient light or unfavorable weather
conditions, persons and vehicles on a highway cannot be seen
clearly at a distance of 150 meters
A farm
tractor or self-propelled implement of husbandry if fitted
with an electric lighting system must display two white
lights on the front of the vehicle and at least one red
light on the rear of the vehicle. The lights must clearly
be visible at a distance of 150 meters If the vehicle is
not equipped with electric lighting, a lamp or lamps should
be placed on the left side of the vehicle with at least one
white light to the front and one red light to the rear.
Case
History: The victim was taking an orchard sprayer along a
road. The tractor was illuminated with headlights plus a rear-mounted
halogen working lamp. However, the sprayer wasn't fitted with
either a lighting system or a slow moving vehicle sign. As
a car approached from the rear, its driver assumed that the
halogen working light was an oncoming vehicle. The driver
moved the car towards the should of the road because the light
appeared to be crowding the centre line. The car struck the
back of the sprayer, causing the tractor to roll over onto
its roof. The victim was ejected from the tractor.
Severe
injury or death can result from accidents involving the power
takeoff. There are two types. The most common is getting caught
by the rotating shaft. On occasion, an operator is struck
by a broken or disconnected shaft as it swings violently behind
a tractor.
The PTO
spins at speeds fast enough to wrap a person up in it before
they know what happened. All it takes is a thread, shoestring,
raveled jeans, or even long hair to get a person wrapped up
in this powerful piece of machinery. A 540 rpm PTO shaft will
rotate nine times in one second and travel 2.17 meters This
means that if a bootlace catches on the PTO shaft that in
one second almost 2.17 meters of lace will be wrapped up before
you can even react! A 1000 rpm PTO shaft will rotate 16.7
times and travel four meters in one second!
Never
remove shields from a PTO shaft. Even PTO shafts with guards
are dangerous to step over. To be safe, walk around your equipment.
The extra few seconds taken will help to insure you of more
years of life.
An unguarded
PTO shaft is dangerous. It can catch on your clothing before
you realize it. If you're lucky, your clothes will tear, freeing
you without serious injury. If you're not so lucky, you could
be strangled or mutilated by the high-speed shaft.
Master
shields help to prevent accidental contact with the tractor
stub shaft and the front universal joint of the attached machine's
driveline.
PTO
shaft guards are provided for many tractors to completely
enclose the tractor stub shaft when the PTO is not being used.
A
PTO rolling shield completely encloses the PTO shaft.
These shields are metal or plastic tubes supported on bearings
so the shields rotate independently of the shaft. When the
PTO shaft is turning, they rotate with it. But if a person
contacts the shield, the rotating shield stops while the shaft
inside continues to spin.
To prevent
injury from entanglement with the power take-off shaft, follow
these safety rules:
- Always
disengage the PTO, shut off engine and take the key before
getting off the tractor. You can't be injured by the PTO
or other machine parts if the driveline isn't rotating
- Keep
the master shield in position. IF damaged or removed during
repairs - make sure it is replaced.
- Make
sure PTO shields are in good condition. They should rotate
freely by hand when the machine is stopped. Damaged shields
should be repaired or replaced.
- Never
step across a rotating power shaft, always walk around the
machine. Safety devices are usually reliable - but malfunctions
can occur. Do not take chances.
- Keep
the universal joints in phase when connecting the PTO shaft.
This means keeping the end yokes in the same plane.
- Always
use the correct size drive line for the machine being powered.
Also watch the correct PTO speed for the machine being used.
We
have come a long way in recent years in reducing the amount
of noise produced by farm tractors and machinery that they operate.
New cab designs allow for great reductions in harmful noise
levels produced by engines. Not everyone, however, has a new
tractor to work with. hearing test performed on Ontario farmers
exposed to years of tractor noise and other equipment show significant
hearing loss in many individuals.
The measurement
of sound or noise is related to pressure, frequency and duration,
and is commonly measured in units called decibels.
With
continual exposure to excessive noise, the ability to hear
normal conversation is impaired.
Noise
is too loud when:
- Your
ears ring after prolonged exposure to noise.
- Speech
and other sounds seem muffled after exposure.
- You
lose the ability to tell musical tones apart.
- You
fail to hear high pitched sound.
Continual
exposure to noise at high decibel levels over a period of time
may lead to permanent hearing loss. A tractor under load may
produce noise levels of over 100 decibels. The recommended level
of exposure for an 8 hour work period is 90 decibels. If you
were operating a tractor at 100 decibels, the permissible daily
exposure would only be two hours! At 115 decibels, the
limit is only 15 minutes!
If you
do not have a cab that reduces noise significantly you may
need to wear hearing protection in the form of ear plugs or
muffs designed to block out harmful noise levels.
Better
tractor design means fewer hazards. Yet any machine can be dangerous
if recommended operating procedures are ignored. A quick turn
or one-wheel braking during high speed travel can tip a tractor
sideways. Pop the clutch with a heavy load behind, and your
machine could tip over backward. Failure to disengage the PTO
before cleaning or adjusting machinery could result in mutilation
or death.
Safety
practices begin with YOU. To be safe..... you need
to think safe. Farming is one of the most hazardous occupations.
Accident prevention requires a constant, conscious effort
by those involved in farming. Here is a list of some things
you can do to help prevent accidents:
No
short cuts
Many accidents
happen while trying to save a few seconds or a few steps. There
are no short cuts to safety. Operate your equipment the safe
way, the right way.
Take
a break
Other accidents
happen when a farmer is over tired. Long hours involved in a
repetitive task, like driving a tractor down a long field, can
be very fatiguing. Taking a short break will help keep your
mind, and your muscles, more alert.
Reduce
stress
Farming
can be extremely stressful. It seems there are always deadlines
to beat and never enough time to do a job right. People rarely
work well under stress. Talking about your problems, planning
ahead and remaining flexible will help to reduce stress and
improve clear thinking.
Know
your equipment
Be familiar
with all equipment you operate. Also, instruct all drivers on
the safe operation of farm machinery by going over the operator's
manual. Know the equipment's potential and limits. Use the equipment
as it was developed.
It's
Up To You
Safe tractor
operation involves consideration of many details. Your owner's
manual contains the information you need to be a responsible,
safe operator. Knowledge, skill and common sense are your weapons
in the war against tractor accidents.
TRACTOR
SAFETY QUIZ
The correct
answer for each of the following statements is TRUE or FALSE.
Please make your selection.
____1.
Refueling an engine presents no danger of fire if it is shut
off.
____2.
To inspect for leaks in hydraulic lines, run your hands over
the hoses.
____3.
Hand holds are placed on tractors for extra riders.
____4.
Always shut off the engine and apply the parking brake before
dismounting the tractor.
____5.
All PTO shafts should be guarded with the proper shielding.
____6.
Tractors may be started safely only from the operator's seat.
____7.
Noise levels of 100 decibels on a tractor are considered safe
for an 8 hour exposure.
____8.
When traveling, the front-end loader should be positioned
high for good visibility.
____9.
Weights help keep the front end of the tractor down.
____10.
Proper training is essential for safe tractor operation.
____11.
Tractor upsets are a leading cause of tractor fatalities.
____12.
It is alright to drill holes in a ROPS frame to mount a CB
radio.
____13.
Hitch pins should always have proper safety catches to prevent
accidental unhitching.
____14.
When towing a load, go down the hill in the same gear as you
would go up a hill.
____15.
It is not necessary to use a seat belt when the ROPS is built
into the cab.
____16.
When driving your tractor on the roadway, you must have a
slow-moving vehicle sign on the rear of the tractor.
____17.
A tractor operator must be sixteen years of age to drive on
the highway in Ontario.
____18.
Be sure the highway is clear of traffic before pulling into
it.
____19.
When towing equipment on the highway, you must have a proper
safety chain hook-up.
____20.
When pulling a load up a slope, keep the hitch as high as
possible.
____21.
When stuck in the mud try to back out first.
____22.
The position of a tractor's loader changes the centre of gravity
as the position of the loader changes.
____23.
Three is the maximum number of riders allowed on a
tractor.
____24.
If you are working with a tractor with rollover protection,
always wear your seatbelt.
____25.
Always read the operator's manual before operating a new tractor.
____26.
A tractor can flip completely backwards in about 1.5 seconds.
____27.
Do not make sharp turns at high speeds.
____28.
If tractor stability becomes uncertain on a slope, turn downhill.
____29.
In Ontario, you are required to signal your intention to turn
when operating a tractor on a roadway.
____30.
Check your tires and wheels for proper pressure and tread
regularly.
1.
F 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. T 6. T 7. F 8. F 9. T 10. T 11. T 12. F
13. T 14. T 15. F 16. T 17. T 18. T 19. T 20. F 21. T 22. T
23. F 24. T 25. T 26. T 27. T 28. T 29.T 30. T
Here
are the correct answers to the questions marked false:
Fuel
spilling on a hot engine can catch fire. Let the engine cool
down before refueling.
Hydraulic
fluid is under extreme pressure and can penetrate the skin.
Use a piece of paper or cardboard to check for leaks. If there
is a leak it will show on the cardboard.
There
should never be any riders on a tractor, only the operator.
Hand holds are used for easier mounting and dismounting.
If
noise levels are greater than 90 decibels for an eight hour
period, hearing protection must be worn to prevent hearing
loss.
The
front-end loader should be positioned no higher than the front
axle; any higher position will change the centre of gravity
and create a stability problem.
ROPS
frames are engineered to withstand certain stress factors.
Drilling holes or altering the design could weaken the structure
and could result in failure.
When
operating a tractor fitted with a ROPS frame, seat belts should
be used at all times to keep you within the frame of safety
in the event of a tractor flip.
All
towed tractor loads should be hitched no higher than the drawbar.
There
should never be any extra riders on a tractor,
only the operator. Make "No Riders" the rule.
On
the following pages are a tractor/wagon safety exercise designed
for competitive use with Junior Farmers and 4-H groups in Ontario.
The exercise needs a large area in which to practice. The accompanying
map shows the dimensions of the field required. You will need
some extra helpers to set up and act as judges to determine
your "safety operating" behaviour. Good luck!
TRACTOR
AND WAGON EXERCISE - Total Points: 400/300 for skill and
safety plus 100 for time
(Time
Limit: 20 minutes)
The following
is a brief description of how the competition works:
The judge
for this exercise will start recording the time by means of
a stop watch, once he/she has handed the keys for the tractor
to the contestant.
The contestant
will then mount the tractor (in parking station). He/she must
always remember to use the three point method whenever he/she
mounts or dismounts from the tractor. He/she must never jump
on or off the tractor.
The judge
will look for any loose clothing on the contestant, such as
open shirts, coats, untied shoe laces, etc. Once the contestant
has mounted the tractor, he/she is to put his/her seat belt
on. He/she will then start the tractor, having first checked
to see if it is in the "park" position, and that the clutch
has been disengaged.
Once
the tractor is in motion, he/she will depress the brake pedal
to check to see if the tractor has brakes. He/she will then
proceed to the wagon station. The contestant must back the
tractor up to the wagon, so that the draw bar is in the exact
position for the contestant to swing the wagon tongue into
position and freely drop the draw pin in. He/she will not
be allowed to manually move the tractor or wagon to assist
with the hook-up.
The contestant
will hook-up the safety chains on the wagon on to the tractor,
remove the slow moving vehicle sign from the tractor and place
it on the rear of the wagon. He/she will then remove the wheel
blocks from the right hand rear wheel of the wagon, and place
them on the wagon.
The contestant
will then mount the tractor and proceed to enter the course
as specified ion the diagram layout. He/she must travel at
a safe speed to allow him/her to maneuver between the five
gates on the right hand side of the course. A predetermined
amount of points will be deducted for each ball knocked off,
and each stake knocked over. He/she will be allowed 40 feet
at the end of the course to make his/her turn, to allow entry
through the five gates on the left hand side, which are the
same as those for the right hand side. On passing through
the last gate on the left hand side, the contestant will drive
the tractor into the wagon park station area, and directly
through the two guide stakes, which allow for three feet of
clearance on each side of the wagon. The front wheels of the
tractor must be ahead of the front two guide stakes before
he/she commences to back the wagon up to the wagon park position
area.
For each
consecutive attempt to back the tractor and wagon up to the
parking station, points will be deducted. Because the back
of the wagon will be covered with an 8' x 4' sheet of plywood,
it may be necessary for the contestant to stop the tractor
and get off to check to see just how close he/she is to the
stakes at the rear of the wagon. He/she must also be careful
not to cramp the wheels of the wagon, or points will be deducted.
The wagon
must be in the centre of the parking station, and within 6"
of the stakes at the rear of the wagon. For each inch that
the wagon is off centre, and for each inch that the wagon
is further away than 6" from the rear stakes, points will
be deducted. The contestant must be very careful not to knock
the ball off of the rear of the wagon, because he/she will
lose in excess of 100 points if he/she does.
Once
the wagon has been parked, the contestant will then take the
blocks off the wagon and put them behind and in front of the
rear wheel of the wagon. He/she will then proceed to unhook
the wagon (safety chains and draw pin). The draw pin is to
be left in the tractor draw bar.
The contestant
will then take the slow moving vehicle sign from the rear
of the wagon and attach it to the tractor. He/she will then
return the tractor to the parking station, by backing it up
to the stake. He/she must remember to put the tractor in "park",
and to take the keys out of the tractor and hand them to the
judge. The stop watch will then be stopped, and the time recorded.
Each
contestant will be required to supply his/her own hard hat,
leather gloves, hearing protection (ear muffs), and safety boots
for this exercise. The safety boots must be in good shape and
have steel toes.
1
- tractor, complete with rollover protection and seat belts.
1 - Wagon
running gear complete with bolster.
Flat bed is 16 to 18 feet long and 8 feet wide.
Rear of the flat bed is to be covered with a 4 x 8 sheet of
plywood.
The running
gear is to be extended to 120 inches from the centre of the
front axle to the centre of the rear axle.
The wagon
bed is to be placed on the running gear so that the measurement
from the front of the wagon to the front axle is approximately
33".
Space
requirements for this exercise, approximately 210' x 80'.
Surface
requirements - ideally, the competitions should be run on
a paved surface.
Procedure
for Scoring
10 minutes
or less is a perfect score = 100 points
10 minutes,
1 second to 11 minutes = 80 points
11 minutes,
1 second to 12 minutes = 60 points
12 minutes,
1 second to 13 minutes = 50 points
13 minutes,
1 second to 14 minutes = 40 points
14 minutes,
1 second to 15 minutes = 30 points
15 minutes.
1 second to 16 minutes = 20 points
16 minutes,
1 second to 17 minutes = 10 points
17 minutes,
1 second to 20 minutes = 0 points
Failure
to complete the above-mentioned exercise in a time limit of
20 minutes will mean the automatic disqualification of the
contestant.
The time
starts as soon as the contestant takes the keys from the clockman.
The time ends as soon as the contestant hands the keys to
the clockman, or walks away from the tractor without the keys.
Description
of Penalty & Number of Points Lost |
. |
Indicate
penalties with X |
Total
Demerit points |
1.
For each item of P.P.E. missing deduct. |
20 |
. |
20
x = |
2.
For loose clothing on contestant. Each offense deduct. |
20 |
. |
20
x = |
3.
Failure to use the 3 point method when mounting or dismounting
(no jumping). each time deduct. |
10 |
. |
10 x = |
4.
Failing to put the tractor "in park" before starting or
on dismounting from tractor. each time deduct
(If he has difficulty is getting the tractor in park,
he must try for at least 10 seconds to get into park). |
10 |
. |
10 x = |
5.
Failure to use and adjust seat belt before putting the
tractor in motion. each time deduct. |
20 |
. |
20
x = |
6.
Failure to disengage the clutch before starting. each
time deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
7.
Failure to lock brakes together before putting the tractor
in motion. each time deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
8.
Failure to check the brakes for in the first 5' of travel.
deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
9.
For excessive riding of clutch. deduct. |
10 |
. |
10
x = |
10.
Failure to operate the tractor at a safe speed deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
11.
Failure to properly fasten the safety chains deduct. |
20 |
. |
20
x = |
12.
Failure to properly fasten the SMV sign on rear of wagon
deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
13.
failure to remove wheel block from wagon and place on
wagon deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
14.
For cramping of wagon wheels, i.e. wheels skid or tractor
wheels hit wagon frame. each time deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
15.
Failure to properly block wagon wheels before unhooking
wagon deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
16.
Failure to remove keys from the tractor upon completion,
before dismounting deduct. |
20 |
. |
20 x = |
Total Demerit
Points on Safety ____________Total Time to complete exercise
:_____________________
Total Points for time: _____________________
Total points 150 (Perfect score) minus __________________{demerit
points}= _________________
Description
of Penalty and Number of Points lost
|
. |
Indicate
each penalty with an (X) |
Total
Demerit Points |
1.
For each consecutive trial of moving the tractor for hook
up to wagon deduct |
5 |
. |
5 x = |
2.
For manually moving wagon or tractor to assist with hook
up deduct |
50 |
. |
50 x = |
3.
For each stake that is hit in the course in such a manner
that it produces the following results: deduct as follows:
Each ball knocked off deduct
Each time the top of the stake is moved approx.
6" or more deduct
For each stake knocked over deduct |
5
15
10
|
. |
5
x =
15
x =
10 x =
|
4.
For each consecutive trial of moving tractor and wagon
ahead to line up in parking station deduct |
5 |
. |
5 x = |
5.
For touching ant stake in wagon park deduct
For knocking off a ball in the wagon
parking station deduct
For each stake is moved backwards approx.
6" or more deduct
For each stake that is knocked over in the
parking station deduct |
20
50
50
50
|
. |
20
x =
50
x =
50
x =
50
x =
|
6.
If distance away from the loading dock is greater then
6". measure from furthermost point.
For each inch more then 6" deduct |
5
|
. |
5
x =
|
7.
For each inch off center of loading dock.
For each inch deduct |
5 |
. |
5 x = |
8.
When the draw bar is further away then 1 inch from the
stake in the Tractor Park Station.
For each inch deduct
When the draw bar is completely off
center in the Park Station deduct |
10
20 |
. |
10
x =
20
x =
|
9.
For touching the stake in the Tractor Park station deduct
For knocking off a ball in the Tractor Park
Station deduct
For moving the stake in the Tractor Park
Station more then 1 foot at the top deduct
For knocking the Tractor Park stake over
deduct |
10
20
30
50
|
. |
10 x =
20
x =
30
x =
50 x =
|
|
TOTAL
DEMERIT POINTS ON SKILL________________ |
Perfect Score
150
|
Demerit Points
on Safety
____________
|
Demerit Points
on Skill
______________
|
GRAND TOTAL
________________
|
The
Farm Safety Association maintains a video lending library
in Guelph, Ontario. The following tractor safety videos are
available from the Association by calling (519) 823-5600:
VT
042 "Accidents Are Seldom Accidents"
21 minutes
- colour - 1974 Available on VHS
This
video emphasizes the need for roll-over protection on tractors
and also illustrates many safe operating procedures for tractors.
Produced
by Massey-Ferguson, Great Britain.
VT
043 "Farm Tractor Safety"
11 minutes
- colour - 1976 Available on VHS
Devoted
to the positive aspects of tractor safety, this video shows
tractor overturn tests followed operator precautions to avoid
side and rear overturns. Importance of ROPS is emphasized
along with PTO safety, extra rider hazards, fuel handling
safety, and safe highway transport.
Produced
by International Harvester, U.S.A.
VT
093 "Horsepower"
9:45
minutes - 1989 Available in VHS only
This
video looks at tractor safety and features farmers who have
experienced accidents while operating their tractors.
Produced
by the Nova Scotia Farm and Home Safety Committee
VT
115 "It Won't Happen To Me (Tractor Safety)"
Time:
16 minutes
The basics
of tractor safety are covered using Farm Safety Association's
fatalities as examples of what can go wrong and lead to fatal
situations. Emergency medical personnel are also interviewed
about tractor accidents.
Produced
by New Holland, 1995
VT
126 "Nellie the Farm Safety Dog"
Time:
Approximately 7 minutes
This
true story is about a tractor rollover accident which occurred
on a Southern Ontario tobacco farm. Nellie, the resident dog
on the farm brought help to save the farmer's life. The rescue
is recounted by those involved including police and ambulance
drivers.
Produced
by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
S
028 "Safe Use of Farm Tractors"
65 slides
- audio tape and transcript - 1982
Tractors
by far are the most common type of machinery used on a farm.
Tractor related accidents also cause the majority of farm-related
fatalities. This slide set discusses the safe operation of
farm tractors, with particular emphasis on tractor roll-overs.
Produced
by Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota.
VT
044 "Target You - Tractor Safety"
10 minutes
- colour - 1979 Available in VHS
This
video is largely animated and by means of the principal character
"Gotta-Go Joe", demonstrates many of the common accidents
that a farmer can become involved in with his tractor, by
trying to beat the clock.
Produced
by John Deere Ltd.
VT
123 "Tractor Rollovers and ROPS"
Time:
6 minutes 30 seconds Available in VHS only
This
video outlines the importance of having your tractor protected
with a Rollover Protective Structure and covers ways that
John Deere has made it easier to add this protection to your
tractor.
Produced
by John Deere
VT
051 "Tractor Safety"
21 minutes
- colour 1977 Available in VHS only
This
video covers all the basics of safe tractor operation. Produced
by Perdue University.
VT
129 "Tractor Safety on the Farm"
Time:
11 minutes 30 seconds
This
video covers the basics of tractor safety including the pre-operational
check, starting and stopping; operation of the tractor including
rollover situations; power takeoff safety and travel on public
roadways.
Produced
by the Farm Safety Association Inc, 1994
VT
092 "Tractor Tips"
17 minutes
- colour 1990 Available in VHS only
Shows
tractor operation and management techniques that reduce fuel
consumption in field operations. Discusses safe ballasting,
gearing up-throttle down and equipment matching.
Produced
by Independent Study, University of Guelph
VT
045 "Tractor Safety Begins With You"
20 minutes
Available in VHS only
This
video depicts a number of situations which led to tractor
accidents happening involving extra riders, the P.T.O. and
rollovers.
Produced
by Kubota.
VT
101 "Tractor Safety Is No Accident"
15 minutes
- colour - 1982 Available on VHS
A professional
airline pilot who is also a farmer narrates this video on
tractor safety. The narrator applies the same reasoning in
operating tractors as he does with airplanes. A number of
important areas are covered such as: the walk around check;
tractor rollovers; transporting equipment; P.T.O. safety;
extra riders; maintenance and service.
Produced
by International Harvester, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
VT
046 "Why Did Tommy Die?"
10 minutes
- colour - 1980 Available on VHS
A number
of young people are killed each year by tractors. Through
the video's characters, John, Merriam and Tommy, the video
explores the principle causes of tractor injuries and fatalities.
The video demonstrates tractor fires, P.T.O. accidents, and
tractor rollovers.
Produced
by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
VT
047 "Within The Frame of Safety"
6 minutes
- colour - 1969 Available on VHS
This
video details the designing, testing and development of a
protective frame for tractors. These structures when used
in conjunction with seat belts, help prevent injuries due
to side-rolls or back-flips.
Produced
by International Harvester, U.S.A.
Farm
Tractor Safety |
yes |
no |
Target
Date
|
Hazard
Corrected
|
- Do
you need the operator's manual for your farm tractor,
and follow the operating, maintenance and safety
recommendations found herein?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Before
operating, do you work around the tractor making
a visual check for bystanders and other objects?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Is
the tractor equipped with a rollover protective
structure (ROPS) and seatbelts?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Do
you always wear seatbelts with ROPS?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Do
you enforce the rule "NO RIDERS ON THE TRACTOR AT
ANY TIME"?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Is
there an SMV {slow moving vehicle} sign on the rear
of the tractor or towed equipment for roadway travel?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Is
the SMV sign clean, with good reflective qualities?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Do
you lock brake pedals together before roadway travel?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- When
towing equipment, do you use safety hitch pins and
chains
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Is
there a first-aid kit mounted on the tractor?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Is
a fire extinguisher located on the tractor?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- When
operating a tractor in buildings, do you open doors
and windows or start ventilation fans?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Are
steps free of mud, tools or debris that could cause
slips?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Are
keys removed from the tractor when not in use, to
prevent theft or unauthorized people from using
the equipment?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Do
you always steer clear of hazards such as ditches,
steep hills and other areas where tractors can tip?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- When
using front-end loaders, do you travel with the
bucket low to avoid tipping sideways?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Have
all tractor operators on you farm received training
on their equipment and reviewed the operator's manual?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Is
mounted equipment always lowered before the operator
leaves the tractor?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Do
your tractor operators always do a pre-operational
check which includes a walk round the equipment
to check lights, visibility, tires, brakes, etc,
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Are
towed loads always hitched to the draw bar, and
never higher?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- When
towing high loads, are clearances from overhead
powerlines always checked?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Is
the exhaust system on each tractor in good condition
and leak-free?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- If
the tractor does not have a sound-proof cab, does
the operator always wear hearing protection?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Are
brakes adjusted regularly?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
PTO
Driven Equipment
- Do
all PTO's have shields and guards in place?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Is
there a master shield in place where your PTO meets
the tractor?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Are
shields on PTO's checked periodically to ensure
that they rotate freely? (check only with power
off)
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Before
leaving the tractor seat, is the PTO always disengaged,
engine shut off and keys removed?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- When
working with PTO driven equipment, is clothing closer-fitting,
long hair covered, and no laces, etc., exposed
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Do
you always avoid stepping over a PTO shaft?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
- Are
worn or defective parts replaced as soon as possible?
|
![](check-it-box.gif) |
![](check-it-box.gif) |
. |
. |
![](../../../images/line.jpg)
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
Farm
Safety Association Inc. 22-340 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph,
Ontario N1H 7K6 (519) 823-5600 Fax: (519) 823-8880 Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture,Food and Rural Affairs
Farm Safety Association Home Page
|