This checklist is designed so that it can be kept as a record of a tractor operator's training.
Safe, competent tractor operators are important to Florida agriculture. Incidents causing injury and death and/or damaging tractors, equipment or crops are costly.
Many tractor incidents can be prevented by putting
safer drivers on safer tractors in a safer environment. This
should be the goal of owners, managers, supervisors, and tractor
operators.
The tractor operator checklist is provided for this purpose.
Its recommended uses are to:
The checklist can be used as is, or it may be
modified to meet specific needs. If a service mechanic is
responsible for some of the maintenance functions, you might
not need them on a checklist for your tractor operators.
Completion of this checklist when tractor operators are first
assigned to a tractor and annually thereafter is evidence
that employees have been instructed in the safe use of the
tractor.
OSHA Requirements
The following is a requirement for all agribusinesses that
fall under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act (OSHA).
Safer tractor operator training can be provided by a variety of methods, including in small groups or through individual instruction. One effective method is to have a competent supervisor instruct tractor operators on the important safety practices or procedures using a checklist.
For More Information
For more information about tractor safety, visit the Florida
AgSafe Network Web site:
http://www.flagsafe.ufl.edu
The following publications are available at your county Extension
office and at the EDIS Web site, <http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu>.
(IFAS Publication Numbers are in parentheses after the titles.
The second set of parentheses contains the Web address at
which the publication can be viewed.)
| Tractor Operator Checklist Directions: This checklist is designed to evaluate a tractor operator's abilities to safely maintain and operate a tractor. Mark (x) in the Yes column if the operator can perform the activity, or in the No column if the operator can not perform the activity. Mark the Not Applicable, NA, column if the activity is not appropriate for this tractor or operation. . Make of Tractor _____________________________ Model ____________________________________ |
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| Activity or Condition | Yes | No | NA |
| Personal Safety Precaution | |||
| Only operate the tractor if you are physically and mentally alert. | |||
| Wear close-fitting clothes and proper shoes. | |||
| Eat and drink in moderation, and do not operate the tractor if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs or medication. | |||
| Use basic hand signals. | |||
| Preparing the Tractor and Equipment for Safer Operation | |||
| Don't operate the tractor in closed buildings. | |||
| Check the location and condition of the fire extinguisher. | |||
| Check the location and condition of the first aid kit. | |||
| Read and understand decals on the tractor. | |||
| Make sure that the shield for the PTO and other parts are in place. | |||
| Keep steps and platform free of dirt, grease, and debris. | |||
| Check if the slow-moving vehicle emblem is in place, clean, and not faded. | |||
| Test lights to be sure they're working. | |||
| Check for loose tools and parts. | |||
| Clean the windows. | |||
| Read and understand all controls. | |||
| Check the condition and pressure of all tires. | |||
| Check oil level; add oil as needed. | |||
| Check coolant level; add coolant as needed. Do not remove radiator cap when hot. | |||
| Check the battery's electrolyte level and add battery water as needed. Don't use matches around the battery and don't smoke. | |||
| Check, clean, coat and tighten battery connections. | |||
| Locate all grease fittings and clean and lubricate them. | |||
| Refuel the tractor, making sure that the engine is cool and refrain from smoking. | |||
| Adjust wheel width. | |||
| Add or remove weights. | |||
| Check if equipment has been properly serviced and adjusted. | |||
| Starting, Operating, Stopping Tractor and Equipment | |||
| Make sure that the area is clear of people, pets and obstacles. | |||
| Adjust seat for comfort. | |||
| Start the tractor. | |||
| Check gauges for proper readings. | |||
| Listen for unusual sounds and shut off the engine if you hear any. | |||
| Check brakes. | |||
| Warm engine before applying a heavy load. | |||
| Never operate the tractor from the ground. | |||
| Raise, lower and extend the drawbar. | |||
| Clean and oil PTO shaft and splines. | |||
| Clean, connect and disconnect hydraulic lines. | |||
| Connect and disconnect electrical connections. | |||
| Check hydraulic controls for proper operation. | |||
| Engage PTO slowly; check for proper operation. | |||
| Operate equipment at proper forward speed. | |||
| Operate equipment at proper PTO speed. | |||
| Watch and listen to equipment; shut off power at the first sign of a malfunction. | |||
| Do not unclog, adjust, or service equipment while it is running. | |||
| Observe all traffic rules when traveling on the road. | |||
| Lock brakes together for high-speed travel. | |||
| Shift gears properly. | |||
| Watch for obstructions in the field. | |||
| Back slowly, and watch behind. | |||
| When stuck, back out or have the tractor towed. | |||
| Leave the tractor in a low gear going down hills. | |||
| Cool engine, then shut it off. | |||
| On the following lines, add specific checklist items important for your workplace. | |||
Tractor Operator Instructions
2. Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments, and holes. 3. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and on rough, slick or muddy surfaces. 4. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation. If necessary, back up a slope and drive forward going downhill, 5. Watch where you are going, especially at the end of rows, on roads, and around trees. 6. Do not permit extra riders. 7. Operate the tractor smoothly — no jerky turns, starts, or stops. 8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended by the truck's manufacturer. 9. When the tractor is stopped, set brakes securely, and use park lock if available. |
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| Tractor Machinery Certification Record ______________________________________________ (Employee's Name) is certified to operate the following tractors or equipment: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _________ ____________________________________ Date_____ Supervisor__________ |
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Publication #: AE307
1. This document
is
AE307
, one of a series of the Agricultural and Biological
Engineering Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of
Florida. Supported in part by the NIOSH Deep-South Center
for Occupational Health and Safety, University of South Florida,
Tampa, Florida. First published September 2001. Please visit
the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Carol J. Lehtola, assistant professor, Department of Agricultural
and Biological Engineering, and Extension Agricultural Safety
Specialist, and Charles M. Brown, Assistant Coordinator for
Agricultural Safety and Health, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative Extension Service/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/University of Florida/Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean.
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
