Agricultural Engineering Safety Lesson Plan: Operator Safety Practices

OBJECTIVE

Identify and use the safety practices that should be observed when working with tillage and planting machinery. Learn to use the proper personal protective equipment that can reduce health threats to farm workers.

KEY POINTS AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION

1. Wear appropriate protective equipment. Work clothing should not be loose, baggy or highly flammable. Wear safety-toed shoes to protect your feet. Select the specific type of respiratory protection needed for the task you are performing.
2. Types of respiratory protection devices that are effective against dust are disposable mechanical filter respirators, chemical cartridge respirators, powered air purifiers. Respiratory protective equipment should be stored in a clean, dry place away from work and chemical storage areas. Regular cleaning, repairing and changing of cartridges is required. Dust filters should be replaced when they become difficult to breath through.
3. Respect hydraulics! Lower implements and relieve all hydraulic system pressure before leaving the machine.
4. Use blocks and proper supports when working on any implement. Do not depend on hydraulics. If an implement must be serviced in the raised position, use transport locks and block it up. If you don't have transport stops, order new ones or make them yourself.
5. Use only locking-type safety hitch pins.
6. Use care when hitching implements. Hitch machinery to your tractor by yourself if possible. If you have an assistant, he should stand to the side of, not behind, the tractor and give hand signals.
7. Read the owners manual to familiarize yourself with the implement before using it.
8. Maintain equipment. Replace damaged or worn parts promptly. Inspect equipment daily while in use.
9. Recognize where and what the hazards are. Always be on the lookout for potentially hazardous situations. Avoid hazardous jobs if you are ill or mentally distracted.