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Createspace.com

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AGRICULTURAL
MACHINERY HAZARDS
&
Safety Practices

Segun R. Bello
[MNSE, R. Engr. COREN]

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Agricultural Machinery Hazards & Safety practices

Copyright 2012 by Segun R. Bello
Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu, 480001 Nigeria
segemi2002@gmail.com; bellraph95@yahoo.com
http://www.dominionpublishingstores.yolasite.com
http://www.segzybrap.web.com
+234 8068576763, +234 8062432694
All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or

transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronics, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the copyright holder.

Dominion
Publishing Services

ISBN-13: 978-1467907187
ISBN-10:
1467907189

First published in May 2012

Printed by Createspace US

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Dedication

This book is dedicated to

Lord Jesus Christ, who has been the only source of wisdom
and knowledge in all of my research works. Without Your
help, I could not have done anything according to your
words in Jh 15:5, and Phil. 4:13.

To My Wife, Bukola, Children

&

To all victims of machinery accidents

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Acknowledgement

Unlimited gratitude goes to God Almighty for His grace and inspirations
in the pursuit of this noble agenda in the course of my career. I remain
grateful to my parents who accepted the responsibility of giving me
quality education.
The professional knowledge acquired the following astute scholars and
researchers are most vital to the scripting of this work: Revd (Prof.)
Emmanuel Babajide Lucas, Prof. M. A. Onilude, and Dr. Y. I. Mijinyawa,
all of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Ibadan.
The contributions of Balogun R. Babatunde of the Department of
Horticultural and Landscape Technology, Federal College of Agriculture,
Ishiagu in peer review of the entire work is acknowledged.
My appreciation goes to Pst. Adekunle Success of the Living Faith Church,
(Winners Chapel Intl) for his love and spiritual supports during the
preparation of this work.
The wonderful supports of my family in the pursuit of Gods agenda and
purpose for my life are beyond mention. This informs the dedication of the
work to them.
I recognize and thank all the authors and contributors whose works were
sited and quoted in the reference section of this book.

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Purpose

Three dominant factors make up a workplace or a workstation for the

purpose of job delivery; human, machine and environmental factors. The
interactions of these three factors essentially are without risks and
associated hazards.
The human interaction with machinery control interface is vital in all
production chains, poor machinery conditions and operation could result in
abuse or wrong use, while improper work environment within the workplace
(operating environment) has been seen to cause several and untold harms
to both operator and the system.
This is an indication that those machines you are so used to could be your
best enemy. The recognition these enemies (called hazards) within the
operating environment, methods of elimination, avoidance or control and
the level of preparedness for emergencies within safe-limits were
communicated in practical details in this book.

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Abbreviations

Abbreviations and acronyms used in this book

AARSI

Arrive Alive Road Safety Initiative

ANSI

American National Standards Institute

ATV

All Terrain Vehicle

DIN

German Institute of Standardisation

FMV

Fast Moving Vehicles

FRSC

Federal Road Safety Commission

FOPS

Fall Over Protective Structure

GFCIs

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

HSE

Health and Safety Executive

ISO

International Standards Organisation

LHBA

Learn Hazards, Be alert Always

MGS

Machinery Guarding Standards

MTTF

Mean Time To Failure

NISP

Nigeria Institute of Safety Professionals

NRR

Noise Reduction Rating

NURTW

National Union of Road Transport Workers

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Act

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment

PTO

Power Take off

REC

Recognition, Evaluation and Control models

ROPS

Roll Over Protective Structure

RTSSS

Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme

SMV

Slow Moving Vehicle

SMO

Safe Machinery Operator

VIO

Vehicle Inspection Officers

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Content
Acknowledgement

vii

Abbreviations

ix

CHAPTER 1

How Safe is YOUR FARM?

15

1.0

Introduction

15

1.1

Agriculture: a hazardous occupation?

15

1.2

Agriculture and mechanization

16

1.3

Essentials of workers safety

18

1.4

Occupational safety and health act (OSHA)

19

1.5

Oshas approach to hazards identification

20

1.6

Nigeria safety policy

21

CHAPTER 2

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY HAZARDS

23

2.

Introduction

23

2.1

Causes of machinery hazards

24

2.2

Safety checks in handling agricultural machinery

29

2.3

Responsibility for machinery safety

30

2.4

Consequences of human error in accident situation

31

2.5

Farm risks/hazards classification

32

2.6

Hierarchy of hazard controls

33

2.7

Elements of machinery hazard (hazard points)

34

2.8

Sources of machine hazards

36

2.8.1 Hazards from mechanical motion in machine

36

2.8.2 Hazard form action points in machine

38

2.8.3 Hazards from electricity and safety

50

2.7

Safe machine operation (SMO)

53

2.8

Machine safety assessment

54

2.9

Related hazards in agricultural machinery

55

CHAPTER 3

MACHINERY SAFETY GUARDS

58

Introduction

58

3.1

Why install machinery guards?

58

3.2

Safety guards and devices

59
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3.3

Types of guards and devices

61

3.4

Parts of machinery to be guarded

66

CHAPTER 4

SAFETY SIGNS & SYMBOLS

79

Introduction

79

4.1

Communicating safety in machinery operation

80

4.2

Decals, stickers and labels

80

4.3

Preoperational instructions/manuals

87

4.4

Signal communications in machinery operations

88

4.5

Symbols used in safe machinery operation

99

CHAPTER 5

MACHINERY ENTANGLEMENT

105

5.

Introduction

105

5.1

Sources of machinery entanglement

105

5.2

Points of attachment entanglements

106

5.3

Self propelled machine entanglements

115

5.4

Driveline shaft entanglements

117

5.5

Preventions against entanglements

119

CHAPTER 6

HAZARDS IN POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS

125

Introduction

125

6.1

Mechanical transmission drive hazards

125

6.2

Hydraulic and pneumatic drive hazards

130

6.3

Tractor drive shafts hazards

134

6.4

Hazardous energy sources

143

CHAPTER 7

SAFETY IN MACHINERY TRANSPORT

147

Introduction

147

7.1

Machinery transport on public roads

147

7.2

Causes of machinery accidents on public roads

148

7.3

Hazards and safety on rural/farm roads

153

7.4

Safety on Nigeria roads

158

7.5

Causes of road accident on Nigeria roads

159

7.6

Measures of safety on Nigeria roads

160

7.7

Preventing machinery accidents on Nigeria roads

163

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CHAPTER 8

HORTICULTURAL MACHINERY AND SAFE-USE

166

Introduction

166

8.1

Management of horticultural machinery

166

8.2

Horticultural tools and safe uses

167

8.3

Types of tools and tool selection

168

8.4

Hand tools and safe use

170

8.5

Horticultural machinery and safe use

171

8.6

Tree felling with chainsaw and safety

180

8.7

Loggers protective wears

189

8.8

Machinery, tools and equipment safety

190

CHAPTER 9

SAFEGUARDING MACHINERY NOISE

192

Introduction

192

9.1

Measuring noise

192

9.2

Effects of exposure to noise levels and safety

193

9.3

Ear damage and hearing loss

194

9.4

Noise action and limit values in machinery

195

9.5

Noise in agricultural tractors and safe use

195

9.6

Agricultural machinery noise and safety

196

9.7

Selection and use of ear protection devices

198

9.8

Reducing machinery noise levels

199

CHAPTER 10
10

TYPICAL MACHINERY FATALITIES

Introduction

203
203

10.1 Case studies of agricultural fatalities

203

10.2 PTO entanglements and prevention

209

10.3 Transmission fluid fatality

214

10.4 Electrical burns

215

REVISION EXERCISE

217

BIBLOGRAPHY

220

GLOSSARY

227

INDEX

231

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Preface

New ideas and developed technologies in agricultural and horticultural

operations depend to a large extent on scientific research. The diversity of
agricultural and horticultural operations and complexity of agricultural
machinery-use and operations are indices of the increased risks involved
in agricultural production. By implication, their implementation
constitutes factors responsible for increased rate of hazards.
The study of agricultural machinery hazards and safety therefore provides
workers with opportunity to develop skills in accident prevention, better
material and machine handling, signal communication techniques, and
attainment of relevant knowledge in managing primary production
industries. Different hazards require different approach to proffered
solutions. In general, if occupational health hazards are to be reduced,
greater organization and empowerment of the agricultural workforce is
needed.
As long as agriculture underpins the survival of humanity, this book
remains a relevant life security in and around the farm community.
Understanding the value of safety in machinery operations is evident in
decision-making reinforced by theory and practical activities. Hazards
resulting from machinery use, case study of specific accident situation, risk
analysis and precaution to ensure the safety of those who work in farms
and within the vicinity of machinery service centres.

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Your responsibility
is to practice

GOOD

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CHAPTER 1

How Safe is YOUR FARM?

Your farm will be safe... If you follow safety rules

1.0

Introduction

he attitudes and behaviours of farm owners, farm workers and

operators towards farm equipment, handling and safe-use remains
an issue of major concern within the agricultural sector. Efforts to
combat these concerns require availability of safety information made
accessible to agricultural workers, machinery operators and stakeholders
in order to provide a safer farm operation.
Farm and equipment safety education and research in Nigeria has
remained all time limited within the agricultural industry. Therefore, the
agricultural sector remains the largest source of human incapacitation.
Monitoring farm injuries and illnesses have always been hampered by the
lack of adequate records to identify the production group at most risk. In
order to adequately safeguard farm resources and workers, such
information is required for a more secured farm operation.

1.1

Agriculture: a hazardous occupation?

Several analyses and report(s) have classified agriculture as one of the

most hazardous occupations among several others around the world
because of the diversity of the sector. Therefore, one of the most important
tasks for the economy of a developing country like Nigeria is to develop
the agricultural sector. Among the three basic essentials of life (food, cloth
and shelter) food remains the strongest factor for human survival. It rated
highest among the essential needs of man. Hence agriculture could simply
be referred to as a life-safer profession.

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Agricultural activities with hazardous potentials are not much different

from other high-risk human activities. However, the hazards in agriculture
with variable conditions of exposure are more difficult to control. Unlike
other industries, farm activities are carried out under adverse
environmental conditions such as rain, hammattan, hot weather peculiar
with the tropics, and several diverse climatic conditions across the globe.
On the basis of the accident rate per man-hour, records have shown that it
is safer to work in a factory than in a farm.
To attain food sufficiency, all hands must be on deck by every stakeholder
to support farmers through accelerated supply of improved
varieties/species of crops/animals, agricultural machinery and safety
education at all levels. A strong agricultural sector can increase and
generate employment, improve the standard of living, increase the gross
domestic product and contribute to general development.
Nigeria situation toward safety in agricultural production is not different
from most other developing economies of the world. In Nigeria, machinery
are routinely used in unsafe manners with careless abandonment, coupled
with farmers lack of adequate training in safe use of resources to their
health and environmental advantages. Available national data does not
sufficiently identify the number of farm accidents compensation that do
occur, especially among the subsistence groups.

1.2

Agriculture and mechanization

Mechanization has meant great improvements in agricultural operations

over the years. But there is a negative side to the tractors and machinery
that make farms so efficient. However, each year there are injuries and
fatalities among those who work with or near farm machinery. People,
sometimes innocent bystanders, are having limbs crushed or amputated
and are being maimed in other ways by seemingly innocent machinery
usually unnecessarily and after coming into contact with moving parts that
should have been guarded. The most distressing cases involve children.
An analysis of the machinery accidents investigated by HSE, (INDG241)
on fatal injuries revealed the following amazing statistical results:

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a.

Bad work practices were a factor in 75% of machinery accidents

indicating that lack of training and lack of knowledge are issues
needed to be addressed.
b. Maintaining the machine and clearing blockages were identified as
two particularly hazardous activities.
c. 29% of machines had poor guards.
d. 10% of machines had not been properly maintained.
e. Most accidents involved workers in the 17-25 year old age range, with
another peak involving 40-45 year olds.
f. 50% of all accident victims were caught on moving parts.
g. The operator was most often the injured party.
A summary of the fatal injuries occurring in the agricultural sector
(comprising of agriculture, horticulture, forestry and associated industries)
in Great Britain during the year April 1st 2002 to March 2003 which were
investigated by inspectors from the Field Operations Directorate of the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was presented in the chart below:

Figure 1.1: Fatal injuries by cause, 2002/2003. HSE, 2004

Equally, a summary of the fatal injuries occurring in the agricultural sector
during April 2004 to March 2005 investigated Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) was presented in the chart below:

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Figure 1-2: Fatal injuries by cause, 2004/2005. HSE, 2005

For the periods under review, the results indicated that injury due to
vehicular movement, including agricultural transport equipment accounts
for an all time high of 32% and 24% respectively. However, other
machinery related hazards account for a total of 48% and 50% respectively
while fall from height and other forms of injury account for the remaining
percentage.

1.3

Essentials of workers safety

Workers safety remains an important issue in machinery operation

because of the inherent advantages it has on productivity or production
capacity. Although we work to earn a living, safety can be rewarding in
many ways.
Foremost, the choice of safety in farm work can be very beneficial in
satisfying a job, contributing to society, and be independent and
productive. But farm work also can be dangerous. Most farm workers
spend almost two-third of their entire lives working. Every week on the
average, people die at work, lose fingers, develop work-related cancers,
and sustain other kinds of injuries.
When someone is injured at work, people often say accidents happen. But
accidents dont just happen. If you were to review the events leading to
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such accident, you will find that the accident could likely have been
predicted but not prevented. It is a confirmation of the fact that work-related
injuries are predictable, preventable and avoidable.
By proactively implementing prevention strategies, most, if not all, work
related injuries and illnesses can be prevented. Addressing potential
workers safety before they occur is the best way to keep workers safe.
Fixing the problem after an injury happens is often costly and results in
unnecessary disability. This book will challenge students and farmers to
work backwards from injury events to the hazards that caused them and
then to the possible strategies that could have prevented the injury from
occurring in the first place.

1.4

Occupational safety and health act (OSHA)

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was a public law enacted
and called Public Law 91-596 which was passed by the US Congress in
1970 and in part read "... to assure so far as possible every working man
and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to
preserve our human resources" (OSHAct, 1995a, revised).
Several points about OSHA and its application to workplace or
environment need to be clearly understood by everyone involved in the
system, most especially those involved in the agricultural sector. Firstly, an
employer/employee relationship has to exist for OSHA to be applied to a
business or operation. Secondly, standards issued by OSHA specifically for
a work environment should be adequately studied and enforced among
the workers within the system.
For instance, standards issued by OSHA specifically for agriculture have
always been in existence and include; the Roll-Over Protective Structures
standard (ROPS) standard and the Machinery Guarding Standards (MGS)
apply to tractor and machinery manufacturers.
The ROPS standard assures farm tractor operators that if the tractor
overturns; the protective frame or cab will remain substantially intact and
protect the operator (assuming the tractor seatbelt is being worn) from

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being crushed during the overturn. The machinery-guarding standard

assures farmers purchasing a new machine that it will be guarded
according to OSHA standards. The requirements for health and safety at
workplaces are outlined in the occupational health and safety act (OHS Act),
regulation (OHS regulation), and code (OHS code).

1.5

Oshas approach to hazards identification

The OSH Regulation 3.1 of 1996 requires a person who, at a workplace, as

an employer, a contractor, a self-employed person, a person having control
of the workplace or a person having control of access to the workplace
must, as far as practicable employ three step approaches to safety at work.
This approach involves:
Step 1: Identify each hazard to which a person at the workplace is likely to
be exposed;
Step 2: Assess the risk of injury or harm to a person resulting from each
hazard if any,
Step 3: Consider the means by which the risk may be reduced.
This three-step approach to safety agrees with the REC safety model, which
comprises of the following three stages: recognition of hazard, evaluation
of hazard, and control of hazard.
Each stage is enumerated as follows:
Stage 1: recognizing hazards around you
Identify each hazard to which a person at the workplace is likely to be
exposed. To avoid injury or death, you must be able to understand and
recognize hazards when you see one. Sometimes, we take risks ourselves,
but when we are responsible for others at the supervisory/management
level, we should be more careful. Sometimes others see hazards that we
overlook. Hazard recognition tasks are best discussed and plan with your
co-workers.

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Stage 2: evaluating hazards

You need to evaluate the situation or environment you are in and assess
your risks. When evaluating hazards, it is best to identify all possible
hazards first, and then evaluate the risk of injury that may arise from each
hazard. Do not assume that a risk is low until you evaluate the hazard. It is
dangerous to overlook hazards.
Stage 3: controlling hazards
In order to control hazards, you must first create a safe work environment
by using safework practices, and reporting hazards to a supervisor or
teacher, and then work in a safe manner. Generally, it is best to remove the
hazards altogether and create an environment that is truly safe.
Note: It takes effort to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards else you
may be injured or killed. If you use the safety model appropriately to
recognize, evaluate, and control hazards, you will be much safer on the
farm.

1.6

Nigeria safety policy

The Federal Military Government of Nigeria in 1986 formulated a National

Health Policy and strategy, to achieve Health for all Nigerians by the year
2000 and beyond. This policy has been reviewed twice, first in 1988 and
then in 1996. In 1996, a national action plan was drawn to cover the period
1996 to 2005, which has also been adjusted in line with visions 2010 and
2015/2020
Also the Industrial Court, Labour Unions and the government and other
safety agencies including the Nigeria Institute of Safety Professionals
(NISP) have done so much on enforcing industrial safety laws in ensuring
machinery safety in our workplaces, ensuring accident victim
compensation rights as well as enforcing organisations obligations toward
workers corporate and social responsibilities.

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Despite the efforts of the industrial safety laws and other measures from
the organised Labour Unions and the government, the tide of the abuse of
equipment and machinery use on one hand and protection of workers
against hazards resulting from such abuses on the other hand have not
been stemmed. Despite these efforts, not much has been achieved in
safeguarding workplace accidents and injuries. Several field experiences
and surveys carried out in the past has revealed the level of ignorance and
lack of compliance to machinery safety rules and the consequence of
breaking such rules are grave and costly.

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CHAPTER 2
AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY HAZARDS
Machinery could be fascinating.... but hazardous.
They neither think nor reason, but adapts to your instructions...

2.

Introduction

gricultural machinery refers to any machine or implement used in

every stages of production. All these machinery uses mechanical
power and thus have similar characteristic hazards with all
industrial and domestic machines. Todays agricultural machinery are
extremely specialized and designed to perform many different tasks.

Figure 2-1: Typical agricultural machinery

While these mechanical systems save valuable time and are beneficial to
agricultural productivity, they also present an ever-present danger to the
people who operate them. The purpose of this chapter is to acquaint the
students (trainees) with various factors responsible for hazards and those
factors associated with moving machinery parts, farmstead equipment,
chemicals and fertilizer application etc. and the need to protect employees
from hazards resulting from these machines used in agricultural operation.
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2.1

Causes of machinery hazards

The following factors among many others are the major causes of
machinery hazards if not properly put under control:

a. Farmers attitude to machinery use

Farmers attitude about safety is a very important factor in preventing or
increasing the rate of accident occurrence. Farmers are often in a hurry to
either get a job done, trying to rush over a job or getting frustrated with
delays and breakdowns can cause mental strain which could lead to
accident situation. Preoccupation with prompt completion of work or other
distractions can divert attention from hazards involved in the job and thus
increase the likelihood of accident.

b. The operator factor

Machinery operator factor plays a vital role and is seen as a major
determinant in accident causes and the following are identified:
i. Operators emotional condition: The machine operator singularly
contributes significantly to farm accidents. The physical and mental
condition of the operator may lead to poor decision-making, unsafe
actions, or impaired capabilities. An aggrieved operator is bound to
lose concentration on the job and this could be dangerous, also poor
decision making, over-estimation or under-estimation of a particular
circumstance could lead to machinery fatality. Operators who are
psychologically or emotionally unstable have caused more damage
than good.
ii. Operators age constraint: Age can equally affect both the physical and
the mental condition of an operator. Young operators may have
knowledge but limited in experience, and their lack of awareness of
hazards increases the possibility of an accident. Older workers may be
experienced but often have slower reaction times and lacks the agility
to react physically to some situations, particularly when the work area
is slippery.

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iii. Operators attitude: Knowledge of hazards alone is not enough to

prevent accidents. A positive attitude about safety is needed to make
use of the knowledge. Does the operator perceive the power take off
(PTO) operation as hazardous? Does he or she take the time to install
or replace missing guards? Does the operator knowingly or
unknowingly place himself or herself in a hazardous situation,
particularly when mounting, dismounting, or adjusting controls from
the rear of the tractor? All these questions are vital to determining
operators attitude towards safety.

c. The machinery condition

Accidents are not always as a result of human error, often the machinery
condition may be a major contributory factor. The tractor or implement
may have been purchased without adequate and proper shielding, poor
designs, failure of operating systems etc. For instance, the design of older
tractors to be mounted and dismounted from the rear makes it impossible
for operators to avoid coming close to the PTO. Equipment that requires
removing the master shield to couple it to the PTO may also present
hazards to the operator.

d. The machinery maintenance factor

Machinery maintenance is another factor affecting the kevel of machine
hazard. Poorly maintained machinery have high tendency of harbouring
hazard due to frequent machinery breakdown. All equipment should be
thoroughly cleaned with a high-pressure washer to remove dirt and trash
residue. Accumulated trash and dirt can create fire hazards, electrical
malfunctions, corrosion and rust of equipment, which may result in
breakdowns.
Many operators follow a good cleanup with a wax job to help protect the
equipment from corrosion, oxidation and major downtime. Once
equipment is clean, farmers should thoroughly service and lubricate the
machine. The following components of machinery and equipment require
some level of maintenance to avoid them constituting a hazard point.

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a. Engine /power train components: After cleaning the outside of the cooling
system, check the coolant level, amount of anti-freeze protection and its
condition. Dependent upon your service interval, it may be necessary to
drain the system, flush the radiator and refill with proper coolant and
service the coolant filter as required, if installed.
Harmful acid accumulation in oil pan can damage engine components
over the long wet months. Farmers should pay particular attention to
the condition of their crankcase oil during rain operations. Regularly
service your engine and replace both oil and fuel filters.

Figure 2-2: Typical compression ignition engines

Contaminants can cause extensive damage to hydraulic systems.
Equipment owners should check their tractor or combine fuel tanks, as
well as their farm's bulk tanks, for condensation. Always filter the fuel
and keep it clean and fresh for operation.
b. Electrical components: Frayed or broken wires must be replaced, repair
broken gauges, lights and switches. On idle machines, the battery
ground cable should be disconnected from the battery to avoid
corrosive build-up and possible battery discharge.
c. Tillage tools and components: As minimum tillage requiring chemical
incorporation becomes more popular, tillage tools are growing larger
and more sophisticated. These demands have led to the development of
more sophisticated hydraulic systems.

Page | 26

For instance, today's tillage multi-wing folding units require several

hydraulic cylinders to properly perform their tasks. Regular
maintenance of these complex mechanisms is required to keep the
equipment in good condition.

Figure 2-3: Multi-wing slurry injection tank

Thorough coating of all hydraulic cylinder rods with a protective
lubricant is advised against rust. Rusted cylinder rods can quickly
damage seals. Dont forget to check the shanks on field cultivators.
Worn shank bushings or pins should be replaced.
d. Planters/drills components: Like other equipment, planters and drills
should be cleaned of any build-up, especially the seed or fertilizer
hoppers. Make sure all movable parts are free and not stuck due to
chemical corrosion. Operators should check all moving parts for
excessive wear.

Figure 2-4: A typical seeder/ planter

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On air planters, the condition of the cut-off brush is very important and
should be adjusted properly. Finally, lubricate all moving parts and
inspect all chains and other drive mechanisms for excessive wear or
misalignment.
e. Harvesting equipment: Combine headers require special storage care. It is
suggested that a closely monitored inspection of the header units, for
worn, bent or broken parts and replacing them as needed guarantee
efficiency of operation and safety. Proper adjustment of belts and
chains is critical to prolong wear.
Operators should check al drives, auger, retractable fingers and stripper
bars of the grain header etc for effective operation. Knife guards and
other parts should be inspected for wear and replaced as needed.
Round out the check up by lubricating and properly adjusting the grain
header. Stalk roll knives should be sharpened or replaced and
lubricated, and auger systems checked for proper function.

Figure 2-5: Sugar beet header

Remove the corn head check up by lubricating all main points
including chains and other moving parts. Finally, equipment tyres
should be cleaned and inspected for possible cuts. Check tyre pressures
before storing equipment and inflate them as necessary.
Page | 28

f. Seasonal machinery checks: Off-season is the time to make those necessary

repairs and adjustments to avoid undue downtime during the next
busy season. During the busy early rainy season, electrical problems
often are the most time-consuming to trace and repair.
Dry season is a good time to check for loose connections, check for
worn belts, loose bolts, oil leaks and the condition of all hoses, in
addition to operational/ performance checks.
Proper off-season machinery storage will add value to your farm
equipment, increase its lifespan and decrease your operating costs.
Before storing machinery unit, all soil engaging tools should be
thoroughly cleaned and coated with a lubricant to guard against rust.

2.2

Safety checks in handling agricultural machinery

Accidents are most likely to happen when machinery operators are not in
top physical or emotional condition or when they are tired, ill, worried,
angry, or have their minds on something else. However, constant alertness
is also necessary to prevent machinery accidents. The operator must be
aware of hazards and remain alert to situations that are potentially
dangerous. These hazards alertness include:
a. Preoperational checks on starting, operating, transporting, towing, field
repair and maintenance of the machinery is required.
b. Hand signals: Since spoken instructions are very difficult to hear over
the sounds of most machinery, knowledge of hand signals can be
extremely helpful to the operator when manoeuvring especially in tight
places.
c. Safety before starting: The more you know about the machinery, the
better prepared you will be to safely operate it. If the machinery is run
(operated) inside a building, make sure to open the doors to provide
good ventilation. Always clean the machine before starting. Trash
around exhaust system can cause fires, remove them. Oil, grease or
mud on ladders or the platform can cause serious falls, so clean them
with solvent. If the machinery is equipped with a cab, clean the glass to
provide maximum visibility.

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d. Check the tyre pressure each day. Under-inflation can cause buckling of
the sidewall, which can cause dangerous tyre failure. Over-inflated
tyres have a great deal of "bounce" and cause upsets more readily than
tyres with correct pressure. Always use the handrails and ladders
provided on the combine for safe mounting and dismounting.

2.3

Responsibility for machinery safety

One of the most common causes of injury and death in workplaces is as a

result of the unsafe use of equipment. These injuries can ordinarily be
prevented by accepting responsibility for equipment safe-use and taking
necessary precautions.
Farm owners are assumed to be responsible and should therefore accept the
responsibility for the safety of their workers. They must ensure that
employees and family workers are trained on the proper and safe ways to
do their jobs. Precariously, most entrepreneurs are not accepting such
responsibilities and by so doing expose workers to gruesome dangers.

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