Farm equipment may include any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform a variety of tasks. Examples of farm equipment include:
- balers
- conveyors
- manure spreaders
- bale choppers
- mowers
- shredders
- harvesters
- grinders
- blowers
- power washers
- augers
Hazards of farm equipment
Different types of farm machinery tend to have similar characteristics and parts including:
- cutting edges
- gears
- chains
- levers
- revolving shafts
- rotating blades
The main hazards associated with exposure to these parts include:
- shear/cutting points
- pinch points
- wrap points
- crush points
- pull-in points
- free-wheeling parts
- springs
- hydraulic systems
Shear/cutting points
Shear points are created when the edges of two objects are moved close enough together to cut a material, as in the case of a pair of shears or an auger. Cutting points are created when a single object moves forcefully or rapidly enough to cut, as in the case of a sickle blade.
Shear points and cutting points are hazards because of their cutting force, and because they often move so rapidly that they may not be visible. Workers should be aware of shear points and shields or use guards to prevent exposure or access.
Pinch points
Pinch points form when two objects move together and at least one of them is moving in a circle. For example, the point at which a belt runs onto a pulley is a pinch point. Belt drives, chain drives and gear drives are other examples of pinch points in power transmission devices.
Body parts such as fingers, hands and feet can be caught directly in pinch points, or they may be drawn into the pinch points by loose clothing that becomes entangled. Workers should be aware of pinch points and shields or use guards to prevent exposure or access.
Wrap points
Rotating shafts are the most common source of wrap point accidents, although any exposed machine part that rotates can be a wrap point. Clothing or hair can catch on a rotating part.
The ends of shafts that protrude beyond bearings are also dangerous. Universal joints, keys and fastening devices can also snag clothing. Entanglement with a wrap point can pull a worker into the machine, or clothing may become tightly wrapped, crushing or suffocating a worker.
Workers who operate machinery should be aware of wrap points and should not wear loose clothing. In addition, operators should use shields or guards where possible to prevent access.
Crush points
Two objects can create crush points when they move toward each other or one object moves toward a stationary one. For example, hitching a tractor to an attachment may create a potential crush point and failure to block up equipment safely can result in a crushing injury.
Crushing injuries most commonly occur to fingers. To prevent a crushing injury, workers should be aware of crush points and wait until a tractor has stopped before stepping into the hitching area. Workers should also arrange the hitch point to back the tractor into position without a worker being in the path and should block any machine that can move before doing any work under or near it.
Pull-in points
Pull-in points usually occur when plant material or other obstacles become stuck in feed rolls or other machinery parts, preventing the mechanism from operating. A worker trying to free such material without shutting down or locking out the power can be rapidly pulled into the mechanism when the material is freed. (See lockout procedures for farming operations )
Free-wheeling parts
Many machine parts continue to spin after the power is either shut off or locked out. Workers should not start repair or maintenance work until all parts have stopped moving, even if equipment is locked out. This may take a few minutes.
Examples of free-wheeling parts include:
- cutter heads of forage harvesters
- hammer mills of feed grinders
- rotary mower blades/fans
- flywheels
Springs
Springs are commonly used to help lift equipment such as shock absorbers and to keep belts tight and may harbour potentially dangerous stored energy. Springs under compression will expand with great force when released while stretched springs will contract rapidly when released.
A worker should know in which direction a spring will move and how it might affect another machine part when released and stay out of its path.
Hydraulic systems
Hydraulic systems store considerable energy and are used to:
- lift and change the position of attachments
- operate hydraulic motors
- assist in steering and braking
Leaks from hydraulic systems are a serious hazard because of the high pressure and temperature of the fluid contained in the system. Even fine jets of hydraulic fluid can burn or pierce skin and tissue.
Workers should:
- never inspect hydraulic hoses with their hands
- wear long sleeves, heavy gloves and safety glasses when checking for leaks
- always follow the instructions in the operator’s manual because the specific procedures for servicing these systems are very important for one’s safety
Where appropriate, a properly qualified and certified mechanic should perform repairs and maintenance. Workers should not perform work under raised hydraulic equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Hearing protection
In work environments where noise levels exceed 85 decibels, workers must wear hearing protection.
There are many types of hearing protection, including earplugs or muffs. Provide your workers with hearing protection that is suitable for the work environment and provides adequate noise reduction.
To learn more about hearing protection requirements, read our guide to the noise regulation.
Respiratory protection
There are many types of respirators available to protect against a variety of atmospheric hazards. It is important that the respirator used for a particular job protects against the hazard in question. Using the wrong respirator can be as dangerous as not wearing one at all. All respirators must fit well and provide a proper seal with the wearer’s face in order to provide adequate protection.
Disposable respirators
You should provide workers with disposable respirators to use where dust, mist or fumes may be present.
Chemical cartridge respirators
To filter out gases and organic vapours, you should provide workers with chemical cartridge respirators. These respirators are hazard-specific, meaning that a cartridge designed to filter out a particular gas will not protect a worker from exposure to a different gas.
Powered air purifying respirators
Where there may be excessive dust levels or pesticides, you should provide workers with powered air purifying respirators. These respirators are battery operated with replaceable cartridges that are hazard-specific and have a constant airflow to make breathing easier.
Gas masks
You should provide workers with gas masks to use where there may be exposure to high concentrations of specific gases. They usually have a full-face piece and canister attached.
Supplied air respirators
Make sure your workers do not use disposable respirators, chemical cartridge respirators, powered air purifying respirators or gas masks in oxygen deficient atmospheres.
Where there may be exposure to highly toxic and oxygen deficient atmospheres, you should provide workers with supplied air respirators. These respirators come with the air supply in a tank, a small emergency bottle and have positive pressure for use in toxic atmospheres.
Make sure that your workers follow confined space entry procedures.
Eye protection
Where there is a danger of flying objects, particles, liquids, sprays or other matter entering the eyes, you should provide workers with eye protection. Protection can take many forms including:
- safety glasses
- goggles
- full face protection
Foot protection
Foot protection is usually in the form of steel-toed work boots, with a steel shank to protect the bottom of the foot from puncture wounds. In wet environments, steel-toed boots that are waterproof and slip-resistant may be necessary. The type of foot protection will depend on the work being done and the hazards involved.
Hand protection
Gloves offer good protection for the hands. They may be made of many different materials such as cotton, leather, rubber or other water resistant materials. The specific hazard and job task should determine the type of gloves chosen.
Head protection
Head injuries can occur under various circumstances including working:
- where there is the danger of a slip or fall
- with unpredictable animals
- in confined areas where there are low ceilings
- where there may be falling objects
Where your workers may encounter hazards that can cause head injuries, you should make sure that they wear hard hats, bump caps, helmets or other types of head protection.
Body protection
Workers may require body protection in various situations including working in dusty environments, spraying liquid pesticides or handling dangerous chemicals. Body protection may include an apron, coveralls or a full rain suit.
You should provide your workers with protective chaps or leg protection to wear when using a chainsaw. The most appropriate type of protection will depend on the hazard to be controlled.
Fall protection
Fall protection includes the use of safety belts, harnesses and lifelines to prevent injury due to a fall from a height. Learn more about protection from slips, trips and falls.