Hazardous areas on agricultural machines
Many agricultural machines have potentially dangerous moving parts, which can cause serious or fatal injuries. For example:
- balers – pick-ups, twine mechanisms and moving rear doors;
- forage harvesters – chopping cylinders;
- combine harvesters – augers in the grain tank and the header unit;
- potato harvesters – rotating rollers and conveyors;
- slurry tankers – power take-off (PTO) shafts;
- bale and straw choppers – chopping mechanisms;
- tractor – hitch mechanisms, PTOs and PTO shafts;
- power harrows – rotating tines;
- feeder wagons – rotating components in the mixing chamber
Before you start
Before using a machine, consider the following:
- Is the machine you intend to use suitable for the job?
- Are all safety devices such as guards in place and working correctly?
- Are you (or the operator) properly trained to do this job/use this machine?
- Has the instruction manual for the machine been provided, read and understood?
- Is the right personal protective equipment (PPE) available and worn?
- Has a risk assessment been carried out?
- Has the work been properly planned and communicated to those who may be at risk?
- If two or more people are involved, has everyone understood what needs to be done and has a system of communication been agreed on?
Is the machine operator competent to do the job safely?
- Are all operators/workers trained to do this job?
- Workers should not use a machine unless they are properly trained and know how to use it safely.
- You should also check that any contractors you intend to use are competent to do the job. Don't forget that training is needed by casual or seasonal workers
- Is suitable clothing and footwear available and worn (including any PPE)?
- Safety boots should usually be worn when using machinery and operators should wear clothes that will not snag on machinery or controls.
- Any jewellery (including watches and rings) that might snag should be removed and long hair tied back so it does not get caught up in moving parts.
- Have operators been provided with relevant information?
- The operator should read and understand the instruction manual.
