Safe Tractor Operations 1

Transcription

1 Circular 568 October 1992 Safe Tractor Operations 1 William J. Becker and Richard P. Cromwell 2 Tractor accidents are the number one cause of agricultural fatalities in Florida. They cause 40 percent of the accidental deaths on our farms, ranches, and groves. The majority of these fatalities are the result of overturns and drivers or riders falling from tractors. Safer tractor operations could eliminate many of these accidents. WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TRACTOR SAFETY? Owners, managers, and tractor operators have a responsibility for safe tractor operations. Owners have responsibilities for providing a safe environment, safe equipment, safety policies, and programs designed to prevent accidents. Managers have responsibilities for maintaining safe equipment and providing the day-to-day supervision of the safety policies and programs. Tractor operators are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of their tractors. ELEMENTS OF TRACTOR SAFETY There are three major elements which need consideration in the development of a safe tractor operation program. They are the ENVIRONMENT, the TRACTOR, and the TRACTOR OPERATOR. Accidents are the result of hazards. A "safe" driver operating a "safe" tractor in a hazardous environment is inviting an accident. Likewise, a "safe" environment with an "unsafe" tractor or driver is likely to result in an accident. Accident reduction is the result of a safe operator on a safe tractor operating in a safe environment: the hazards have been minimized. The Environment Many tractor accidents are caused by environmental hazards. Tractor overturns in canals, ditches, and washouts are common. Highway travel, blind corners, narrow bridges and culverts, sharp turns, steep terrain, and slippery and rough surfaces are other environmental hazards. Inspect the environment in which tractor drivers must operate. Identify the hazards and take action to eliminate them. Implement the following suggestions to reduce the environmental hazards: Increase the turning area at row ends. Give the tractor operator room for safe turns without coming too close to ditches and canals. Move field roads further from canals and ditches. Control the vegetation and/or clearly mark the location of canals, ditches, and other hazards. 1. This document, Circular 568, was published October 1987 and last reviewed October 1992 by the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. For more information contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. 2. Professor and Extension Safety Specialist, Associate Professor and Extension Farm Machinery Specialist, respectively, Agricultural Engineering Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 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 / John T. Woeste, Dean

2 Safe Tractor Operations Page 2 Maintain field roads. Widen the roads, bridges, and culverts. Eliminate sharp, blind corners or curves and rough or slippery surfaces. Eliminate or reduce tractor travel on highways. Arrange the necessary highway travel during hours when travel is light and visibility is good. Prune or hedge trees to improve visibility and reduce the danger of accidents caused by tree limbs. Remove tree stumps and other field obstacles. Conduct walk-through inspections of hillsides for washouts before beginning tractor operations. Clearly mark or fill dangerous washouts. Inspect the farmstead or machinery storage and service area. Correct dangerous traffic patterns and hazards to safe travel. The Tractor Modern farm tractors are much safer than tractors of 10, 20 or 30 years ago. However, today s tractors are more complex and, unless the tractor operator understands the tractor and maintains and operates it properly, it can be a dangerous machine. A roll-over protective structure (ROPS) is an effective tractor safety feature, but it must be used with a seat belt. Tractors with a wide wheel base and low center of gravity have more stability and are less likely to overturn. Improved hitch designs and proper distribution of weight, with or without rear-wheel or front-end mounted weights, have improved tractor stability and have reduced the danger of overturns. Improved shielding of power take-off shafts, improved hydraulic designs, improved brakes, better visibility, and other features such as running lights, adjustable seats, and steering wheels have all contributed to safer tractors. A few features, however, have been counterproductive to safety. Increased rear-axle torque can increase the risk of rear overturns. Increased speed can increase side overturns due to centrifugal forces on curves or corners. Management has the responsibility of providing operators with a safe tractor. The following safety features of a tractor should be considered. Most tractors should be equipped with a roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and operable seat belts. Certain tractors are exempt however, such as tractors manufactured prior to October, 1976; tractors with less than 20 horsepower; and lowprofile tractors when used in groves, farm buildings, or greenhouses where the vertical clearance would interfere with normal operations. Tractors are exempt, also, when mounted equipment would be incompatible with ROPS. A tractor s design or use may cause it to be exempt from ROPS and seat belt requirements. However, this exemption is no excuse for avoiding these safety features. If the use of the tractor permits ROPS and seat belts, they should be provided. On tractors with adjustable wheel widths, operate the tractor with the widest wheel adjustment practical for the operation being performed. Add weights to the tractor to increase operating stability. Check that the power take-off (PTO) and other moving part shields are in place and in good condition. Check the brakes individually. Then check the brakes when locked together to insure straightline stops when traveling at transport speeds. Inspect all hydraulic lines for condition and fit. Sudden failure could result in losing control of the tractor or equipment. In addition, operators can be seriously injured if sprayed with hot, highpressure hydraulic fluid. Insure that the tractor is matched to the load. Over- or under-powered units can be dangerous. Be sure that running lights are properly mounted, clean, and visible. Two headlights and two taillights, widely spaced, should be visible to other traffic. The slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem should be center-mounted, with the bottom edge not more than six feet above ground level. The SMV

3 Safe Tractor Operations Page 3 should be clean and should be replaced before the fluorescent triangle fades to pale yellow. Mount a tri-class fire extinguisher rated at 2-A, 10-B:C or better on your tractor. Mount a dust-proof and waterproof first aid kit on your tractor. Equip tractors used in dusty conditions, or for applying pesticides, with cabs which provide filtered air. Platform tractors--modified grove tractors on which the operators stand--should have a clean, skid-proof platform and should be equipped with a safety belt or harness. Pre-operational checks should be performed daily, following the guidelines within the operator s manual. Management should attempt to schedule one operator to one tractor. Operators assigned to drive different tractors tend to become confused in crisis situations. The controls are different, and a splitsecond delay in reacting to a crisis can result in an overturn or other accident. When more than one operator drives a tractor, the tractor is no longer "mine". Care of the tractor diminishes and the blame for lack of maintenance and/or damage is shifted to the "other driver". The Tractor Operator Management s responsibility does not end with a safe environment and safe tractor--there are still responsibilities in the selection, training, motivation, and supervision of tractor operators. It would be ideal if highly motivated, competent, and experienced drivers could always be employed but, unfortunately, such is not the case. In selection of tractor operators there are certain factors to consider. Seek drivers who have demonstrated dependability with you or other employers. Look for individuals who can hold a job. Seek drivers who have the necessary physical and mental attitudes. Certainly, individuals with an alcohol or drug dependency are unacceptable. Seek individuals who demonstrate concern about the physical appearance and maintenance of themselves, their health, their clothing, their automobiles, and their homes. The Federal Labor Standards Act requires that individuals operating, driving, or riding on a tractor with more than 20 PTO horsepower must be 16 years of age or, if 14 or 15 years of age, a student learner in a bona fide vocational agricultural program or holding a certificate of completion from a 4-H Federal Extension Service Training or U.S. Office of Education Vocational Agriculture Training program. The only notable exception is that youths of any age can be employed by their parents to work on a farm owned or operated by the parents. Management has a responsibility for training tractor operators. All employees who operate agricultural tractors shall be informed of certain safe operating practices when first assigned to operate a tractor and at least annually thereafter. The following instructions (rules) are required for all tractor operators employed by agribusinesses under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). However, these same instructions should apply to all tractor drivers. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a ROPS. Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments, and holes. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and on rough, slick, or muddy surfaces. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation. Watch where you are going, especially at row ends, on roads, and around trees. Do not permit others to ride. Operate the tractor smoothly--no jerky turns, starts, or stops. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended by tractor manufacturers. When the tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and use park lock if available.

4 Safe Tractor Operations Page 4 In addition, there are other rules which should be followed. Riders should never be permitted on towed or mounted equipment unless the operation requires riders; i.e., transplanters, harvesters. Unauthorized personnel should never be permitted to operate a tractor. Be aware of other workers and machines. have a responsibility for their safety. You Know and use the common hand signals to communicate with others in the area. Operators should never dismount from a tractor when the engine is running, unless the operation requires such action. Mounting and dismounting from the tractor should be done properly; slips and falls cause numerous injuries. Operators should consume no alcoholic beverages or drugs (including medications) during work hours or for four hours immediately preceding work hours. Tractor operators should acknowledge that tractor driving is a privilege extended only to trustworthy and dependable employees. Drivers should appreciate their importance in a total safety program in which every reasonable effort is made to provide a safe environment and a safe tractor to a competent, safe driver. Tractor drivers should report all unsafe conditions to their immediate supervisor. The goal is to prevent property damage or personal injury accidents. Supervisors have the responsibility of seeing that all tractor operators have a complete understanding of all instructions and rules. Further, they have the responsibility to see that these instructions and rules are followed and that appropriate corrective action is taken when intentional or unintentional violations occur. Tractor operators should have a clear understanding of the consequences of safety violations. They need to understand that repeated violations of safety practices may result in reassignment to a non-tractor driving position and that consumption of alcoholic beverages, failure to use personal protective equipment, permitting riders, or other serious violations might result in immediate dismissal. Management should consider a program of incentives for tractor operators who achieve a creditable safety record. Continued employment is a common incentive. A small salary increase, bonus, or paid vacation days are possible incentives for a tractor operator who has gone through a season without a property damage or personal injury accident. Some employers also find small awards presented monthly to be effective tools to promote safety. Tractor operators are responsible for daily preoperational checks of their tractor even if a shop mechanic has responsibility for the daily and periodic servicing of all tractors. This pre-operational check should include at least the following activities. Check oil, fuel, and other fluid levels. Check for any oil, fuel, or fluid leaks. Check tire condition and inflation levels. Make sure that platforms and steps are clean and free of debris and tools. Check to see that lights, brakes, and steering mechanism are all functioning properly. Be sure that all gauges are giving proper readings and that there is no unusual engine, transmission or hydraulic system sounds. Your tractor might require additional preoperational checks. Know what they are and check them daily or more frequently. Study the maintenance manual for your tractor. Your tractor is not the only "machine" that needs a pre-operational check. You do, too. Are you fit to drive? Good! On the other hand, are you too sick, too tired, or too angry to drive? Do you have medication or other substances in your body which might adversely affect your judgment, attention, or reaction time? If your answer is "Yes" to any of these questions, DON T DRIVE.

5 Safe Tractor Operations Page 5 WHEN YOU ARE ALERT: Decide to stop + brake applied in 3/4 seconds = STOP SAFELY IF YOU ARE TIRED: Decide to stop + brake applied in one second = STOP JUST IN TIME IF YOU ARE ILL, DRUGGED, OR INTOXICATED: Decide to stop + brake applied in 1 1/4 seconds = STOP TOO LATE Conduct a pre-operational check of your clothing. It should be comfortable and close-fitting, with no loose ends which could easily be caught in moving parts. Wear shoes with protective steel-tipped toes and skid-resistant soles. Consider the other personal protective equipment you should be wearing and check its condition. This may include a respirator, eye and/or ear protectors, and protective clothing such as head gear, gloves, and boots. If you smoke, never smoke when fueling the tractor, around dry materials, or when working with pesticides. After applying pesticides, thoroughly wash before smoking or eating. Shower immediately and change clothing. Continue your personal check for safety throughout the day. You must stay alert. Do what can be done to increase your comfort; discomfort is distracting and leads to fatigue. Take short, frequent breaks. Stretch, move around. Drink small amounts of nonalcoholic beverages frequently. Eat moderately. If you are exhausted, stop. The accident you prevent might well save your life. SPECIAL OPERATING PROBLEMS Highway Travel. Limit highway travel to a minimum. Attempt to do your highway traveling when traffic is at a minimum and visibility is good. Make certain the SMV emblems are properly mounted and visible. All lights should be operable and used if there is any question about visibility. Tractor operators must follow all rules of the road, except one: A VALID DRIVER S LICENSE IS NOT REQUIRED. Always ride to the right edge of the road, giving other vehicles every opportunity to pass. Make certain that your maneuvers when entering, turning, or leaving the highway do not interfere with other traffic. Your slower movement and the fact that trailing equipment might swing into the oncoming lane require your special attention. The brakes should be locked together for highway travel. Since tractor brakes have limited holding power, use low gears whenever taking heavy loads up or down hills. Front End Loaders. Front end loaders can make tractors unstable and subject to side turnovers. Tractors, when used with front-end loaders, should have wide wheel settings and rear weights added as needed. Travel with the bucket in a low position and at slow speeds, especially when turning or on rough or slippery terrain. Avoid fast starts and stops. A ROPS with an overhead canopy can protect an operator from loads dropping from a raised loader. Steep Slopes. Sometimes a tractor must be operated on a steep slope. Always back up or drive down those steep slopes to prevent rear overturns. If a tractor must be operated across the slope, use the widest possible wheel adjustment, very slow speeds, and extra caution in watching for obstacles that the wheels might hit. Turn the front wheels downhill at the first indication that the tractor may be becoming unstable. Getting Unstuck. Getting stuck is not only embarrassing, but it can be a very dangerous situation. Always try to back out. Trying to drive forward is dangerous and can result in a rear overturn. If you cannot back out, get towed out forward by hitching to the tractor frame. If the tractor must be towed out backward, hitch only to the drawbar. When towing, use a chain or steel cable and tighten the chain or cable slowly. Do not use a nylon rope. These ropes can stretch, break and then snap back, resulting in serious injury or death. Loading Tractors. When loading a tractor onto a trailer or truck, always load on level, stable ground. Make certain that the truck or trailer cannot move by setting the brakes and/or blocking the wheels. Whenever possible, slowly back the tractor onto the truck or trailer. Make certain no one is behind the tractor or near the trailer during the loading operation. Lock the brakes on the tractor and secure

6 Safe Tractor Operations Page 6 it to the trailer, using chains and load binders. Do not over tighten the chains and lock or wire the load binders so they cannot open. TRACTOR OPERATOR CHECKLIST A "Tractor Operator Checklist" is provided for your consideration and recommended uses are: to evaluate the competence of new or potential tractor operators, for the annual evaluation or in-servicing of tractor operators, and for evaluating the competence of an operator assigned to a new or different tractor. The checklist can be used as shown, or it may be modified to better meet your specific needs. If a service mechanic is responsible for some of the maintenance functions, these items might be inappropriate 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.

7 Safe Tractor Operations Page 7 TRACTOR OPERATOR CHECKLIST DIRECTIONS: This checklist is designed to evaluate a tractor operator s abilities to safely maintain and operate a tractor. Check the "YES" column if the operator can perform the activity, the "NO" column if the operator cannot perform the activity, and the "NOT APPLICABLE (N/A)" column if the activity is not appropriate for this tractor or operation. MAKE OF TRACTOR MODEL ACTIVITY/CONDITION YES NO N/A PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTION Is the operator: Physically capable and mentally alert? Wearing close-fitting clothes and proper shoes? Wearing ear, eye, and respiratory protectors as needed? Eating and drinking in moderation? (No alcohol, drugs or medication!) Using basic hand signals? PREPARING THE TRACTOR/EQUIPMENT FOR SAFE OPERATION Do you operate the tractor in closed buildings? (You should not!) Do you check the fire extinguisher for location and condition? Do you check the first aid kit for location and contents? Do you read and understand decals on the tractor? Do you ensure the "Power Take-Off" (PTO) and other shields are in place? Do you ensure that steps and platform are free from dirt and grease? Do you ensure the "Slow Moving Vehicle" (SMV) emblem is in place and clean? Do you ensure the lights are working? Do you check for loose tools and parts? Do you ensure the windows are clean? Do you read and understand all controls? Do you check tires for condition and pressure? Do you check the oil level and add oil as needed? Do you check the air cleaner and service as needed? Do you check the coolant level and add coolant as needed? Do you check the electrolyte level of the battery and add water to the battery as needed? (Do not light matches or smoke while doing this!) Do you check, clean, coat, and tighten battery connections? Do you locate all grease fittings and clean and lubricate them? Do you refuel the tractor? (Be sure the engine is cool and NO SMOKING!) Do you adjust the wheel width? Do you add or remove weights? Do you ensure the equipment is properly serviced and adjusted?

8 Safe Tractor Operations Page 8 MAKE OF TRACTOR MODEL ACTIVITY/CONDITION YES NO N/A STARTING, OPERATING, AND STOPPING THE TRACTOR/EQUIPMENT Do you ensure the area is clear of people, pets and obstacles? Do you adjust the seat for comfort? Do you start the tractor (to operate it? As opposed to trying to push it?) Do you check gauges for proper readings? Do you listen for unusual sounds coming from the tractor? (If present, shut the engine off!) Do you check the brakes? Do you warm the engine before applying a heavy load? Do you always operate the tractor while sitting in the seat? (Never try operating the tractor from the ground!) Do you raise, lower, and extend the drawbar? Do you clean and oil the PTO shafts and splines? Do you connect, disconnect and shield the PTO? Do you mount hydraulic cylinder to equipment? Do you clean, connect and disconnect hydraulic lines? Do you connect and disconnect electrical connections? Do you check hydraulic controls for proper operation? Do you engage the PTO slowly and check for proper operation? Do you operate equipment at the proper forward speed? Do you operate equipment at the Proper PTO speed? Do you watch and listen to equipment and shut off power at first notice of malfunction? Do you shut off equipment before adjusting, unclogging and servicing it? Do you observe all traffic rules on the road? Do you lock brakes together for high speed travel? Do you shift gears properly? Do you watch for obstructions while tractor is in operation? Do you back slowly and watch behind? Do you back out or get towed when stuck? Do you keep tractor in slow gear going down hills? Do you cool the engine before shutting off?

9 Safe Tractor Operations Page 9 EMPLOYEE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a roll-over protection structure (ROPS). 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. 5. Watch where you are going, especially at row ends, on roads, and around trees. 6. Do not permit others to ride. 7. Operate the tractor smoothly--no jerky turns, starts, or stops. 8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended by tractor manufacturers. 9. When tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and use park lock if available. Figure 3. Minimum operating instructions required. CERTIFICATION EQUIPMENT is certified to operate the following tractors and equipment DATE SUPERVISOR CERTIFICATION has received instruction on the safety practices and procedures for the maintenance and operation of the named tractor. (Signature of Supervisor) I have received instruction in the safety practices and procedures for the maintenance and operation of the named tractor. I will maintain and operate this tractor in a safe and proper manner. (Date) (Signature of Tractor Operator) NOTE: Maintain completed checklist and certification as a record of instruction.