Identify Hazards and the Associated Risks

The process of identifying hazards and assessing the associated risks is called a hazard control system. A hazard control system should examine job tasks that involve critical hazards, which are the hazards that could cause physical harm. The following information on a hazard control system will assist you in identifying the hazards and putting procedures in place to deal with the associated risks on your farm. A hazard is any situation, activity, procedure, piece of equipment/machinery or animal that may cause injury or harm to a person. Hazards can exist in many areas on the farm. These areas are ??!ork environments "light, noise, rain, heat, sun# ??$ubstances "chemicals, manure, fuels, dust# ??!orkplace layout "work space, confined space# ??!ork organization "unnecessary handling# ??%achinery and e&uipment ??'arm animals ??Heights "silos and lofts# ??(lectricity ??)ases "silos, manure pits, exhaust fumes# ??!orking Alone or in *solated +laces

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+age , $he follo)in* steps are a practical and effective )ay of controllin* hazards+

"tep ,+ Identify the Hazard

All farm tasks, e&uipment and substances should be examined. !hen listing hazards use ??*nformation from past accidents, near accidents and other experiences ??*nformation from your family, workers, neighbors ??+roduct literature and information from suppliers ??-onsult best industry practices ??.se your sense of sight, smell, touch and hearing to identify hazards ??-losely examine areas or activities where children or visitors may be present

"tep (+ Assess the Risk

Risk is the chance that an e-istin* hazard may actually cause harm or injury . /isk assessment mainly depends on two factors ??The likelihood of an incident 0 *s it likely or unlikely to occur1 ??The severity of the incident 0 -ould it cause death, serious injury, or minor injury1 To assess the risk of a hazard hurting someone, ask &uestions like ??How many people come in contact with the hazard1 ??How often1 ??How seriously could someone be harmed1

??How &uickly could a dangerous situation come up if something goes wrong1 This will help you to decide which hazards should be taken care of immediately. Also, you can use this information to help you decide what to inspect, when to carry them out and how often. The risk also depends on factors such as the physical and mental abilities of the individual "e.g. young operator#, the weather and terrain "e.g. mud on a wet road#, how the e&uipment is used "e.g. working on uneven or hilly terrain# and the knowledge and skills of those performing the work.

"tep .+ #liminate or &ontrol the Hazard

There are several ways to control a hazard. +ick the way"s# that is reasonable and practical for the circumstances you face. 2. #liminate hazards posed by e&uipment, animals, and the environment if at all possible. 3ou could, for example, get rid of a faulty machine, sell a bull that is difficult to handle, put hilly terrain into pastureland rather than cultivate it. 4. "u/stitute something safer by using a different machine, material or work practice that poses less risk to perform the same task. 'or example, you could substitute a safer chemical for a hazardous chemical, or always use your safest tractor "a tractor e&uipped with rollover protection# in steep terrain to minimize the risk of a rollover.

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+age 5 6. 0se en*ineerin*/desi*n controls when it7s not possible to eliminate hazards or substitute safer materials or machinery. (ngineered controls are +T8 and auger guards, rollover protective structures "/8+$# and brake locks. 9esign controls that isolate the worker:family from the hazard including childproof locks on pesticide sheds, fenced safe play areas away from the immediate work environment and locating grain bins away from electrical lines. ;. 1rotect the )orkers if other controls are inade&uate. +rotect workers through training, supervision, and personal protective e&uipment "++(#. 'or example, you should supervise new workers until you7re sure they are competent to deal with hazardous situations. .se and provide proper clothes and respirator protection for handling dangerous chemicals or biohazards. (nsure someone at the worksite is trained to provide first aid. The most desirable step in making a farm environment safe is to eliminate the hazard. To ade&uately control hazards in many situations, however, several different types of controls may be needed.

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+age 22 +ersonal +rotective (&uipment "++(# is worn to protect farm workers from injury. The 8ccupational

Health and $afety Act re&uire workers to wear personal protective e&uipment based on the hazards that they are exposed to. (mployers must also ensure that workers are trained in the proper use and care of ++( and that the worker wears the e&uipment properly. *t is the responsibility of the employer to 2# (ither provide the necessary e&uipment< or, 4# Have workers provide any necessary e&uipment themselves as a condition of employment.

$ypes of 1ersonal 1rotective #quipment

+lease consult the label or material safety data sheets "%$9$# for information regarding personal protective e&uipment to be worn when handling chemicals or pesticides. $uppliers of chemicals or pesticides should be able to provide current labels or %$9$ sheets. Head 1rotection 6 Tasks where there is a risk of falling objects or working on:under e&uipment could result in a head injury. !ear head protection, such as safety hats. #ye/!ace 1rotection 0 !elding, grinding, pesticide mixing are examples of tasks where eye or face injury may result. $afety glasses, goggles or face shield should be worn depending on the task. !oot 1rotection 0 !orking around animals, heavy objects, in the woods, farm chemicals could result in foot injuries. !ear footwear such as steel toed boots when working with heavy objects or animals< use rubber or neoprene boots when using farm chemicals, leather footwear will absorb the chemical. .se chainsaw safety boots when working in the woods. Hand 1rotection 0 Tasks where there is a danger of cuts, scrapes, bruises or chemical contact, use the appropriate gloves for the task. !hen working with chemicals use a chemical resistant glove or the type of glove recommended by the label:%$9$ sheets. .se gloves when handling infected animals. 2un* 1rotection 0 $ilos gases, grain bins, manure storage, chemical application could all result in lung damage. The respiratory e&uipment used should match the hazard present. 'or example< use dust masks in dusty situations such as confinement barns or grain storage< use a respirator with chemical control cartridge mask as re&uired by label instructions when dealing with pesticides< self contained breathing apparatus where manure or silo gases are present. (nsure that workers know how to use, clean, maintain and are =fit tested> for the approved respirator e&uipment.

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+age 24 Hearin* 1rotection 6 ?oise that exceeds 78 deci/els. The rule of thumb is that if you can7t hear another

person speaking when standing at arms length from them, ear protection should be worn. Hearing protection re&uirements are determined by the sound level and the time exposed to the noise. The damage resulting from over exposure may not be noticed as the effects may not be experienced until later in life. 9amage from noise exposure is not reversible so wear appropriately rated hearing protection suited for the tasks being performed. /efer to Table @.2 for examples of decibel levels. 9eci/el levels

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+age 26 %achines< no farm can function without them. They save valuable time and are essential to agricultural productivity. They also represent an ever0present danger to the people who operate them. There are a host of hazards that makes agricultural machinery the leading cause of injury and death on farms. $afe machinery operation primarily depends on how you operate the machine. %achines are inanimate objects< they cannot think, reason, or adapt to meet the needs of people. The responsibility for machinery safety rests with you. Aust as we are told to drive defensively when operating an automobile, machine operators should always be thinking ahead and anticipating potential hazards. !hen examining machinery and workshop areas take notice of the common hazards associated with the e&uipment and tools on farms. Train your workers to use extra caution when working with identified hazardous areas of e&uipment.

&ommon Hazards Associated )ith Machinery+

2. 1inch points are areas where two or more parts move together with at least one part moving in a circle. The areas where drive belts contact pulleys or sprockets mesh with chains are prime examples of pinch points. 4. &rush points are hazards involving two components moving toward each other. (xamples of crush0point hazards are the raising and lowering e&uipment with a three0point hitch, components that are moved by hydraulic cylinders and the areas between the tractor and machinery when hitching or turning. 6. :rap ;entan*lement< point hazards pertain to any exposed rotating component. !rap0point hazards include any type of rotating shaft or driveline. +T8 drivelines are prime examples of wrapping or entanglement hazards. ;. 1ull6in point hazards involve mechanisms designed to take in crops or other materials for

processing. They include combine headers, windrow pickups, forage chopper headers, and grinders. @. "hear and cuttin* point hazards are areas where two parts move across one another or one moves across a stationary object. !indrower cutter bars and grain augers are examples of cutting and shear points. B. $hro)n o/jects present another type of machine hazard. %etal, glass, wire, sticks, or other materials may be picked up by a machine and propelled with extreme force. /otary mowers are good examples of machines capable of throwing objects. C. =urn point hazards are associated with tractors and self0propelled and pull0type machinery. Hot mufflers, engine blocks, pipes, and hot fluids are examples of burn points. ,. "tored ener*y hazards are present in pressurized systems such as hydraulics, compressed air, and springs. The sudden or unsuspected pressurization or depressurization of these systems can result in crushing and other types of accidents, depending on the use of the system. High0pressure leaks are also forms of stored energy hazards.

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+age 2;

Machinery Maintenance
/epairs and maintenance to farm machinery, e&uipment and associated workshop tasks are necessary to ensure optimum machinery performance and efficiency< however these tasks are among the most fre&uent causes of farm injuries. ?umerous accidents occur because operators attempt to make repairs or adjustments while a machine was running. 8thers have been injured or killed by being crushed when e&uipment fell while they were working underneath it. Take the time to identify potential hazards and develop safe procedures for workshop tasks, paying particular attention to the training and supervision of young and inexperienced workers.

eneral "afety 1recaution+

9evelop safe procedures for working around all machinery< begin by putting the following guidelines in place ??/ead and follow all safety procedures in the manufacturer7s manual. ??Turn off the machine and take the key before making any repairs or adjustments. ??Dlock raised hydraulic e&uipment. 9o not depend on hydraulic systems to keep the implement or attachment in a raised position. ??(nsure ade&uate working space for the job ??+rovide and use appropriate personal protective e&uipment ??-heck to ensure there is sufficient lighting and ventilation ??Eeep walkways and exits clear ??%aintain re&uired fire fighting and first aid e&uipment in the work area. ??(nsure fuel, compressed air, electrical or other services are safely installed and maintained.

??%odify machinery considered hazardous or remove it from service if it can not be made safe to operate. ??(nsure guarding is safely replaced after maintenance jobs are completed. ??Have guards designed and fitted for older machinery and newly purchased used machinery.

uardin* > :arnin* "i*ns

%odern farm machinery is factory e&uipped with a variety of safety features, including guards, shields, and warning signs designed to reduce injuries. ?eedless injuries and deaths occur because safety guards are removed, broken, or torn off during operation. Take the time to inspect your machinery for missing or damaged safety guards and warning signs. *f guards or warning signs are missing or damaged, repair or replace them before using the machine. A *uard may be any shield, cover, casing, or physical or electronic barrier, intended to prevent contact between a hazardous machine part and any part of a person or a personFs clothing. All movin* parts of machinery should /e *uarded? %anufacturers of new machinery and e&uipment are legally re&uired to ensure dangerous parts are safely guarded so that operators and others are protected from injury.

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+age 2@

eneral "afety 1recautions

(nsure machinery guards ??are maintained to manufacturerFs specification ??are not removed until the machine is stopped and isolated with a tagged lock0out switch, and all sources neutralized, e.g. pressure in the hydraulic, or low pressure gas "G+)# line ??are always in place on dangerous parts of machinery ??are conveniently placed so that users, operators and service and maintenance people are less likely to remove them permanently ??are strong and durable enough for the machine part they cover ??protect users, operators and bystanders against burns caused by hot parts

1o)er $ake 'ff ;1$'< 9rivelines

+ower takeoff drivelines "shafts# are among the oldest and most common machinery hazards. (xposed bolts, universal joints, burrs, or other projections on rotating components can grab clothing, resulting in instant entanglement. 9o your part to reduce +T8 injuries and deaths ??(nsure +T8 drivelines are fully shielded. ???ever attempt to step over rotating +T8 drivelines, no matter how slowly they may be turning. ???ever attempt to operate tractor controls from the rear of the tractor.

???ever wear loose, baggy clothing around +T8 drivelines. ??Eeep long hair pulled back to avoid entanglement. ??$tay well clear of rotating +T8 drivelines.

Hand and 1o)er $ools

eneral 1recautions ??.se the correct tool for the job. ??Eeep tools in good condition. Handles should be tight and free from defect. -utting tools should be kept sharp. !edges and punches should be free from Hmushroom headsH. ??.se and maintain power tools according to their instructions. ??%ake sure power tools are properly grounded or are double insulated. ?ever cut the three0 prong plug off or use a two prong adapter. ??$witch off and unplug power tools before changing blades or servicing and repairing. ??!ear clothing with no strings or loose ends to catch on things. ??!ear appropriate personal protective e&uipment "++(#, such as glasses, goggles, dust masks, face shields, hearing protection, etc. ??Eeep bystanders at a safe distance. ??Eeep all guards and shields in place. Gearn to use a Hpush stickH with table saws. ??.nplug and put tools away after use. -onsider locking out power tools to prevent others from using them without permission, especially young children.

=lockin* is mandatory on all loada/le, free )heelin* farm equipment? $RA&$'R "A!#$% "#&$I'N @
+age 2B

$ractor Maintenance
/egular maintenance of farm tractors can prevent hazardous incidents in the field and in the work shop< however, it is well documented that individuals can be killed or seriously injured while performing simple maintenance tasks and repairs to farm tractors. !hen planning tractor maintenance< ??-heck that the right e&uipment is available for the work being completed. ??(nsure workers are experienced and trained to do the task. ??(nsure workers are knowledgeable in safe procedures. ??(nsure workers are aware of the dangers in performing maintenance work in the field. ??+revent accidental start0up. eneral 1recautions The following general precautions can help reduce the risk of accidents during maintenance procedures. ??/outinely check brakes, clutches and drives, according to the manual ??(nsure steering, exhaust system and brakes are in top condition ??$top the motor before refueling, servicing or greasing

???ever remove or replace belts while pulleys are under power ??Eeep steps and working platforms free of grease and oil to avoid slips and falls ??*f the engine overheats, allow time for it to cool off before removing the radiator cap

'peratin* a $ractor
-onstant vigilance is re&uired when operating or working with tractors and other mechanized e&uipment. Hazardous areas include ??moving mechanical parts< ??raised hydraulic cylinders, ??climatic conditions, ??uneven terrain, and ??by0standers A key procedure for preventing tractor accidents is operator training and the establishment of safe procedures for tasks such as hitching external e&uipment.

-hildren on or visiting farms are often at risk of being injured by machinery. %inimize the risks, teach your children about safety on the farm and restrict them from areas where moving machinery is present and operating. $RA&$'R "A!#$% "#&$I'N @
+age 2C eneral 1recautions

Read and follo) all safety procedures in the manufacturerAs manual?

'ollowing are a number of suggestions for improving tractor operator safety ??(nsure an approved cab or roll0over protective structure "/8+$# is installed ??*nstall and use a seatbelt on tractors with /8+$ ??*f there is a risk from falling objects, install a fall0on protective structure "'8+$# ??Eeep all guards in place, including the power take0off "+T8# ??!ear hearing protection, and remember, not all tractor cabs are sound proof ??'ollow safe maintenance and jacking procedures ??(nsure the operator is properly trained for each type of tractor work ??Always mount and dismount on a tractorFs left side0to avoid controls, where possible ??Adjust the seat so all controls are safely and comfortably within reach ??8perate the self0starter from the operator position only :hen 9rivin* the $ractor ??9rive at speeds slow enough to retain control over unexpected events ??$eat belt use is recommended ??/educe speed before turning or applying brakes ??!atch out for ditches, logs, rocks, depressions and embankments ??8n steep slopes, without a trailed implement, reverse up the slope for greater safety

??(ngage the clutch gently at all times, especially when going uphill or towing ??9escend slopes cautiously in low gear, using the motor as a brake ???ever mount or dismount from a moving tractor ??(nsure the park brake is on and operating effectively before dismounting ??Take short breaks regularly when working long hours ???ever attach implements unless the +T8 shaft is guarded :hen $o)in* Implements ??(nsure all guards on towed implements are in place before operating ??'it attachments according to the manufacturerFs instructions ??Always attach implements to the draw bar or to the mounting points provided by the manufacturer ??/egularly check safety pins on towed lift0wing or folding implements, to ensure they are not worn ???ever hitch above the centre line of the rear axle, around the axle housing or to the top link pin ???ever adjust or work on implements while they are in motion ??!hen parking, always lower the three point hitch and towed implement ??!hen connecting or removing an implement, position yourself to avoid a crushing hazard.

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+age 6I Harvesting often consists of the most hazardous farm jobs. These jobs usually involve inexperienced, part0time labor, long hours and extreme weather conditions. -ombined, these factors mean an increased risk of accidents during harvesting operations.

eneral 1rinciples for "afe Harvestin*+

??9evelop a =safety first> attitude. 'ollow safe work practices all the time and set a good example for others. ??De physically and mentally fit before operating e&uipment. 'atigue, stress and worry can distract from safely operating e&uipment. Take fre&uent breaks. ??+ay attention to all safety information. /ead operator7s manual and warning decals. ??*nspect the e&uipment and correct any hazards before operating. ??*dentify hazardous areas on e&uipment and make sure you stay away from moving parts. Deware of pinch points, cut points, wrap points, crush points, and thrown objects. ??%ake sure operators are properly trained and physically capable of the harvesting task.

??$hut down e&uipment, turn off the engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop before dismounting e&uipment. ??-hock wheels on loaded free wheeling e&uipment.

$ransportin* #quipment Hazards+

??*nstall slow moving vehicle signs and lights or reflectors. ??.se four way flashers when hauling e&uipment on public roads. ???ever permit extra riders on e&uipment. ??(nsure vehicles are not loaded beyond their capacity and the loads are ade&uately secured. ??/emember heavy loads may affect stopping and starting distances.

:hen :orkin* on 2adders+

??.se the =four Jto Jone Jrule> for straight ladders. $etting the ladder base one foot from a wall or building for each four feet in height. ??Three0point contact should always be maintained when climbing ladders. i.e. Two feet and one hand always on rungs< two feet plus a safety harness attached to a secured point to prevent free fall. ??Avoid over reaching. Eeep your belt buckle between the ladder side rails. ??9o not put one foot on the ladder and the other on an adjacent surface or object ??Avoid jumping down ??Avoid climbing ladders in wet, muddy or icy conditions ??*f the ground is soft or uneven, place the ladder on a sturdy wooden slab large enough to give ample support. ??De aware of power lines ??Avoid working in high places in adverse weather conditions or when you are ill, tired or taking strong medications.

!ARM "A!#$% &H#&B2I"$ A11#N9IC = D ;arran*e in ta/le<

H': $' 0"# $H# !ARM "A!#$% &H#&B2I"$ :'RB"H##$" The check list worksheets have been designed to enable farm operators and managers to monitor key safety issues on a regular basis and to inform workers of possible hazards. The worksheets have been designed to cover areas common to most farms in +rince (dward *sland< however, blank charts have been included to allow for areas that are not specifically listed and:or areas that may be of specific concern to you and your workers. -arefully reading the +rince (dward *sland

'arm $afety -ode of +ractice will assist you in identifying the areas with which you should be most concerned. !irst Aid, 1ersonal and 1rotective #quipment ;see "ections ., 5 and ,5 in manual< ;arran*e in

ta/le<
9ate inspected+ Inspected /y+ 'B N' If No, document any deficiencies/irre*ularities and note any remedial actions and date taken !IR"$ AI9 AN9 #M#R #N&% R#"1'N"# *s the farm civic address and emergency phone numbers posted in prominent places "e.g. by telephones and in main work areas#1 *s your civic address and farm entrance clearly visible from the road1 Are first aid kits within easy access to workers and are sufficiently stocked1 9oes the proper number of workers hold valid first aid certificates from a recognized training agency1 1#R"'NA2 1R'$#&$I3# #40I1M#N$ ;11#< *s properly maintained personal protective e&uipment available for all hazards present on the farm1 Have all workers been instructed to use appropriate personal protective e&uipment at all times1 *s personal protective e&uipment "including gloves, goggles, respirators and aprons# always used by farm worker when applying or handling farm chemicals1 *s hearing protection used when operating noisy machinery and power tools1 9o farm machinery operators wear clothing which is tight0fitting and not torn or ragged when working near machinery1

!ARM "A!#$% &H#&B2I"$ A11#N9IC =;arran*e in ta/le<

Machinery ;see "ection 8<
9ate inspected+ Inspected /y+ 'B N' If No, document any deficiencies/irre*ularities and note any remedial actions and date taken Are shields and guards in place and in proper working order on all powered e&uipment1 9o all +T87s have suitable shields and guards in place1 Are key warning decals on all machinery readable1 Are shields and guards in place on all belts, pulleys and chain drives on feed grinding and handling e&uipment1 Are all rotating augers, belts, pulleys and chains on loading and unloading machinery shielded1 Are all loading troughs on augers, elevators and

conveyors covered with a guard or grating1 *s e&uipment used on the highway properly e&uipped with slow0moving vehicle signs1 Have children been cautioned to stay away from areas where moving machinery is present and operating1 9o farm workers always check to ensure children and animals are not close by before starting up farm machinery and e&uipment1 *mplements are lowered when e&uipment is parked1 Are manufacturer7s recommendations for adding frontend weights always followed when using rear mounted implements on tractors1 9o e&uipment operators know how to stabilize a piece of farm e&uipment using jacks and blocks before repairing or servicing the e&uipment1 *s hydraulic e&uipment blocked before maintenance and repairs are started1 8ther

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$ool "afety ;see "ection 8 in manual<
9ate inspected+ Inspected /y+ 'B N' If No, document any deficiencies/irre*ularities and note any remedial actions and date taken *s access to and from work spaces free of obstructions1 Are all hand and power tools in proper working order and e&uipped with proper shields and guards1 Are all stationary power tools grounded and all portable power tools either double insulated or of the three0wire grounded type1 Are portable power tools always disconnected when not in use1 Are all stationary tools such as grinders and saws properly shielded and the shields always in place when in use1 Are hand tools "especially cutting tools like saws, axes and knives# properly stored so they cannot fall or be brushed against accidentally1 Are all hand0tools "such as axes, picks and sledgehammers# in good condition such that, for example, they have tight0fitting and splinter free handles1 *s your welding area well0ventilated1 Are work areas well lit1 8ther

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$ractors ;see "ection @<
9ate inspected+ Inspected /y+ 'B N' If No, document any deficiencies/irre*ularities

and note any remedial actions and date taken Are farm e&uipment instructional manuals readily available to operators1 Are /8+$ "roll0over protective structures# and seat belt systems properly installed on all tractors and in working condition1 Are all tractors and self0propelled machines e&uipped with a dry chemical fire extinguisher1 Are farm tractors and other self propelled vehicles always kept in good working order "e.g. periodic brake adjustments, properly inflated tires, hydraulic hoses kept in good condition etc.#1 Are braking and lighting systems on all powered mobile e&uipment in proper working order1 *s the power turned off before machinery is adjusted, repaired or unclogged1 Are drawbar loads always hitched to a drawbar rather than to the tractor7s axle, frame or raised three0point hitch1 Are doors and windows in buildings always open when vehicles or e&uipment with internal combustion engines are started or run indoors1