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Kansas State University
To
identify precautions and safety recommendations that should
be observed by tractor operators.
Have
any of you ever received an award for being a safe tractor operator?
No? Sure you have! Haven't you enjoyed many hours of rewarding,
productive work? You haven't had the pain and expense associated
with a serious injury and you haven't become a statistic. In
order for you to reap these
rewards, you must be aware of hazards and always alert to situations
that are potentially dangerous.
- Know
the accepted hand signals. Engine noise prevents effective
and communication and misunderstandings may occur.
- Preoperational
checks are important to your safety.
- Know
the operator's manual.
- If
tractor is stored inside, open door before starting
so poisonous exhaust fumes will be ventilated.
- Clean
tractor of trash, mud, oil, grease and if equipped with
a cab, clean the glass.
- Check
time inflation pressure.
- Be
sure all control lights and gauges are working.
- Make
sure all shields and covers are in place.
- Use
handrails to mount and dismount.
- Adjust
seat to the comfortable position.
- Use
caution when fueling. Stop engine and allow it to cool
before refueling. Never smoke nor have an open flame
near the fuel. Never overfill and if fuel is spilled,
clean it up immediately. be sure to use the correct
fuel. Ground the fuel funnel or nozzle against the filler
neck to prevent sparks. Replace fuel cap.
- Start
the tractor with care. Be sure everyone is clear of the
machine and that you are the only one on the tractor.
- Hydraulic
controls should be in neutral.
- Be
sure PTO is disengaged.
- Apply
the brakes.
- Place
gearshift in neutral or park.
- Depress
the clutch pedal.
- Use
care when using diesel starting fluid.
- If
using jumper cables, avoid sparks around the battery
as hydrogen gas is explosive.
- Stopping
the tractor
- Apply
both brakes evenly.
- Disengage
the PTO.
- Lower
all hydraulically controlled equipment to the ground.
- Put
gearshift in neutral or park and set brakes.
- Turn
ignition key off and remove to prevent accidental starting.
- Observe
safe operating conditions and recommendations.
- Always
keep alert.
- Only
qualified people should operate the tractor.
- Wear
safety glasses and snug fitting clothing.
- Remember,
the tractor is designed for only one person, the operator.
- adjust
operating procedure to any adverse condition such as
snow, mud, ice fences, ditches or other obstacles.
- Avoid
sharp turns at high speeds or when on hillsides.
- Use
adequate ballast.
- Always
sit down when on rough terrain.
- If
tractor is equipped with a rollover protective structure
(ROPS), the seat belt should be fastened.
- Hitch
loads to the drawbar only to avoid turning over backwards.
- Always
lower implements to the ground when not in use.
- Keep
all shields in place.
- Observe
field repair and maintenance recommendations
- Always
lower equipment to the ground, disengage the PTO and
shut off engine.
- Wear
safety glance.
- Replace
all safety shield often servicing.
- Use
safety supports when working underneath hydraulically
supported equipment.
- When
adjusting when spacing, be sure tractor is securely
blocked.
- Avoid
sparks or open flames when working with the battery.
- Use
recommended precautions when refueling.
- Allow
coolant system to cool and then remove radiator cap
slowly. Be sure all pressure is relieved before removing
cap.
- Don't
touch the exhaust system until it cools.
- Be
careful around hydraulic leaks as fluid under pressure
can penetrate your skin. Relieve, system pressure before
disconnecting lines.
- Always
carry a fire extinguisher on the tractor.
- Always
observe transport recommendations when operating on public
roads.
- Consult
the operators manual for recommendations.
- Check
condition of tractor and equipment before transporting.
- Observe
all recommended safety practices when on the highway
such as speed, braking, turning, hitching and prevention
of upsets.
- Always
stay alert.
- Wait
for traffic to clear before turning onto a public road.
- Be
aware of blind intersections.
- Travel
on the shoulder of a highway in heavy traffic.
- Keep
the approaching traffic lane clear.
- Don't
"wave" traffic around you as traffic conditions may
change so quickly that everyone would be in trouble.
- Use
turn signals.
- Obey
all traffic signs.
- When
transporting by truck or trailer, secure the load tightly
and follow regulations.
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Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
Kansas
State University Cooperative Extension Service, Manhattan, Kansas.
The
KSU Cooperative Extension Service provides practical, research-based
information and educational programs to address critical issues
facing individuals, families, farms, businesses and communities.
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