Roy Linn
Montana State University Extension Service
Tractor
upsets continue to cause more fatalities than any other type
of farm accident, despite increased emphasis on safer design
and Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS).
Many
older tractors that are still in use have narrow front ends
that are more easily upset. More than 85 percent of all tractor
overturns are to the side. About 14 percent are rear overturns,
and I percent are the forward overturn.
The
side overturn usually is more severe, because of the speed
and momentum involved. Most of the danger in a rear overturn
involves the tractor revolving around the rear axle, which
can occur in about 11/2 seconds. A high percentage of rear
overturn accidents prove fatal.
To begin
a rescue operation, make sure than the tractor engine is shut
off and will not start again. Turn off the key of a gasoline-fueled
tractor. Pull the injector pump stop rod to open the pump
on diesel tractors.
If you
can't get to the key or injector rod knob, staff a rag into
the air intake, or use a fire extinguisher to spray CO, into
the air cleaner. Make sure the tractor is shut off even if
it is not running.
Never
allow smoking near a tractor overturn, because fuel vapors
could easily ignite or explode.
If the
accident victim is pinned under the tractor and cannot be
removed by other methods, use a cutting torch only as a last
resort. Make sure the victim is properly covered, so he is
not burned by sparks. Be aware of the possibility of fire.
Have a dry chemical fire extinguisher ready.
Injuries
in both side and rear tractor overturns often include a broken
or crushed pelvis. Such injuries occur in approximately 80
percent of all tractor upsets. Therefore, rescuers should
be careful not to twist or turn the victim. Sharp points of
broken bones might puncture the femoral artery, bladder, intestines
or peritoneal cavity. Due to the operator's sitting position,
he often ends up with his knees doubled back and pointed towards
the shoulder-something like a fetal position. Rescuers should
consider transporting the individual in this position to reduce
the possibility of additional injury. Severe shock is common,
and pelvic fracture victims may lose considerable blood.
Torso
injuries also are common in tractor overturn accidents. The
vary from broken ribs to a crushed chest, with possibility
of a collapsed lung. In tractor overturns the steering wheel
is forced into the operator, unlike the driver being thrown
into the steering wheel in an automobile accident. However,
the injuries are similar.
Treatment
for broken legs and arms, common in tractor overturn accidents,
should be similar to that for other broken bone situations.
Other
tractor overturn injuries include chemical and other burns.
These are caused by fluids leaking from a hot radiator, hot
hydraulic fluid, fuel tank, battery acid, calcium chloride
or other antifreeze solutions. It is extremely important to
remove or dilute acid spilled on a victim as quickly as possible.
Use large amounts of water, especially if eyes are involved.
Runover
type tractor accident often involve a person who falls from
a tractor, and frequently involves an individual who attempted
to operate a tractor while not seated. The type of injury
usually is a crushed or broken pelvis, torso or legs. Massive
head injuries may occur.
All
new tractors are manufactured with a ROPS, designed to confine
the operator within the structure if he is wearing a seat
belt. ROPS reduce the potential of the tractor rolling more
than 90 degrees.
If a
tractor without ROPS overturns, it may be easier to rescue
the victim from under the tractor by digging. Soft soil conditions
may allow rescuers to dig the victim free. Blocking and cribbing
are extremely important to prevent settling or additional
turning of the tractor. This might endanger rescuers as well
as cause additional injury to the victim. Before digging,
make sure the tractor has been completely stabilized with
cribbing, and the rear wheels chocked so they cannot turn.
If a
tractor or wrecker is used to lift the load off the victim,
make sure than the chains are strong enough and securely fastened.
Make sure that no one is near the chains or cables, which
might break or slip. Lifting is preferred to rolling the tractor
off the victim. Place cribbing under the tractor as it is
lifted, by using wedges and wood blocks (not concrete) to
keep a tight joint between the tractor and cribbing as lifting
is conducted.
Lifting
may have to be done with hydraulic jacks. Use jacks that are
large enough, placed about three feet apart.
Make
certain the jacks will not slip. When lifting, lift with both
jacks uniformly and slowly. Make sure that cribbing, used
to prevent the tractor falling if a jack slips, is tight up
against the tractor.
If the
tractor must be rolled off the victim, block the tractor so
the rear wheels do not slip, and to prevent the transfer of
weight onto the victim.
When
lifting or pulling is necessary, use chains and cables with
adequate strength. Do NOT use nylon rope, which stretches
and may break to cause additional injury.
Someone
should be designated to make sure that no bystanders are close
enough to be injured, or get in the way of the rescuers.
- Secure
Tractor
- Check
area to make sure there are no hazardous materials in
the immediate vicinity that could cause serious injury
or death.
- Shut
off engine and make it inoperable.
- Check
A and B with safety in mind.
- Stabilize
tractor and block wheels to prevent any movement.
- Be
prepared to extinguish fire (no smoking).
- Protect
victim from hot oil, battery acid and fuel leakage.
- Stabilize
Victim
- Follow
A, B and C, and apply CPR if needed.
- Use
cervical collar if neck injury is possible.
- Treat
for shock.
- Obtain
help if alone.
- Reposition
Tractor
- Dig
under victim or lift tractor, use jacks, portapower
or jaws of life. Crib or block as you go.
- A
winch may be needed.
- If
parts of cab are cut away, don't expect the remaining
portion to support tractor.
- Remove
Victim
- Use
a backboard to maintain body alignment.
- Work
slowly and carefully.
- Treatment
- Give
oxygen if needed.
- Dress
wounds.
- Apply
splint.
- Continue
monitoring of the victim.
- Transport
- Fill
out accident report.
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
This
document is
MT
8527
,
a series of the Montana State University Extension. Publication
date: September 1985.
Roy
Linn, Energy Specialist. Montana State University Extension,
Bozeman, Montana 59717.
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