Carol
J. Lehtola and Charles
M. Brown
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Tractor Power Takeoff Amputates Arm
A 30-year-old farm laborer was driving a farm tractor which
was pulling a dairy feed wagon. The power-takeoff unit at
the rear of the tractor was driving the feed-dispensing auger
system inside the feed wagon. (A power-takeoff unit (PTO)
is an extension of the tractor transmission shaft used to
power implements with the tractor engine.)
This is a common method of feeding dairy cows; the auger both
mixes the feed and pushes it out. The PTO was apparently not
functioning correctly, and the employee left the tractor engine
idling and climbed off the tractor to check the attachment.
The employee was standing next to the PTO when he turned to
reach up to pull the hydraulic lever on the rear of the tractor
which engages or disengages the PTO. As he did this, his left
shirt sleeve was caught on the rotating PTO shaft.
The employee
was wound around the PTO shaft as it rotated. The rotation
of the shaft wedged him into the metal frame around the PTO
shaft and nearly sheared off his arm. Also, his head struck
the metal frame. He received a 2-inch laceration on his scalp
near the back of his head as well as a cervical fracture.
The laborer's body jammed the PTO and caused the idling tractor
engine to stall. He lost consciousness for an unknown length
of time.
When
he regained consciousness, he called for help and was found
by coworkers who contacted the local ambulance service. The
PTO shaft was disconnected in order to extricate the injured
worker's arm. His left arm was almost detached about halfway
between shoulder and elbow, connected only by skin and muscle.
This worker had been employed at the dairy for 3 months, although
he had worked at different dairies for approximately 10 years.
Since beginning work at this dairy, he had received no safety
training related to equipment, job tasks, or hazard identification.
Tractor
Overturn Crushes Operator
A tractor operator was left in a field to mix fertilizer using
an industrial tractor equipped with a front-loader and a back-hoe.
Other employees driving along the road spotted the tractor
lying on its side in a drainage ditch. They found the operator
pinned under the tractor ROPS (rollover protective structure);
his chest was crushed.
The workers drove to the farm office and informed the foreman.
The foreman told the secretary to call 911 and went to investigate.
The fire department, the sheriff's department, the Highway
Patrol and the coroner's office responded to the call, but
the operator was obviously deceased, and was pronounced dead
at the scene.
The incident occurred approximately 50 yards from the initial
work area. The operator had been mixing fertilizer with the
front-loader, and then drove the tractor down a private dirt
road on the farm. The tractor was in first or second gear,
and the estimated top speed was five miles per hour. For an
unknown reason, the tractor traveled off the side of the road,
slid into a drainage ditch about three feet deep, and tipped
nearly perpendicular to the roadway. The driver was not wearing
his seat belt. He fell off the seat as the tractor overturned
and was then crushed under the ROPS.
When the tractor was found the ignition was still on. The
metal insert portion of the seat belt was missing, preventing
the belt from being fastened. The back-hoe locking pin was
not in place, although the back-hoe was positioned against
the rear of the tractor. The front loader bucket was pushed
into the dirt. No signs were found of skidding or loss of
control.
Deaths involving tractors contribute to agriculture having
one of the highest on-the-job annual death rates 20.3
deaths for 100,000 workers nationally. That statistic from
1997 has been virtually unchanged for many years. In a 1999
study conducted by the Deep-South Center for Agricultural
Health and Safety, it was found that, on average, 21 adults
had died each year in Florida agriculture in recent years.
At
least 74 of those deaths involved machinery, including tractors
overturning and crushing their drivers. Across the nation,
approximately 36 percent of the agricultural work fatalities
in 1997 involved a tractor, and 19 percent involved other
machinery, according to the National Safety Council.
Safer tractor operations and the use of protective equipment
could prevent many of the deaths and injuries involving tractors.
Owners, managers, and tractor operators all play a major role
in making tractor operations safer. Owners have responsibilities
for providing a safer environment and safer equipment. Managers
coordinate maintenance designed to ensure the safety of equipment,
as well as safety policies and programs. The final responsibility
for making the operation of tractors safer lies with the tractor
operators themselves.
It's often only when an incident occurs that people become
focused on what might have prevented injury or loss of life.
The following pages give guidance to agricultural employers
about how everyone in their operation can work together to
make using tractors safer.
This publication is one in a series of UF/IFAS Extension circulars
devoted to tractor safety for various audiences. The complete
series is (see also the Resources section at the end of this
publication):
- Safer
Tractor Operations for Agricultural Employers (CIR 1249)
- Safer
Tractor Operations for Privately Owned and Operated Farms
and Ranches (CIR 1250)
- Safer
Tractor Operations for Home and Acreage Owners (CIR 1251)
- Safer
Tractor Operations for Landscape Maintenance/Horticultural
Industries (CIR 1252)
- Safer
Tractor Operations for Emergency and Rescue Personnel (CIR
1253)
- Safer
Tractor Operations for Farm Workers/Employees (CIR 1254)
The three major elements which must be considered when developing
programs to make tractor operations safer are:
- the
tractor operator,
- the
tractor, and
- the
environment.
We have
control over some aspects of these elements; for example,
setting up fields so that there is adequate turning room at
the ends of rows is a safety factor entirely within human
control. So is the speed at which the tractor is operated,
as well as if a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and seat
belt are used. However, there are elements over which we have
no control. In those cases, operations must be modified in
order to complete the job safely.
Deaths and injuries result from hazards. A particular driver
may be safety-conscious and driving a tractor equipped with
safety features, yet he/she might drive into a hazardous environment
with a false sense of security; or because an environment
is considered "safe", an owner or driver might tolerate
an unsafe tractor. Either of these situations is likely to
result in an incident. Preventing incidents means recognizing
hazards and avoiding them or, at least, taking appropriate
precautions if they must be encountered.
An operator who uses good safety practices on a tractor with
safety features reduces the chances of being killed or injured.
Management's responsibility does not end with a safer environment
or a safer tractor. There are still responsibilities in selecting,
training, motivating, and supervising tractor operators.
Consider the following in selecting tractor operators:
- Seek
operators who have demonstrated dependability with you or
other employers.
- Seek
drivers with good attitudes.
- The
federal Fair Labor Standards Act and related regulations
(29 USC 201 and 29 CFR 570.70-72, respectively) require
that individuals operating a tractor with more than 20 PTO
horsepower must be at least 16 years old, except under the
following conditions:
A
14- or 15-year-old may operate a tractor as a student
in a bona fide agricultural education program or if
he/she has received a certificate of completion from
a 4-H Federal Extension Service Training Program or
a U.S. Office of Education Vocational Agriculture Training
Program.
Youths of any age can be employed by their parents to
work on a farm they own or operate. However, remember
the exemption does not eliminate the hazard.
Management
has a responsibility for training tractor operators. All employees
who operate agricultural tractors shall be informed of safer
operating practices when first assigned to operate a tractor
and at least annually thereafter. Brief ongoing "tailgate
sessions" are recommended on a weekly or monthly basis.
The following rules apply to all tractor operators employed
in agribusinesses under the jurisdiction of the Occupational
Safety and Health Act (the Occupational Health and Safety
Act of 1970, or OSHA). Although these rules do not govern
everyone, they should be applied to all tractor drivers.
- If
the tractor has a ROPS, securely fasten the seat belt. Do
not use seat belts on tractors that don't have ROPS.
- Where
possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments,
and holes.
- Reduce
speed when turning and crossing slopes and on rough, slick,
or muddy surfaces.
- Stay
off slopes that are too steep for safe operation.
- Watch
carefully for obstacles and other hazards in the tractor's
path, especially at the end of rows, on roads, around trees
and in other blind corners.
- The
only person on a tractor should be the operator, unless
the operation requires a rider, as in the case of transplanters
and harvesters, or for instruction, if there is a built-in
instructional seat available. For more information, see
the "Dangers of Extra Riders" section of this
publication.
- Operate
the tractor smoothly, avoiding jerky turns, starts, or stops.
- Hitch
only to the drawbar and hitch points that the manufacturer
recommends.
- When
the tractor is stopped, set the brakes securely and use
park lock, if the tractor is equipped with it.
- Lower
hydraulic equipment. If hydraulic lines lose pressure, raised
equipment lowers suddenly, crushing anything -- or anyone
-- underneath.
- Only
authorized personnel should be permitted to operate a tractor.
- The
tractor operator has the responsibility to be aware of other
workers and machines and to not endanger them.
- Common
hand signals should be used to communicate with others in
the area.
1.
More Tractor Operator Tips
- Never
dismount from a tractor when the engine is running, unless
the operation requires it.
- Properly
mount and dismount from the tractor; slips and falls cause
many injuries.
- Don't
consume alcohol or drugs, including medications that may
impair judgment, during work hours or for four hours before
starting work.
- Use
hearing protection.
- Headaches
can be a sign of carbon monoxide hazards. Check to see if
the exhaust is in a location that exposes the operator to
exhaust fumes. There have been instances of carbon monoxide
exposure using an open-station tractor in the field.
Tractor
operators should appreciate that tractor driving is a privilege
extended only to trustworthy and dependable employees. Drivers
should recognize that they play an important role in a total
safety program a program that makes every reasonable
effort to provide a safer environment and a safer tractor
for a competent, safer driver.
Tractor drivers should report all unsafe conditions to their
immediate supervisor. The goal is to prevent property damage
and injuries. Close calls should also be reported.
Supervisors have the responsibility of seeing that all tractor
operators have a complete understanding of all instructions
and rules. They also need to verify that the instructions
are followed and that appropriate corrective action is taken
when intentional or unintentional violations occur.
Tractor operators must have a clear understanding of all instructions
and rules. They need to recognize that repeated violations
of safety practices may result in their reassignment to a
position that does not involve driving a tractor.
Managers might consider giving incentives to tractor operators
who achieve a credible safety
record. Possible incentives for a tractor operator who has
gone through a season without a personal injury or property
damage incident include a small salary increase and/or additional
paid vacation days.
Employers have also found that small rewards -- such as a
meal, a local merchant gift certificate, or cash bonus --
presented monthly, are effective in promoting safety.
2.
Operator's Responsibilities
(See Section V. Tractor Operator Checklist.)
Managers
should consider explaining the following responsibilities
to tractor operators.
Operators are responsible for daily pre-operational checks
of their tractors even if a shop mechanic has responsibility
for servicing it. This pre-operational check needs to 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 the steering mechanism are
working properly.
- Make
sure that all gauges are giving proper readings and that
the engine transmission and hydraulic system aren't making
any unusual sounds.
A tractor
might require additional pre-operation checks. The operator
should know what they are and should perform them daily or
more frequently. He/She can determine which checks are needed
by reviewing the maintenance manual for the tractor. A tractor
is not the only "machine" that needs a pre-operation
check. The operator does too.
- Is
he/she fit to drive?
- Is
he/she too sick, tired or angry to drive?
- Does
he/she have medications or other substances in his/her body
that might adversely affect judgment, attention, or reaction
time? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the
operator should not drive.
3.
Important Checks
Operators should conduct a pre-operational check of their
clothing.
- Clothing
should be comfortable and close fitting, with no loose ends
or strings that could easily be caught in moving parts.
- Shoes
should have protective steel-tipped toes and skid-resistant
soles.
- The
condition of any other personal protective equipment the
operator is wearing should be checked. It may include a
respirator, eye and ear protection, protective clothing,
head gear, gloves and boots.
- Keep
long hair contained in a cap. Long hair can easily be caught
in moving parts, resulting in scalping injuries.
Avoid smoking
when fueling the tractor, working around dry materials or when
working with pesticides.
The operator should make periodic safety checks throughout the
day. Stay alert and remain as comfortable as possible.
- Discomfort
can be distracting and tiring.
- Take
short breaks frequently.
- Stretch
and move around.
- Drink
small amounts of non-alcoholic beverages frequently.
- Eat
moderately.
- Exhaustion
means 'Stop working.'
The incident
you prevent might well save your life and the lives of others.
4.
Shortcuts are Short-sighted! or, Invest Seconds, Save Lives!
Stepping over a power takeoff instead of walking around a
tractor might seem like a time-saving shortcut, but it exposes
you to a much greater risk of injury or death.
Often, there's a "recommended safe way" of doing
a task and then there's another way that seems quicker but
is more hazardous. Many people use the more dangerous shortcut
to save time.
However, timed studies show that the time invested in doing
a task safely is quite insignificant, especially when compared
to the costs of injuries or possible death that could result
from the extra hazards involved in the shortcut.
Here
are some examples of the small amount of time it takes to
be safe. To put these times in perspective, the total time
invested for 100 repetitions of a task was calculated. Note
that 100 repetitions may occur over an entire year/season.
For example, stepping over the PTO may take 2 seconds less
time than walking around it. So, if this was done 100 times
in a season, you would save only 3.33 minutes. However, every
one of those 100 times, you put yourself at risk for injury
or death. (See Tables 1 and 2.)
Modern tractors are much safer than tractors of 20 or 30 years
ago. Rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts
now prevent many deaths and injuries from tractor overturns.
Improved hitch designs and weight distribution have made tractors
more stable. Improved shielding of power takeoff shafts, improved
hydraulic designs, improved brakes, wider wheel bases, better
visibility, and other features such as running lights and
adjustable seats have also contributed to safer tractors.
Despite modern safety improvements, there are still dangers
that come with driving a tractor. These dangers can be reduced
if the tractor operator understands the tractor and maintains
and operates it properly.
A few
modern features, however, have actually increased the potential
danger.
- Increased
rear axle torque increases the risk of rear overturns.
- Faster
tractors increase the danger of side overturns due to centrifugal
force on curves or corners.
- Faster
tractors increase the danger of losing control during road
travel.
Management
has the responsibility of providing operators with safer tractors.
Consider the following ways to improve tractor safety.
1.
Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS)
Nearly one half of tractor-related deaths are due to tractor
overturns.
The side overturn is the most frequent type of overturn. Studies
indicate 75-85 percent of overturns are to the side. A tractor
has a high center of gravity, thus, sharp turns and/or high
loads can cause it to overturn quite easily and at
relatively low speed. Centrifugal force can cause a tractor
to overturn if the direction of travel is changed. For example,
when a tractor's right front wheel veers into the road ditch,
the natural reaction of the operator is to steer it back onto
the roadway, however, the forces will pull the tractor over
on its side.
The second
type of overturn is to the rear. These overturns may be less
frequent, but without a ROPS, they are the most deadly. It
is estimated that, without a ROPS, 85 percent of rear overturns
result in the operator's death.
Rear overturns occur when the tractor can't move forward and
the rear axle torque causes the tractor to pivot around the
rear axle. The entire event can happen in as little as 1.5
seconds; the tractor can reach the point of no return in as
little as 0.75 seconds. There is no time for the operator
to react. Rear overturns are often due to pulling a load uphill,
being stuck in the mud, or attempting to pull a load that
has been hitched above the drawbar.
When possible, operate a tractor equipped with a rollover
protective structure (ROPS). Most tractors should be equipped
with a ROPS and seat belt. However, certain tractors are exempt,
including:
- Tractors
built before October 1976;
- Tractors
with less than 20 horsepower; and
- Tractors
on which equipment is mounted that would be incompatible
with ROPS.
- Low
profile tractors used in groves, farm buildings or greenhouses
in which the vertical clearance would interfere with normal
operations. However, it is recommended to use tractors with
ROPS in these situations since most manufacturers now offer
ROPS that fold down when necessary for clearance.
However,
exemptions are not to be used as an excuse for not using safety
features. If the use of the tractor permits ROPS and seat
belts, they need to be provided. An exemption doesn't eliminate
hazards.
Always wear a seat belt on a tractor with a ROPS. If an overturn
occurs, the seat belt helps keep the driver within the safety
zone that the ROPS creates. Seat belts are not to be used
on tractors without a ROPS since, in that case, an operator
constrained in the seat would be crushed. Without a seat belt,
the driver may be thrown around in the cab, which can result
in severe injuries or unconsciousness. Either of these could
make it impossible for the driver to escape the cab, which
could be fatal, especially if the tractor has overturned into
a canal.
2.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rollover Protective Structures
(ROPS)
How common are tractor overturn injuries?
Tractor overturns are the leading cause of work-related deaths
in agriculture.
Can overturn injuries be prevented?
The use of a ROPS and seat belt is 99 percent effective in
preventing deaths and injuries from overturn.
Why is a seat belt needed with the ROPS?
The seat belt keeps the operator within the zone of protection
in an overturn. A seat belt must not be used on tractors without
a ROPS because it will prevent the operator from jumping clear
in a dangerous incident.
How do I know if a ROPS is available for my tractor(s)?
The ROPS directory, prepared by the National Farm Medicine
Center in Marshfield, Wisc., contains this information The
directory is distributed to county extension offices and equipment
dealers. Most manufacturers offer ROPS at affordable prices.
Contact your dealer for details. The ROPS directory is available
on the Internet at <http://research.marshfieldclinic.org/nfmc/resources/rops/default.asp?doc=ROPS_publicationInfo.xml>.
Or you can check with your local tractor dealer.
I
can't afford ROPS for all my tractors, but I want to reduce
my risk of being hurt in an overturn. What can I do?
Safety can be improved by using a tractor equipped with a
ROPS for riskier operations. The value of a ROPS is such that
trading in an older tractor for a model equipped with a ROPS
might be worth considering.
If ROPS are so great, why can't I make my own?
Only ROPS that have been tested to meet specific standards
are acceptable. Tractors with ROPS that haven't been approved
can split during an overturn. Anything less than an approved
ROPS provides a false sense of security. Altering a ROPS by
welding something onto it or by drilling holes in it can make
it less effective. The dynamic forces that act upon a ROPS
during a tractor overturn make it crucial that a ROPS be properly
designed, manufactured, and installed. The ROPS and tractor
must work together as a system in order to stay together as
a unit in the event of an overturn.
Won't a ROPS limit the way I can use my tractor?
Few owners actually remove a ROPS because of interference.
ROPS that fold down are available for many tractors.
Some of my tractors have cabs. Isn't the ROPS a part of
the cab frame?
Many older tractors may have what is known as a weather cab,
meaning a ROPS is not part of the frame. In an overturn, these
cabs can be more deadly since they provide no chance for quick
escape, thus increasing the chances of being crushed.
How do I know if the cab on my tractor has a ROPS as part
of its structure?
Look for a label indicating it has an OSHA-approved ROPS;
most tractors manufactured after 1976 should have these labels.
However, labels are not located in a uniform spot, and the
cab may cover them up. Look for a seat belt. Manufacturers
only install seat belts on ROPS-equipped tractors. Consult
the dealer.
3.
More Tractor Safety Tips
- When
a tractor has adjustable wheel widths, operate it with the
widest wheel adjustment that is practical for the task at
hand.
- Add
weights to the tractor to make it more stable.
- Check
that shields for the power takeoff and other moving parts
are in place and are in good condition.
- Check
the brakes individually and then check the brakes locked
together with the tractor operating at a transport speed
to ensure it will stop in a straight line.
- Inspect
the condition and fit of hydraulic lines. Sudden failure
of hydraulics could result in loss of control of the tractor
or equipment. Also, serious injury could result from being
sprayed with hot, high-pressure hydraulic fluid. Check for
holes by holding a piece of cardboard above the hoses. Keep
hands clear of hydraulic leaks; using the hand can result
in serious burns or in hydraulic fluid being injected directly
into the hand.
- Be
sure that running lights are properly mounted, clean and
visible. Two headlights and two taillights, both widely
spaced, should be visible to other traffic.
- Mount
the slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem in the center of the
rear of all tractors and machinery that will be used on
public roads. The emblem indicates that the vehicle travels
at less than 25 miles per hour. The bottom edges of the
emblem should be no higher than six feet off the ground.
- Always
clean the SMV emblem before entering a public road. Dust
and dirt greatly decrease its reflective ability.
- Replace
the SMV emblem if it begins to fade.
- Mount
a fire extinguisher with an ABC rating on all tractors.
- Mount
a dust-proof and waterproof first aid kit on all tractors.
- If
tractors are used in dusty conditions or for applying pesticides,
equip them with cabs that provide filtered air. Check what
the filter is designed to do. The operator must have personal
protective equipment in the cab in case he/she must leave
the tractor.
- Perform
pre-operational checks daily, following the guidelines within
the operator's manual.
- Avoid
bypass starting.
4.
Bypass Starting Dangers
Shortcuts are common in agriculture, but they are dangerous.
Bypass starting is a very dangerous shortcut.
The term "bypass starting" points to its danger.
It bypasses all the safety-start and neutral-start switches
in the tractor's electrical and hydraulic systems. The problem
comes when someone tries to bypass-start a tractor or other
piece of equipment that is in gear. The person can then get
pulled down by the drive wheel and be crushed. The runaway
tractor can also injure or kill others in the area.
Often operators or mechanics bypass-start an engine because
of a maintenance problem with the tractor's neutral-start
switch. It's a good idea to immediately repair mechanical
problems that might make bypass starting tempting. Remember,
every death or injury due to bypass starting could have been
avoided.
5.
Safety Switch Check
Periodically check switches to make sure they are in working
condition. This helps avoid the temptation of trying to bypass-start
an engine. Following the steps below only takes a few seconds.
- Make
sure that no one is standing near the tractor and that no
obstructions are around it.
- Depress
the clutch and brake pedals. Attempt to start the engine
with gears disengaged and the PTO in neutral.
- Depress
the clutch and brake pedals. Attempt to start the tractor
with the gears engaged and the PTO in neutral. The starter
should not engage.
- Depress
the clutch and brake pedal. Attempt to start the tractor
with the gears in neutral and the PTO engaged. Again, the
starter should not engage.
- On
tractors equipped with clutch-mounted start switches, depress
the brake pedal but not the clutch pedal. Place the transmission
and PTO in neutral, the starter should not engage.
- If
either switch is malfunctioning, replace it before further
use. See the dealer for parts or service.
- Talk
to the dealer about getting decals to apply to farm machinery
that warns about the dangers of bypass starting. Such decals
act as a frequent reminder to operators.
6.
Having One Driver per Tractor is Ideal
Scheduling one operator to one tractor has several advantages.
Operators assigned to drive different tractors tend to become
confused in crisis situations. The controls may be different,
and a split-second delay in reacting to a crisis can result
in an overturn or other incident.
When more than one operator drives the same tractor, the tractor
is no longer considered "mine" by any one employee.
Care of the tractor diminishes, and the blame for lack of
maintenance and/or damage is shifted to the "other person."
It is also easier for an operator to not check things because
he/she thinks the other drivers have taken care of them.
Tractor overturns in canals, ditches and washouts are common.
The steep slopes and loose soils in these environments are
serious hazards. Other hazards are found on public roads,
blind corners, narrow bridges, culverts, sharp turns, steep
terrain and slippery surfaces.
Inspect the environment in which tractors will be used. Identify
the hazards and take action to eliminate them. Implement the
following suggestions to reduce the environmental hazards:
- Increase
the turning area at the ends of rows. Give the tractor operator
room for safe turns without coming too close to ditches
and canals.
- Move
field roads farther from canals and ditches. Equipment needs
to be kept behind the shear line of the soil and embankment.
The minimum distance recommended for operating machinery
near embankments is a 1:1 ratio to the depth of the embankment.
In other words, the tractor should be no closer to the edge
than the depth of the embankment. Following this recommendation
prevents bank collapse that can cause tractors to overturn
thus crushing operators or drowning them in canals. This
distance increases with adverse soil conditions such as
sandy or wet soil.
- Control
vegetation that can hide hazards. Clearly mark the location
of canals, ditches, and other hazards.
- Maintain
field roads.
- Widen
narrow roads and bridges (where practical).
- Eliminate
sharp, blind corners or curves, and rough or slippery surfaces.
- If
travel on public roads is absolutely necessary, travel when
vehicle traffic is light and visibility is good.
- Use
proper marking and lighting on all tractors and attached
equipment.
- Prune
hedges or trees to improve visibility and reduce the danger
of incidents caused by tree limbs hitting the operator.
- Remove
tree stumps and other field obstacles.
- Conduct
walk-through inspections for washouts before beginning tractor
operations. Clearly mark or fill washouts.
- Inspect
the farmstead and machinery storage and service area.
- Correct
dangerous traffic patterns around hazards.
- Be
aware of the location of overhead power lines, especially
when towing equipment that may have high points, such as
boom sprayers.
It was going to be a record harvest. The owner of the operation
could see light at the end of the tunnel paying off
loans, updating equipment, maybe a little left over for a
family vacation. The farm manager sent the workers out to
the field. It was a beautiful morning, and the workers were
laughing and joking. They hopped up onto the tractors to catch
a lift to the field. As the merriment continued, one of the
tractors drove into a rough part of the field. Before anyone
knew what had happened, one of the workers had lost his grip
on the tractor he was riding, and the tractor ran over him.
He drowned in about fifteen minutes as his punctured lung
filled with blood. There was no harvest that day, just anxious
workers and a bereaved family. The following days were taken
up with the funeral, the OSHA investigation, the insurance
company, and a pending lawsuit by the victim's family.
This story is a compilation of details from many incidents
of this type that have occurred in Florida and elsewhere in
recent years. In most incidents involving extra riders, victims
fall off or are thrown from the tractor during a rough ride
or when a tractor overturns. In these situations, extra riders
can be run over by either the tractor or by an implement being
towed, or both. In an overturn, the tractor often crushes
the extra rider.
These incidents are double tragedies because they can be prevented
so easily. The following information discusses the serious
risks that extra riders face.
1.
Why Take the Risk?
Tractors are not passenger vehicles. Except for those built
with instructional seats, they are designed for one person
to operate.
Passengers on tractors can interfere with safe operation of
a tractor. The extra rider can distract the operator, block
access to controls or obstruct the operator's vision.
Tractors
(except those with instructional seats) are designed to provide
protection for only one person, the operator. All tractors
manufactured since 1976 have a special rollover protective
structure -- a ROPS -- that provides a safe environment for
the operator if the tractor overturns. The use of the seat
belts on tractors with ROPS will protect the operator from
serious injuries.
Extra riders have no such protection. There is no safe environment
for extra riders on tractors. Older model tractors without
ROPS offer no overturn protection for operators or extra riders.
Many people have the mistaken idea that enclosed cabs protect
extra riders. This notion only gives tractor operators a false
sense of security. Many tractor runover deaths happen when
a person, often a child, falls out of an enclosed cab. An
enclosed cab can reduce the chance that a rider will be bumped
off a tractor, but it can't eliminate the risk. The small
measure of protection from an enclosed cab is not a guarantee
of safety for extra riders. Door latches may not be fully
latched; latches can be bumped; and children can become restless
and tamper with latches and controls. Note: Tractor models
with instructional seats are limited to cab tractors.
2.
Causes of Runovers
There are many reasons why extra riders are thrown from the
tractor, frequently resulting in death. These include:
- Sudden
stops
- Driving
over holes, stumps and debris, or
- A
sharp turn causes the extra rider to lose his or her footing
or to be tossed off the tractor. The tractor does not have
to overturn for an extra rider to be thrown from the vehicle.
Operators
may think they can respond quickly and stop the tractor if
something occurs, especially if the tractor is moving very
slowly or if only simple tasks are being performed. The most
common comment from people involved in tractor runovers is
how quickly the incident occurred (see Table 3).
Runovers can also occur when the tractor is involved in an
incident. One common scene occurs when a rider is thrown after
the tractor hits a building, bridge, or another vehicle. If
the tractor overturns, the operator and the rider are both
in danger.
3.
The "No Riders" Rule
The only way to prevent extra rider injuries or deaths is
to prohibit riders on tractors except for those actually involved
in training on a tractor equipped with an instructional seat.
Consider making a permanent policy for not allowing riders
on tractors.
Make sure all tractor operators observe the "NO RIDERS"
rule. Discuss the importance of this rule with managers and
employees. It's also helpful to post "NO RIDERS"
decals on all tractors to remind others about the policy.
"NO RIDERS" decals may be purchased from the Farm
Safety 4 Just Kids organization (1-800-423-5437). Many implement
dealerships also carry these decals.
"No
Riders" Decal.
The most effective way to observe the NO RIDERS" rule
is to eliminate the need for extra riders on tractors. Use
other vehicles, such as trucks or motor vehicles, when transporting
workers to fields or distant work sites. Here are some tips:
- Discuss
with managers and employees why a "NO RIDERS"
rule is important.
- Make
sure all guests and hosts know the owner's or employer's
opinion about extra riders.
4.
Problems on Other Equipment
Other farm equipment may be unsafe for extra riders, too.
Most all-terrain vehicles, skid steer loaders, and riding
lawnmowers are designed for one person.
Some combines and other equipment have extra seats. Seats
for extra riders should be added only by the manufacturer
because many factors are considered in designing them for
safety. A makeshift seat added to farm equipment cannot ensure
safety. Enforcing a "NO RIDERS" rule may be the
single most important action in protecting people on farms
or ranches. The rule may challenge years of tradition, but
it provides a safer way to pass on the agricultural heritage.
Each year, incidents involving tractors and other farm machinery
occur on public roads, causing deaths, injuries, and costly
equipment damage.
Collisions with other vehicles make up nearly half of these
incidents. Running off the road, overturning, striking a fixed
object or the operator falling off the equipment make up the
remainder.
About one-third of tractor-related deaths occur on public
roads, according to the National Safety Council. Many people
assume that these collisions happen during bad weather or
hazardous conditions. Studies have repeatedly shown that nearly
80 percent of tractor-motor vehicle collisions occur on dry,
straight roads in daylight.
Here are some practical tips that can help. Although most
of these points may seem obvious, they are nonetheless important
to review.
- Keep
travel on public roads to a minimum.
- Travel
on public roads when traffic is at a minimum and visibility
is good.
- Avoid
moving tractors and other farm equipment on public roads
between sunset and sunrise, when visibility is 500 feet
or less or when rain makes roads hazardous.
- Consider
using trailers to transport tractors and equipment to distant
fields and other locations.
- Be
thoroughly familiar with how to operate the tractor and
any equipment being towed.
- Obey
all traffic laws, including speed limits, traffic signals,
and signs.
- Have
slow-moving vehicle emblems (required for vehicles traveling
25 mph or less) and reflectors in place on all tractors
and implements and make sure that they are clean and in
good condition. New technology has improved the visibility
of the slow-moving vehicle emblem. The emblem is made of
two materials a fluorescent material for daytime
visibility and a reflective outline for nighttime. In the
past, slow-moving vehicle emblems tended to fade excessively.
Emblems made with the new material are more expensive than
emblems without it, but their longevity offsets the extra
cost. Reflective tape is also useful to increase the visibility
of your tractor and equipment. Experts recommend applying
it to the front, back, and sides of equipment. (See "Lighting
and Marking -- Summary of ASAE Standard S279.10" below
for more details.)
- Make
sure that brake pedals are locked together and that brakes
are adjusted for equal pedal movement. This helps ensure
that the tractor will stop in a straight line.
- Since
tractor brakes have limited holding power, use low gears
whenever taking heavy loads up or down hills.
- Properly
light tractors and equipment. Lighting should include turn
signals, headlights and taillights.
- Check
to see if all lights are working, and use them if there
is any question about visibility.
- Keep
flashing amber lights on when operating farm equipment on
public roads.
- Turn
off any work lights that face the rear. Make sure the load
does not obscure lights and warning devices. If night driving
is necessary, clean headlights and taillights.
1.
Common Causes of Collisions
Nearly half of all collisions between motorists and farm implements
involve one of two scenarios The left-turn collision
or the rear-end collision. The number of incidents involving
each scenario is about equal.
a. Left-Turn Collision
The scenario: The left-turn collision occurs when the tractor
is about to make a left turn at the same time that a motorist
tries to pass.
Why it happens: Like tractor/semi-trailer drivers, tractors
sometimes need to make wide left turns. They may swing to
the right before making a left turn because they need extra
room to line up with a farm gate or driveway. This maneuver
can confuse motorists, especially if they think that the tractor
operator is moving over to let them pass. Tractor operators,
especially when towing equipment, have limited visibility
and may not see the motor vehicle.
How to avoid: Tractor operators can reduce the potential for
the left-turn collision by installing extension mirrors on
the tractor to improve visibility. A sticker that is often
seen on semi-tractor-trailers is a good reminder to motorists:
"If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you."
This sticker can be placed on farm equipment to provide motorists
with more information.
b. Rear-End Collision
The scenario: The rear-end collision happens because a motorist
doesn't see the farm machinery in time.
Why it happens: It's easy to misjudge speed when approaching
a slow-moving vehicle. In most cases, there are only a few
seconds to react and slow down. For example, if the motorist
is driving 55 miles per hour and comes upon a tractor that's
moving 15 miles per hour, it only takes five seconds to close
a gap the length of a football field.
Another way of looking at it: If the driver of a motor vehicle
that is traveling at 50 miles per hour spots a tractor 400
feet ahead on the road and the tractor is moving at 20 miles
per hour, the motorist has less than 10 seconds to avoid a
rear-end collision.
In those
ten seconds, the motorist must recognize that a dangerous
situation exists, determine the speed at which the tractor
is moving, decide what action to take and apply the brakes
hard enough and long enough to avoid a collision.
How to avoid: Use marking and lighting (as described in the
"Lighting and Marking" section of this publication)
to provide motorists with the information they need to recognize
the hazard.
c.
Sideswipe Collision
The scenario: When a motor vehicle meets or attempts to pass
a farm vehicle, it is sideswiped by the tractor/equipment.
Why it happens: Some farm operators haul equipment that is
extra wide or especially long, but some motorists do not take
into account the width or length of the equipment or the sway
of the tractor and implement. Also, equipment takes up more
available roadway when approaching bridges, mailboxes, or
other shoulder obstructions.
How to avoid: In order for oncoming and passing traffic to
better assess the width of farm equipment, reflective tape
and materials should be used to mark the extreme front and
rear points of the machine.
d.
Head-On Collision with Other Motor Vehicle
The scenario: While a motor vehicle is passing a farm vehicle,
it is confronted by another motor vehicle approaching head
on. There is no time to get off the road and a head-on collision
occurs.
Why it happens: As in the Sideswipe, a driver may fail to
appreciate the length of the farm equipment to be passed and
be forced to spend a longer time in the passing lane. Add
to this that the driver's view when preparing to pass may
be blocked by the farm equipment.
e.
Head-On Collision with Vehicles
The scenario: An on-coming motorist collides head-on with
the towed implement that is wider than the tractor.
Why it happens: Wide equipment poses a special hazard, especially
at night, because oncoming traffic does not realize that the
tractor is pulling equipment that extends across the centerline
and into the opposite lane of traffic until it is too late
to react.
How to avoid: If at all possible, keep road travel of wide
equipment to a minimum, especially at night. Equipment that
is well-marked and well-lit will provide motorists with better
information to help them react in time. Reflective materials
should be used to mark the extreme front points of the machine.
2.
Escort Vehicles
At times, tractors or the equipment they are pulling cross
into the oncoming traffic lane, especially on narrow rural
roads. In these situations, consider using an escort vehicle
equipped with flashing yellow lights. Remember that equipment
can obscure rear tractor lights.
Even if an escort vehicle is not required by law, it is good
practice. For large equipment, the local police, sheriff or
highway patrol may provide this service.
Escort vehicles are required by state laws under certain conditions.
These conditions are listed in Table 4. This table is not
definitive. If you have any question about an oversize vehicle,
contact your Department of Transportation permits division.
For Florida, additional requirements for the kind of vehicle
that may be used as an escort, as well as for its marking
and lighting are specified in the Florida Administrative Code
(F.A.C.) Section 14-26.0012. Contact your state Department
of Transportation for complete details about the kind of vehicle
which is acceptable for escort use, as well as the proper
marking and lighting of escort vehicles.
3.
Lighting and Marking -- Summary of ASAE Standard S279.10
Remember the reason for marking and lighting is to provide
motorists with better information. Marking and lights that
are obscured or not at the motorist's eye level do not provide
"quick reflex" information for the motorist.
An excellent
example of this principle was the placement of a brake light
in the rear window of cars. A study of its effectiveness was
conducted among a test group of New York City cab drivers.
Placement of the light at the motorist's eye level helped
motorists to see brake lights several cars ahead and reduced
the number of rear-end collisions by 50%. For the collisions
that did occur, damages were reduced by one-third. This happened,
not by reforming or changing drivers, but simply by providing
them with better information.
What are ASAE Standards? ASAE (American Society for Agricultural
Engineers) is the professional society for those interested
in engineering knowledge and technology for food and agriculture,
and related industries and resources. Standards are based
on experience and research, and they are developed by committees
that include qualified people from producer, consumer, and
general interest groups.
This lighting and marking standard applies to all tractors,
other self-propelled farm machinery, and towed machinery used
for farm operations (for more details see standard ASAE S390.1)
which might be driven or towed on any road that is also accessible
to the public. Self-propelled machines and towed machines
are considered separately in the standard. The following is
only a summary of ASAE Standard 279.10 OCT98 "Lighting
and Marking of Agricultural Equipment on Highways." Consult
the standard for exact details about the specific types of
lights and their placement.
a.
General Recommendations for Lighting Self-Propelled Equipment
The standard recommends six features related to lighting self-propelled
equipment, which includes tractors. The standard defined the
proper lateral and vertical placement of lights; in general,
lights should be no lower that 3 ft from the ground or more
than 10 feet high.
Headlamps. Two standard headlamps should be mounted
at the same height and spaced as far apart as possible, the
same distance on either side of the centerline. The standard
also defines how bright headlamps should be.
Work
lamps. The equipment should be fitted with work
lamps. Rear-facing work lamps should not be used on the highway,
but others should be used to illuminate the area near the
equipment on its sides and front.
Taillights. Two red taillights should be mounted
at the same height, as far apart as possible, and the same
distance on either side of the centerline. Taillights should
be at least 3 feet from the ground and not more that ten feet.
Warning Lights. Extra-wide vehicles (12 ft or more)
should have flashing amber lights marking the sides of the
vehicle to reduce the danger of sideswipes. The lamps should
flash in unison at 60 to 85 times per minute.
Turn Indicators. In addition to the red taillights,
the equipment should carry turn indicators. When a turn indicator
is on, the warning light on the side of the flashing turn
signal should flash faster, up to 110 flashes per minute,
while the warning light on the side opposite the turn should
burn steady and not flash.
Seven-terminal Receptacle. Details of the seven-terminal
receptacle, for machines commonly used with equipment, are
defined in the standard. Towed equipment needs to have the
matching seven-pin plug. The wiring of the plug and receptacle
are described in the standard.
b.
General Recommendations for Marking Non-self-propelled Equipment
Marking refers to using reflectors, reflective materials,
and specific signs to make the presence and the size of towed
equipment obvious to other motorists. The general requirements
for marking self-propelled equipment are:
Rear Reflectors - Red reflectors visible to the
rear up to a distance of 600 ft should be used to mark the
outermost side extensions of the equipment.
Front Reflectors - Yellow reflectors visible to
the front should mark the extreme left and right of equipment,
especially if it is wider than the towing machine.
Conspicuity
Material - Two kinds of material visible to the
rear should be used: retroreflective material that means the
material or device reflects back to the light source, and
red-orange non-reflective, fluorescent material. Conspicuity
material visible to the front should be yellow.
Slow-moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem - This triangular
emblem should be visible to the rear of any slow-moving machinery
(<25 mph). Remember: point up!
If Tractor Illumination Is Obscured - Towed equipment
should carry any lighting that it obscures on the tractor.
For example, if the towed equipment blocks a tractor's taillights
from the view of following motorists, the towed equipment
should carry taillights. The same is true for the tractor's
flashing red warning lights and its turn indicators.
If the Tractor's SMV Emblem Is Obscured - The SMV emblem
must be visible to following motorists. If the equipment being
towed obscures the SMV emblem on the tractor, then one must
be mounted on the towed equipment.
c.
Special Recommendations for Lighting and Marking Non-self-propelled
Equipment
The non-self-propelled equipment that is towed by tractors
should have its own lighting and marking. In many cases, the
standard has special recommendations based on the width or
length of the towed equipment.
Towed equipment should be marked and lighted so that it is
clearly visible from the rear and the side. It is important
that the full width and length of the equipment be obvious
to motorists who are approaching quickly from the rear, who
are trying to pass slow-moving-equipment, or who are approaching
as oncoming traffic.
Equipment
Width and Length
The following special requirements apply in these situations:
Extra Width: The towed equipment extends:
more than
4 ft to the left of the tractor's centerline, (see 1 below),
more than 4 ft to the right or left of the tractor's centerline
(see 2 below), or
more than 6 ft from the centerline in either direction (see
3 below).
Front-Mounted
Equipment: The attached equipment is in front of the tractor
(see 4 below)
Length:
The towed equipment extends:
more
than 4 ft behind the hitch point on the tractor (see 5
below), more than 16 ft behind the hitch point on the
tractor (see 6 below),
more than 25 ft behind the hitch point on the tractor
(see 7 below).
1) The
towed equipment extends more than 4 ft to the left of the
tractor's centerline.
Special lighting requirements Covered above under "If
Tractor Illumination Is Obscured."
Special marking requirements At least one amber or
yellow reflector visible to the front positioned to indicate
as nearly as practicable the left projection of the equipment.
2) The
towed equipment extends more than 4 ft from the tractor's
centerline in either direction.
Special lighting requirements Covered above under "If
Tractor Illumination Is Obscured."
Special marking requirements In addition to the amber
or yellow reflector required for equipment that extends more
than four feet to the left of the machine centerline, at least
two red reflectors visible to the rear and mounted to indicate
as nearly as possible the extreme left and right projections
of the equipment.
3) The
towed equipment is more than 12 ft wide (or extends more than
6 ft from the centerline in either direction).
Special
lighting requirements Extra-wide towed equipment should
have flashing amber warning lights visible front and rear,
red tail lamps, and turn indicators. The warning lights should
flash in unison with the warning lights on the tractor.
Special marking requirements 1) Visible to the rear:
Red retroreflective material and non-reflective red-orange
fluorescent material. The retroreflective material should
mark the left and right extremes of the equipment. Use enough
reflective and non-reflective material so that there are no
unmarked gaps of more than 6 ft. 2) Visible to the front:
Two yellow reflectors as close as possible to the right and
left extremes of the equipment.
4) The
attached equipment is in front of the tractor.
Special lighting requirements None.
Special marking requirements 1) Visible to the rear:
Red retroreflective material and non-reflective red-orange
fluorescent material. The retroreflective material should
mark the left and right extremes of the equipment. Use enough
reflective and non-reflective material so that there are no
unmarked gaps of more than 6 ft. 2) Visible to the front:
Two yellow reflectors as close as possible to the right and
left extremes of the equipment.
5) The
towed equipment extends more than 4 ft behind the hitch point
on the tractor.
Special lighting requirements Covered above under "If
Tractor Illumination Is Obscured."
Special marking requirements This equipment requires
an SMV emblem of its own, visible to the rear.
6) The
towed equipment extends more than 16 ft behind the hitch point
on the tractor.
Special lighting requirements Covered above under "If
Tractor Illumination Is Obscured."
Special marking requirements This equipment requires
an SMV emblem of its own, visible to the rear. In addition,
the sides of the equipment should be marked with amber or
yellow reflectors, spaced every 16 ft maximum. A reflector
should be placed as far to the rear on each side as possible.
7) The
towed equipment extends more than 25 ft behind the hitch point
on the tractor.
Special lighting requirements This equipment should
have its own set of taillights, warning lights and turn indicators
as described above.
1. Towing Equipment
- Make
sure that the tractor is properly counterweighted and that
all attachments are secure and properly mounted.
- Avoid
operating attachments during road travel, and keep the power-takeoff
lever in neutral.
- Make
sure that the tractor is large enough to handle its load
and hitch the load only to the tractor's drawbar hitch points.
The drawbar is designed for pulling heavy loads without
the risk of a backward overturn. If the load is hitched
any higher, the tractor can overturn quickly by rotating
around the rear axle.
- When
towing equipment without brakes, keep speed under 20 miles
per hour.
- Towed
equipment should have brakes if, when fully loaded, it weighs
more than one and a half times the weight of the towing
unit. Stopping distances increase with speed and as the
weight of towed loads increases, as well as on hills and
slopes.
- When
towing equipment with brakes, stay below 25 miles per hour.
- Equipment
that weighs more that 4.5 times the weight of the towing
unit should not be towed.
2.
Front-End Loaders
Front-end loaders can make tractors unstable and subject to
side overturns.
- When
using a tractor with a front-end loader, use the wide wheel
settings and add rear weights as needed.
- Travel
with the bucket in a low position and at low speeds, especially
when turning or traveling on rough and slippery terrain.
- Avoid
fast starts and stops.
3.
Loading and Unloading Tractors
When loading a tractor onto a trailer or truck, always load
it on level, stable ground. Make sure that the truck or trailer
cannot move by setting the brakes or blocking the wheels or
both. Whenever possible, slowly back the tractor onto the
truck or trailer. Check to see if anyone is behind the tractor
or near the trailer during loading.
- Make
sure ramps are clear of mud, grease, or debris. Make sure
they are secure.
- Lock
the brakes on the tractor and secure it to the trailer with
chains and load binders.
- Fasten
chains and lock and wire load binders so that they can open.
- If
possible, someone nearby should guide the tractor operator
with hand signals.
- Check
the owner's manual for specific recommendations.
- Slow
down on turns and curves. A tractor's turning radius is
much smaller than an automobile's. Taking a curve too fast
can cause an overturn or a jackknife, if machinery is attached.
- Make
sure that maneuvers when entering, turning, or leaving the
highway don't interfere with other traffic.
- Keep
in mind that towed equipment might swing into the oncoming
lane.
- Only
use the road shoulders when they are stable and well-maintained.
Using unstable edges and shoulders can cause a tractor to
overturn. Also, driving along the edge can be misleading
to motorists. They may pull out to pass just as the tractor
re-enters the roadway to avoid a mailbox or bridge. Remember
that many motorists aren't familiar with tractors or equipment.
- To
let a line of cars pass, pull over to the side and stop,
otherwise a culvert, mailbox, or other hazard might force
the tractor to re-enter the roadway while cars are still
passing.
Vehicle fires sometimes occur while people are filling metal
gas cans placed on plastic surfaces. This type of fire usually
involves a gas can in the back of a pick-up truck with a plastic
bed liner.
Gasoline tends to carry a static electric charge. When pouring
gasoline into a can, this charge can build up on the can.
If the can is sitting on concrete or on the ground, the static
charge can safely flow away. But when the can is sitting on
plastic, such as the plastic bed liner in a truck, the static
charge can not escape because the plastic is an insulator,
that is, it does not conduct electricity. A spark can occur
between the can and the fuel nozzle and ignite the gasoline.
When the spark occurs in the flammable range in the gasoline
vapor space near the open mouth of the gas can, a fire occurs.
Use only
gas cans approved by OSHA and follow these precautions.
- Use
only an approved container.
- Don't
fill any container while it's inside a vehicle.
- Always
place the container to be filled on the ground and away
from other people and traffic.
- Keep
the nozzle in contact with the can while filling.
- Never
use a latch-open device to fill a portable container.
- Don't
smoke.
- While
transporting containers, tie them in place.
Sometimes a tractor must be operated on a steep slope.
- Backing
up or driving down slopes can help 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 stuck is not only embarrassing, but it can also be
dangerous.
- Always
try to back out. Trying to drive forward is dangerous and
can result in a rear overturn.
- If
backing out isn't possible, 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 it slowly.
Do not use a nylon rope because it can stretch and break,
then snap back, resulting in serious injury or death. These
have snapped back throwing the cable hook through the cab
window, killing the operator.
- Often,
someone who is nearby and may be a relatively inexperienced
operator is called upon to assist in pulling out stuck equipment.
The tractor doing the pulling is actually doing the riskier
operation, which could very quickly result in a rear overturn.
The condition of equipment sold at auctions or transferred
from person to person varies widely, so it's important to
examine used equipment carefully.
When
equipment is purchased through a dealership, the purchase
usually includes a warranty, directions for maintenance and
operation, warning, "seals of approval" and assurances
that the equipment conforms with voluntary or federal standards.
Regardless of where equipment is bought, look for items that
may detract from safety, such as missing shields and poor
upkeep.
A bargain price may not be worth the risks involved. Don't
be blinded by a "sale" and end up with below-standard
equipment.
Consider
the following questions when buying used equipment.
- Are
operating manuals included?
- Are
shields and guards in place?
- Is
the equipment in decent condition? Breakdowns due to poor
maintenance could cause unsafe working conditions.
- If
buying a tractor, is it equipped with a ROPS? If it isn't,
determine who's responsible for paying for and making sure
it's installed. Remember, tractors manufactured after October
1976 that are used by employees are required to have ROPS
and seat belts per OSHA Standard 1928.51 (Roll-over protective
structures (ROPS) for tractors used in agricultural operations).
Hand signals have been developed to provide a uniform means
of communication between workers on the ground and equipment
operators. They are especially useful when noise, distance,
or language barriers make voice communication difficult.
There are eleven recognized hand signals found in ASAE Standard
S351. They are illustrated in figures on the next page of
this publication.
1) Come to me.
2) Move toward me.
3 ) Move out.
4) Start the engine.
5) Stop the engine.
6) This far to go.
7) Stop.
8) Speed up.
9) Slow down.
10)Lower equipment.
11) Raise equipment.
Hand Signals for Communicating with Machinery
Operators (part 1).
Hand
Signals for Communicating with Machinery Operators (part 2).
When moving large bales, remember: Low and Slow. Avoid sudden
movements and turns which can easily cause the tractor to
overturn. The higher the loader is raised, the higher the
center of gravity, and the easier the tractor will overturn.
Only use equipment, such as a grapple hook or bale spike,
that is designed to be used with your tractor model for bale
transport.
Placing a bale in a regular tractor bucket and anchoring with
a chain is not adequate. Bales, especially if wet and thus
very heavy, can snap the chain. The bale then rolls down the
loader arms and crushes the operator. If the bale remains
on the tractor, it may catch fire from exposure to hot engine
components. The trapped operator will then be burned.
An operator checklist is provided at the end of this publication
(see Table 5). This checklist is designed so that it can be
kept as a record of a tractor operator's training.
Safe and competent tractor operators are important to agriculture.
Incidents that cause injury and death and damage tractors,
equipment or crops are costly.
Many tractor incidents can be prevented by putting safer drivers
on safer tractors in a safer environment. Safer tractor operations
should be the goal of owners, managers, supervisors, and tractor
operators.
The following is a requirement for all agribusinesses that
fall under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act (OSHA).
- All
tractor operators shall be informed of certain safe operating
procedures when first assigned to operate a tractor and
at least annually thereafter. These nine points are:
1.
Securely fasten your seatbelt if the tractor has a 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. If necessary,
back up a slope and drive forward going downhill.
5. Watch where you are going, especially at the end of
rows, 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 the truck's manufacturer.
9. When the tractor is stopped, set brakes securely, and
use park lock, if available.
- Safer
tractor operator training can be provided by a variety of
methods, including in small groups or through individual
instruction.
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.
The checklist can be used as is, or it may be modified to
better meet your specific needs. If a service mechanic is
responsible for some of the maintenance functions, you might
not need them listed on a checklist for your tractor operators.
Included at the end of this publication are certificates which
can be used to document operator completion of checklist training.
The larger form is intended for employer files. The smaller
form can be carried by the employee; it is designed to fold
in half and fit in a wallet.
A tractor rodeo is a great way to communicate the importance
of safety and to provide specific safety information. The
event encourages operators to do the right thing the right
way, as well as provides a situation in which they can interact
positively with instructors and with each other.
What
exactly is a tractor rodeo'?
In a tractor rodeo, participants perform common equipment
operations, such as driving tractors or hooking and unhooking
equipment. The driving is usually done on a course laid out
by the instructors.
The course tests employees' precision, safety awareness, and
attention to detail. Likewise, handling equipment will be
a test of accurate execution of a task. (There should not
be a time element, since needless rushing to accomplish tasks
is the source many injuries.) A score sheet is used by judges
to assess the performance of each participant.
The rodeo can last through a morning or afternoon, or it can
be an all-day affair and include lunch and an awards ceremony.
In addition to the activities, safety information can be built
into the introductions, announcements, and event publications
so that it is clear that safety is the bottom line of the
day's activities. A special award for the safest driver is
a good idea, in addition to best overall and best various
categories.
Participants can compete individually or as teams, perhaps
based on their group affiliations.
Example
of a Successful Tractor Rodeo
The following examples are taken from materials developed
over 20 years of conducting tractor rodeos by Extension offices
in Lake County and Orange County, Florida.
The Schedule
The Lake-Orange County Tractor Rodeo is an all-day event starting
at 8 in the morning and ending around 3:30 in the afternoon.
The schedule emphasizes education in the morning; the rodeo
takes place after lunch. Titles for morning sessions are suggestions
only; use safety topics tailored for the group. Examples include:
sun, heat stress, chain saws, power tools, food safety in
the field, tractor safety, and chemical safety.
Here
is a sample program:
8:00-8:30 am Registration and Announcements
8:30-9:00 am Personal Safety
9:00-9:30 am Pesticide Safety
9:30-10:00 am Defensive Driving
10:00-10:30 am Break
10:30-11:00 am Safer Tractor Operation
11:00-11:30 am Be Careful, Hazardous Materials
11:30-12:00pm What's for Lunch? (Food Safety in the
Field)
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-3:00 pm Rodeo
3:00-3:30 pm Awards Presentation
The
Events
The Lake-Orange County rodeo includes three events. Individuals
compete in only one event, but organizations have one representative
in each event. All events can be combined in one course, such
as the one shown on the following page.
The events are:
Event #1: Backing A trailer must be backed into
a stall. Once the tractor is in reverse, it must stay in reverse.
The stall is an area marked out with cones on the course for
the participant to back the trailer into.
Event #2: Hooking Up Back a supply truck up to
a speed sprayer. Each contestant has to back blind to hook
up (that is, contestants can not leave the tractor seat during
the hook up operation).
Event #3: Driving Course A course must be traveled
at constant speed without knocking down the cones."
Example Course for Tractor Rodeo
The
Scorecard
Judges for the Lake-Orange County rodeo use a scorecard to
evaluate the participants' performance. A perfect score is
zero, meaning that points are scored for omissions or errors.
Participants are scored in five areas: Pre-Warm-Up Preparation,
Engine Starting, Warm-Up and Clutch Operation, Driving, and
Safety. A sample scorecard is provided at the end of this
publication (see Table 6).
VII.
How Much Do You Know? Pre-Post Test on Tractor Safety
Testing operators before and after presenting the information
in this publication can make their learning efforts more successful.
You can use the sample Pre-Post Test as it is, or you may
wish to make up your own custom test which covers a specific
area in detail or to provide new questions.
We recommend that your Pre-Post Test include no more than
ten or fifteen questions.
Sample
Pre-Post Test
A copy of the sample test without the answer key can be found
at the end of this publication in Table 7.
1.Most injuries to tractor operators are preventable. True
or False.
2.The safety features on modern tractors can protect the operator
from anything. True or False.
3.Shortcuts usually save very little time while increasing
danger to the operator. True or False.
4. A ROPS will prevent a tractor overturn. True or False.
5.How often should oil, fuel, and other fluid levels be checked?
6.Discomfort is:
A) A normal
part of work which keeps the operator alert and makes him
work harder, or
B) Something that tires and distracts the operator and can
make work less safe.
7.Extra
riders on tractors are often injured in what way?
8.At what level should warning lights be placed on tractors
and other equipment for operation on public roads?
A) As
low as possible,
B) Motorist's eye level,
C) as high as possible.
9.The majority
of tractor-automobile collisions occur:
A) during
wet weather,
B) at night,
C) on dry days in broad daylight.
10.The
faster you are driving the less likely you are to jackknife.
True or False.
Answers 1. True; 2. False; 3. True; 4. False; 5. Daily;
6. B; 7. Fall off tractor and are run over; 8. B; 9. C; 10.
False.
Additional
Pre-Post Test Questions
1.Loose clothing is a special danger near a PTO. True or False.
(True)
2.Agriculture-related injuries are often made worse because
injured workers in isolated areas may have to wait a long
time for help. True or False. (True)
3.A seat belt will hold you in the "zone of protection"
provided by a ROPS. True or False. (True)
4.Seat belts are not needed for short drives. True or False.
(False)
5.Over half of agricultural fatalities result from operating
what device? (Tractors)
6.Most injuries to tractor operators are preventable. True
or False. (True)
7.It is better to think about safety: A) before an incident,
B) after an incident. (A)
8.What are the three major elements to consider in developing
safer tractor operations? (The environment, the tractor, and
the tractor operator)
9.When we can not control the environment, greater safety
results from modifying our____? (Operations)
10.The safety features on modern tractors can protect the
operator from anything. True or False. (False)
11.What is the recommended minimum distance from an embankment
to operate machinery? (A distance equal to the depth of the
embankment is the minimum recommended distance.)
12.Wet or sandy soil makes an embankment more dangerous. True
or False. (True)
13.What does ROPS stand for? (Roll-over protective structure)
14. A ROPS will prevent a tractor overturn. True or False.
(False)
15.Increased tractor power makes what dangers more likely?
(Rear overturns, side overturns, loss of control)
16.Always wear a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped
with a ROPS. True or False. (True)
17.Wide wheel adjustments make a tractor safer to operate.
True or False. (True)
18.Never check for a hydraulic leak with what? (Your hand)
19.Shortcuts usually save very little time while increasing
danger to the operator. True or False. (True)
20.When possible, making one operator responsible for a tractor
is the best system. True or False. (True)
21.What is the minimum age at which employees may operate
a tractor? (16)
22.When a tractor is not in use, any hydraulic equipment attached
to it should be in what position? (Lowered)
23.What symptom can indicate exposure to carbon monoxide?
(Headache)
24.Supervisors have the responsibility of seeing that all
tractor operators have a complete understanding of all instructions
and rules. True or False. (True)
25.Small rewards -- such as a meal, a local merchant gift
certificate, or cash bonus -- presented monthly, can be effective
in promoting safety. True or False. (True)
26.Slow-moving
vehicle emblems are to be used for equipment traveling less
than ___ mph. (25)
27.How often should you check oil, fuel, and other fluid levels?
(Daily)
28.How often should you check for any oil, fuel or fluid leaks?
(Daily)
29.How often should you check tire condition and inflation
levels? (Daily)
30.How often should you check that platforms and steps are
clean and free of debris and tools? (Daily)
31.How often should you check to see that lights, brakes and
the steering mechanism are working properly? (Daily)
32.How often should you check that all gauges are giving proper
readings and that the engine, transmission, and hydraulic
system aren't making any unusual sounds? (Daily)
33.How can you determine what special pre-operation checks
a tractor might require? (Review the maintenance manual for
the tractor.)
34.When you're angry, you should not operate a tractor. True
or False. (True)
35.List personal protective equipment that might be needed
when operating a tractor. (Respirator, eye and ear protection,
protective clothing, head gear, gloves and boots)
36.Smoking is dangerous around what materials? (Gasoline or
other fuels, as when fueling the tractor; dry materials; or
pesticides)
37.Discomfort is: A) A normal part of work which keeps the
operator alert and makes him work harder, or B) Something
that tires and distracts the operator and can make work less
safe. (B)
38.When you are exhausted, you should: A) Push through to
get the job done, or B) Stop working until you are rested.
(B)
39.Impatience
promotes: A) Productivity, or B) Dangerous work habits. (B)
40.Dangerous work habits can result in injury to more than
the operator. True or False. (True)
41.The few extra seconds taken to do a job safely are: A)
more or B) less than the time taken to recover from an injury.
(B)
42.Extra riders on tractors are often injured in what way?
(They fall off tractor and are run over.)
43.If you've done something many times without incident, it
must not be dangerous. True or False. (False)
44.A ROPS makes a tractor safer for an extra rider. True or
False. (False)
45.It is easier to fall out of an enclosed cab than most people
think. True or False. (True)
46.What is the stopping distance for a tractor going 10 miles
per hour, under ideal conditions? (30 ft.)
47.Tradition is the best guide to safe practice. True or False.
(False)
48.According to the National Safety Council, what percentage
of tractor-related deaths occur on public roads? (1/3)
49.What time of day is best for moving tractors and equipment
on public roads: a) daytime, when visibility is good, or b)
nighttime when traffic is likely to be less. (A)
50.Correct marking and lighting of tractors and other farm
equipment are very important when these vehicles must operate
on public roads. What is the most basic required marking device
required for public road travel? (SMV or Slow-moving vehicle
emblem)
51.What marking device is recommended for application to all
sides of equipment for public road travel? (Reflective tape)
52.At what level should warning lights be placed on tractors
and other equipment for operation on public roads? (Eye level
of motorists)
53.Tractor
brakes are capable of stopping a tractor under all circumstances?
True or False (False)
54.Name a common road condition where traveling in a low gear
makes braking more effective? (Traveling up or down hills)
55.An escort vehicle may be required by law if a tractor together
with any towed equipment is excessively A) wide, B) Long C)
High D) Any of the above. (D)
56.In Florida, State law specifies what vehicles may be used
as escorts. True or False. (True)
57.What simple precaution can make lighting on tractors and
equipment more effective? (Cleaning)
58.A motorist may try to pass your tractor just when you are
preparing to turn left. What action on your part might encourage
a motorist to make this mistake? (Swinging to the right to
make a wide left turn)
59.How can the classic "Left-turn collision" scenario
be avoided? (Installation of extension mirrors and using turn
signals)
60.The majority of tractor-automobile collisions occur: A)
during wet weather, B) at night, C) on dry days in broad daylight.
(C)
61.As a rule of thumb, what is the maximum weight a tractor
may tow? (Up to 4.5 times its own weight)
62.Towed loads which are hitched above a tractor's drawbar
can cause what kind of incident? (Rear overturn)
63.Front-end loaders can make tractors unstable and subject
to what kind of incident? (Side overturns)
64.Filling a metal gas can with gasoline increases the static
electricity on the can. True or False. (True)
65.The static electricity that builds up on a metal can when
it is being filled with gasoline can cause dangerous sparking
if the can is sitting on an insulating surface, such as a
plastic bed liner. True or False. (True)
66. Long
hair is a special danger near a PTO. True or False. (True)
67.The small turning radius of a tractor makes jackknifing
more likely. True or False. (True)
68.The faster you are driving the less likely you are to jackknife.
True or False. (False)
69.It is generally safer for tractor/ towed equipment combos
to drive on the shoulder as much as possible. True or False.
(False)
70.Driving your tractor/towed equipment combination on the
road shoulder can cause unexpected hazards. True or False.
(True)
71.To let a line of cars pass you should: A) simply wave them
around, B) pull over into the shoulder and keep moving) or
C) pull over and stop. (C)
72.Any metal container is safe for carrying gasoline. True
or False. (False)
73.You should always take a second to secure a gasoline container
when transporting it. True or False (True)
74.Always keep the nozzle of a gasoline hose in contact with
the can while filling. True or False. (True)
75.Using a latch-open device to fill a portable gasoline container
can lead to very dangerous spills. True or False. (True)
76.A tractor is more stable on a slope when the front wheels
are A) upslope or B) downslope from the rear wheels. (Downslope)
77.Driving up a slope in a tractor makes what incident more
likely? (Rear overturn)
78.If you sense that the tractor you are operating is becoming
unstable, turn the front wheels downhill. True or False. (True)
79.If
your tractor gets stuck, what is the first tactic you should
try in an effort to get out? (Backing up)
80.Backing up when your tractor is stuck can prevent what
incident? (Rear overturn)
81.If backing out a stuck tractor doesn't work, what's the
next thing to try? (Tow it out using a front hitch)
82.When pulling a stuck tractor using a rear hitch, to what
device on the tractor should you connect? (Drawbar)
83.When towing use only steel cable or chain. True or False.
(True)
84.Nylon tow ropes have been known to break when in use, snap
back, and kill the tractor operator. True or False. (True)
85.When pulling out stuck equipment, whose job is riskier:
A) The operator of the stuck equipment or B) the operator
of the tow vehicle? (B)
86.When purchasing used equipment, you usually "get what
you pay for"? True or False. (True)
87.Used equipment can literally cost you an arm or a leg because
it may lack customary shields and guards. True or False. (True)
88.A tractor cab helps protect the operator from lightning
hazards. True or False. (True)
89.It's safe to assume that a tractor operator can operate
any kind of tractor. True or False. (False)
90.It's a good idea to re-certify tractor driver's how often?
(Annually)
91.An enclosed cab offers adequate protection for extra riders.
True or False. (False)
92.Only children as extra riders are a problem because adults
can protect themselves on a tractor. True or False. (False)
93.The following types of farm equipment are unsafe for extra
riders. (Check all that apply.) A) tractor, B) all-terrain
vehicle, C) pick-up truck cab, D) combine. (B; also A and
D if they are not equipped with a manufacturer-installed extra
seat.)
For more information about these and many other safety topics,
contact your county Extension office, or visit the Florida
AgSafe Network Web site:
http://www.flagsafe.ufl.edu
"Tractor Fundamentals: Best Practices," North American
Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks. For more information,
contact the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural
Health and Safety. Web site: <http://www.nagcat.org>.
"Hand Signals for Agriculture," ASAE Standard S351.
"Operator Controls on Agricultural Equipment," ASAE
Standard S335.4.
"Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Wheeled Agricultural
Tractors," ASAE Standard S383.1.
"Symbols for Operator Controls on Agricultural Equipment,"
ASAE Standard S304.5.
"Roll-Over
Protective Structures (ROPS)," Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, OSHA Standard 1928.51
"No Riders" decals may be purchased from the Farm
Safety 4 Just Kids organization. Call (515) 758-2827.
The following publications are available at your county Extension
office and at the EDIS Web site, <http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu>.
(IFAS Publication Numbers are in parentheses after the titles,
followed by the Web address to access the publication.)
Operator
Certification for the Employee.
Operator Certification for Employer Records.
Table
1. Is a few seconds worth the risk?
If
your risky shortcut saves: |
You
save this much time for 100 repetitions: |
While
multiplying your risk of injury by 100! |
3
seconds |
5
minutes |
5
seconds |
10
minutes |
10
seconds |
17
minutes |
Table
2. Isn't your safety worth a few extra seconds?
Task
|
Time
Invested |
100
Repetitions |
Walking
down steps instead of jumping off tractor |
7
seconds |
12
minutes |
Walking
around the PTO instead of stepping over it |
2
seconds |
3
1/3 minutes |
Engaging
cylinder locks on combine when working near or under header
|
30
seconds |
50
minutes |
Getting
off mower to pick up something instead of leaning over
to pick it up as you drive by
|
20
seconds |
33
minutes |
Remember:
The time you invest in performing a task safely is minimal
when you compare it to the high financial and emotional
costs associated with death, injury and permanent disability. |
Table
3. A tractor cannot stop before running over a thrown
rider, no matter how slowly it is going.
Tractor
speed (miles per hour)
|
Stopping
distance (feet)
|
How
far tractor travels until the average person reacts
(feet)
|
2
|
6
|
1.5
|
5
|
12
|
3.7
|
10
|
30
|
7.3
|
15
|
44
|
11.0
|
20
|
64
|
14.3
|
Table
4. Size limits beyond which escort vehicles are required
State
|
Width |
Length |
Height |
Overhang |
Special |
Alabama
|
12
ft |
75
ft |
16
ft |
Rear:
5 ft
Front: 10 ft |
Blade
or bucket extends beyond the side of the vehicle |
Florida
|
12
ft |
95
ft |
14
ft 6
in |
none
stated |
none
stated |
Mississippi
|
12
ft |
99
ft |
none
|
Rear:15
ft |
none
stated |
Information
obtained from Department of Transportation Permits Division
in each of the respective states. |
Table
5. Tractor Operator Checklist
Tractor
Operator Checklist
Directions: This checklist is designed to evaluate a tractor
operator's abilities to safely maintain and operate a
tractor. Mark (x) in the Yes column if the operator can
perform the activity, or in the No column if the operator
can not perform the activity. Mark the Not Applicable,
NA, column if the activity is not appropriate for this
tractor or operation.
Make of Tractor __________________________ Model ___________________ |
Activity
or Condition |
Yes |
No |
NA |
Personal
Safety Precaution |
|
|
|
Only
operate the tractor if you are physically and mentally
alert. |
|
|
|
Wear
close-fitting clothes and proper shoes. |
|
|
|
Eat
and drink in moderation, and do not operate the tractor
if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs or medication. |
|
|
|
Use
basic hand signals. |
|
|
|
Preparing
the Tractor and Equipment for Safer Operation |
|
|
|
Don't
operate the tractor in closed buildings. |
|
|
|
Check
the location and condition of the fire extinguisher. |
|
|
|
Check
the location and condition of the first aid kit. |
|
|
|
Read
and understand decals on the tractor. |
|
|
|
Make
sure that the shield for the PTO and other parts are in
place. |
|
|
|
Keep
steps and platform free of dirt, grease, and debris. |
|
|
|
Check
if the slow-moving vehicle emblem is in place, clean,
and not faded. |
|
|
|
Test
lights to be sure they're working. |
|
|
|
Check
for loose tools and parts. |
|
|
|
Clean
the windows. |
|
|
|
Read
and understand all controls. |
|
|
|
Check
the condition and pressure of all tires. |
|
|
|
Check
oil level; add oil as needed. |
|
|
|
Check
coolant level; add coolant as needed. Do not remove radiator
cap when hot. |
|
|
|
Check
the battery's electrolyte level and add battery water
as needed. Don't use matches around the battery and don't
smoke. |
|
|
|
Check,
clean, coat and tighten battery connections. |
|
|
|
Locate
all grease fittings and clean and lubricate them. |
|
|
|
Refuel
the tractor, making sure that the engine is cool and refrain
from smoking. |
|
|
|
Adjust
wheel width. |
|
|
|
Add
or remove weights. |
|
|
|
Check
if equipment has been properly serviced and adjusted. |
|
|
|
Starting,
Operating, Stopping Tractor and Equipment |
|
|
|
Make
sure that the area is clear of people, pets and obstacles. |
|
|
|
Adjust
seat for comfort. |
|
|
|
Start
the tractor. |
|
|
|
Check
gauges for proper readings. |
|
|
|
Listen
for unusual sounds and shut off the engine if you hear
any. |
|
|
|
Check
brakes. |
|
|
|
Warm
engine before applying a heavy load. |
|
|
|
Never
operate the tractor from the ground. |
|
|
|
Raise,
lower and extend the drawbar. |
|
|
|
Clean
and oil PTO shaft and splines. |
|
|
|
Clean,
connect and disconnect hydraulic lines. |
|
|
|
Connect
and disconnect electrical connections. |
|
|
|
Check
hydraulic controls for proper operation. |
|
|
|
Engage
PTO slowly; check for proper operation. |
|
|
|
Operate
equipment at proper forward speed. |
|
|
|
Operate
equipment at proper PTO speed. |
|
|
|
Watch
and listen to equipment; shut off power at the first sign
of a malfunction. |
|
|
|
Do
not unclog, adjust, or service equipment while it is running. |
|
|
|
Observe
all traffic rules when traveling on the road. |
|
|
|
Lock
brakes together for high-speed travel. |
|
|
|
Shift
gears properly. |
|
|
|
Watch
for obstructions in the field. |
|
|
|
Back
slowly, and watch behind. |
|
|
|
When
stuck, back out or have the tractor towed. |
|
|
|
Leave
the tractor in a low gear going down hills. |
|
|
|
Cool
engine, then shut it off. |
|
|
|
On
the following lines, add additional specific checklist
items important for your workplace. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tractor
Operator Instructions
1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a
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. If necessary,
back up a slope and drive forward going downhill.
5. Watch where you are going, especially at the end of
rows, on roads, and around trees.
6. Do not permit extra riders.
7. Operate the tractor smoothly no jerky turns,
starts, or stops.
8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended
by the manufacturer.
9. When the tractor is stopped, set brakes securely, and
use park lock if available. |
Tractor Machinery Certification Record
______________________________________________
(Employee's Name)
is certified to operate the following tractors or equipment:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_________ ____________________________________
Date Supervisor |
Table
6. Score Sheet for Tractor Rodeo
Tractor
Operation Scoring |
Number
of Infractions |
Total
Points Off |
|
Pre-Warm-Up
1.
Failure to Check Water |
_____ |
x |
7= |
_____ |
2.
Failure to Check Oil |
_____ |
x |
7= |
_____ |
3.
Failure to Check Fuel |
_____ |
x |
7= |
_____ |
|
Starting
Engine
1.
Failure to Check Neutral Position |
_____ |
x |
10= |
_____ |
2.
Failure to Disengage Clutch while Starting Engine |
_____ |
x |
10= |
_____ |
3.
Switch Not Turned On |
_____ |
x |
3= |
_____ |
|
Warm-Up
and Clutch Operation
1.
Failure to Warm-up Engine for Period Specified |
_____ |
x |
7= |
_____ |
|
Driving
1.
Number of Pull-ups to Improve Position |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
2.
Markers Scraped (number) |
_____ |
x |
4= |
_____ |
3.
Marker Moved or Upset (number) |
_____ |
x |
5= |
_____ |
4.
Killed Engine (number of times) |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
5.
Grated Gears (number of times) |
_____ |
x |
1= |
_____ |
6.
Rough Clutch Engagement (number of times) |
_____ |
x |
1= |
_____ |
7.
Failure to Disengage Clutch (number of times) |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
8.
Number of Inches Wheel Off Center |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
9.
Number of Inches Trailer is + or - 4 inches from
Rear Boundary |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
|
Safety
1.
Skidding or Spinning Wheels When Starting (number
of violations) |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
2.
Turning Too Short and Fouling Implement (number
of violations) |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
3.
Operation of Tractor at Unsafe Speed (number of
violations) |
_____ |
x |
4= |
_____ |
4.
Moving Tractor with Brake Set (number of violations) |
_____ |
x |
1= |
_____ |
5.
Failure to Dismount to Insert or Remove Drawbar
Pin |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
6.
Failure to Bring Tractor to Complete Stop |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
7.
Failure to Lock Brakes Before Dismounting to Hook-up
or Unhook Implement at Finish Line |
_____ |
x |
5= |
_____ |
8.
Excessive Use of Brakes (number of violations) |
_____ |
x |
2= |
_____ |
9.
Failure to Wear Safety Belts |
_____ |
x |
10= |
_____ |
|
GRAND
TOTAL (TRACTOR OPERATIONS)______
|
Figuring
Final Score
1. Written Exam (number missed x 4) |
_____ |
2. Tractor Operation (number missed) |
_____ |
3. Oral Exam and/or Demonstration
(number missed) |
_____ |
GRAND TOTAL _____
|
THE
LOW SCORE WINS!
Table
7. Tractor Safety Pre-Post Test
|
Tractor
Safety Pre-Post Test
Circle the correct answer or write it in the space provided. |
|
1. |
Most
injuries to tractor operators are preventable. |
True
or False. |
2. |
The
safety features on modern tractors can protect the operator
from anything. |
True
or False. |
3. |
Shortcuts
usually save very little time while increasing danger
to the operator. |
True
or False. |
4. |
A
ROPS will prevent a tractor overturn. |
True
or False. |
5. |
How
often should oil, fuel, and other fluid levels be checked? |
|
6. |
Discomfort
is:
A) A normal part of work which keeps the operator alert
and makes him work harder, or
B) Something that tires and distracts the operator and
can make work less safe. |
A
B |
7. |
Extra
riders on tractors are often injured in what way? |
|
8. |
At
what level should warning lights be placed on tractors
and other equipment for operation on public roads?
A) As low as possible,
B) Motorist's eye level, or
C) as high as possible. |
A
B C |
9. |
The
majority of tractor-automobile collisions occur:
A) during wet weather,
B) at night, or
C) on dry days in broad daylight. |
A
B C |
10. |
The
faster you are driving the less likely you are to jackknife. |
True
or False. |
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: 08/2002
1. This document
is
CIR 1249,
, one of a series of the Agricultural and Biological
Engineering Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of
Florida. Supported in part by the NIOSH Deep-South Center
for Occupational Health and Safety, University of South Florida,
Tampa, Florida. First published September 2001. Please visit
the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Carol J. Lehtola, assistant professor, Department of Agricultural
and Biological Engineering, and Extension Agricultural Safety
Specialist, and Charles M. Brown, Assistant Coordinator for
Agricultural Safety and Health, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611
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/Christine
Taylor Waddill, Dean.
|