AgSafe (California)
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The following safety module
is intended to be used as a refresher safety awareness session and is in no way
to be used as a substitute for job training or proper equipment use.
Maintenance shops are
a critical part of any agricultural operation. The professionalism of everyone
working in a shop is of great importance, as well as the quality of the work to
be performed. The shop is a busy place...there's always something to do. Part
of the job is safety, safety for the people working in the shop area, as well
as for visitors to the shop and the people who operate the equipment.
The safety modules
may be used by anyone with the understanding that credit be given to AgSafe.
Only you can prevent injuries. If you think about safety on every job you perform,
it's difficult to create a situation that will cause an injury. (See Figure
1.) Avoid taking short-cuts and violating safety rules and practices. Pay
attention to the job you are doing.
Hand tools, such as socket wrenches, can become worn after they've been used for
a long period of time. When you notice a socket with worn edges, it's time to
replace it. (See Figure 2.) Screwdrivers, crescent wrenches,
pliers, hammers: all of these and other tools need to be maintained in a serviceable
condition. Equipment, such as hydraulic jacks, air wrenches, and grinders also
must be properly serviced. Electrical equipment is of particular importance in
the shop because there is the risk of electrical shock if the equipment is in
poor condition. Also, inspect the air compressor on a regular basis to be sure
its belts, pulleys and guards are in good condition.
If you find a piece of equipment that needs repair, notify your supervisor and
follow your employer's lockout/tag-out procedures. (See Figure
3.) Lockout/tag-out simply means that all hazardous energy sources to the
tool or machine, such as gas, electricity or hydraulic systems, must be locked
in the off position before any maintenance is performed. The lock and key used
for a lockout procedure should never be used for any other purpose.
Use the lockout procedure
whenever possible; only use the tag-out method when a lockout method is unavailable.
A tag-out procedure means using special tags that warn others of the danger of
starting up the equipment. A tag should have a printed warning of what could happen
if the power is turned on, and it must be tough enough to prevent it from being
removed accidentally. Remember, tags do not prevent the equipment from being started
up; they are only warnings. So, if you use a tag system it is recommended that
you exercise extra caution.
This is one rule that is often violated in farm/ranch shops. Many people will
wear safety goggles, but they forget to also wear the face shield. The primary
reason for the face shield is for your protection in the event something, such
as a grinding wheel, should explode. (See Figure 4.)
Prescription glasses from the optometrist are not safety glasses, unless you specify
prescription safety glasses. Contact lenses in an agricultural environment are
not recommended.
If you work in an area where major foot hazards are present, steel-toed safety
shoes should be worn. (See Figure 5.) In the event that
something falls on your foot, protection is provided by these safety shoes. Where
the hazard is a minimum, it is recommended that you wear leather-topped shoes.
Avoid tennis or canvas shoes. Leather-topped shoes afford some protection from
oil, grease, solvents and other chemicals, and they also protect your feet from
minor cuts and abrasions.
Maintenance professionals work with grease, oil and solvents on a regular basis.
That's the nature of your job. But, to prevent damage to your skin, wash your
hands frequently. (See Figure 6.) If you're using a
solvent or similar liquid, use rubber gloves to protect your hands and skin. If
you protect yourself, you'll be more productive and certainly much safer.
Gasoline and other
flammable liquids should be handled with extreme care. Always follow your employer's
(and the manufacturer's) directions for using, handling, storing and disposing
of these materials. All hazardous materials must be properly labeled and kept
in proper containers. Never mix any liquids without proper authorization. When
you combine different chemicals, the result could be dangerous. To reduce the
risk of spontaneous combustion and fire, store greasy rags in a metal container
with a lid. When you transfer gasoline or other flammable liquid from a large
container to a smaller container, you must bond and ground the two containers
to prevent static electricity from creating a spark that could ignite the liquid.
Ask your supervisor for assistance if you have questions about this procedure.
It's a good idea to regularly wipe up spills because flammable liquids are more
dangerous when they mix with air. (See Figure 7.)
A dust mask is only good for keeping dust out of your mouth. When you are spray
painting or using other chemicals, dust masks don't do any good. It is highly
advisable that you select the proper respiratory protection for the potential
hazard. (See Figure 8.)
If you work on vehicle
brakes, for example, find out about the hazards of asbestos fibers and what precautions
and protective equipment are recommended to be used to prevent breathing asbestos
fibers.
Keep your work area
clean. (See Figure 9.) If you spill something, wipe
it up. Grease, oil, solvent, spare parts, wires, tools on the floor: all of these
can add up to accidents. Good housekeeping is one of the most important parts
of your everyday responsibilities. It makes good sense, it makes a more productive
work area, and it's much safer.
We want to make sure you receive proper medical attention for
on-the-job injuries, so always report any type of injury or
illness when it occurs. (See Figure 10.)
It is also recommended that you report to your supervisor any
potential hazard you notice so it can be corrected. Small cuts
or minor injuries can become major medical problems if first
aid treatment isn't provided when needed. If you have a questions,
don't hesitate to ask.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
publication is compiled from various reference sources and
is designed to provide current and authoritative information
on the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding
that the publishers are not engaged in rendering medical,
legal, accounting or other professional service. AgSafe, the
Safety Center, Inc., and FELS believe the information provided
to be correct, but assume no liability for consequential or
other damages attendant to the use of this material. In no
event shall the liability of AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc.,
or FELS for any claim, however designated, exceed the purchase
price, if any, for this publication. No claim may be maintained
against AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc., or FELS in any tribunal
unless written notice of the claim is delivered to the applicable
entity within 30 days of its discovery. Information about
the Agsafe Project can be obtained by writing to Agsafe, 140
Warren Hall, University of California, Berkeley,
CA 94720
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