Iowa State University Extension
Some
of the most traumatic farm accidents involve power take-off
(PTO) entanglements. Unfortunately, they also may be some
of the most preventable accidents on the farm.
Injuries
from PTO units often are the result of routine use of this
powerful equipment. Therefore, developing safe work habits
is a key to reducing the number of PTO-related accidents,
says (name, title).
"Most
farm operators realize the danger of PTOs," (name) says. "However,
most accidents around PTOs occur from secondary factors that
operators think are out of their control. They aren't."
Secondary
factors may be spilled grain or debris in an unloading area
that could cause the operator to slip and fall into the PTO.
Icy, muddy or manure-covered surfaces also make the work area
slick and increase the risk of injury. Bystanders or children
in the work area can distract the operator.
(Name)
offers these tips to prevent PTO injuries:
- Keep
shields securely in place. Check guards as part of routine
maintenance. According to a 1984 study at Purdue University,
about one-half of the master shields are missing on tractors.
Shields often are removed during field adjustments or repairs,
but never replaced.
- Start
equipment only from the cab or operator's station. Make
sure everyone is clear of the machine before starting power.
- Stay
far enough away from a powered PTO shaft so that there is
no danger of the operator falling into it. The best shield
won't work if the operator gets too close.
- Never
step over a revolving shaft, even if it's guarded.
- Wear
comfortable, well-fitted clothes that will not become entangled
in the PTO. Most synthetic materials won't tear if caught
in a PTO; rather, the PTO will pull in an arm or leg, or
contribute to suffocation.
- Never
allow a child to operate a PTO, or to wander into a work
area where a PTO is being used.
- Petrofit
older PTOs with shields. Check with a local implement dealer
or the manufacturer to order specific retrofit parts.
For
more information about evaluating equipment for safety, contact
the ________ County extension office at_________. A new publication,
Evaluate Equipment for Dangers, Pm-1265c, also is available
as part of ISU Extension's SAFE FARM program.
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
news release is distributed by the Iowa State University Extension
as part of the Safe Farm program. Safe Farm promotes health
and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University, and
a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their families.
Distribution date: March 1992.
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