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PLEASE BE SAFE ON THE ROADS!!!
January 2011 PDMP Farm Safety Tip
The holidays have come and gone and we are left with the torturing cold of winter and regular doses of snow and ice. Pennsylvania law states that if snow or ice falls from one vehicle and damages another or injures someone, the vehicle owner can be fined up to $1,000 for each incident. Truckers traveling through Pennsylvania are also subject to this law and can be fined anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for each incident.
But, remember, going on the road does not just mean shoveling snow and getting rid of ice. It also means driving with double caution. Be sure to observe these winter driving tips.
- Pay attention to weather reports
- Pay attention to road, travel and traffic conditions
- Maintain at least half a tank of fuel at all times during the winter
- Have a mechanic check the following in your car or truck:
- Battery
- Antifreeze
- Wipers & Windshield Washer Fluid
- Ignition System
- Thermostat
- Lights – Hazard flashers, headlights, tail lights, interior and dash lights.
- Exhaust System
- Heater & Defroster
- Brakes
- Oil Level
- Tires
- Keep a Winter Trouble Kit Containing:
- Windshield Scraper/Brush
- Flashlight w/extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Blanket
- Extra Socks
- Extra set of clothing
- Kitty Litter or something for traction control
- Jumper Cables
- Water
- Protein Bars or Snacks
- Cell Phone & Charger
- Motor Oil
- Antifreeze
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Tow Strap
- Tool Box with pliers, wrench, screwdriver and hammer
- Folding shovel
Manure Fumes Are Deadly
A tragedy on a large farm reminds us it is best to be prepared and to think before we act, even in emergency situations. On November 10, 2010, a 27-year-old man died after going to the aid of a co-worker who was overcome by methane fumes inside a tank trailer on a western New York farm.
A man was using a large tanker used specifically to spread liquid manure when a blockage occurred with a valve inside the truck. He climbed in to try to fix the valve and was overcome by the methane gas fumes. The dairyman’s son and future manager of the farm climbed into the tank in an attempt to save the man and he was also overcome with the methane. It was a quick act that led to his death and it didn’t take long. The older man was treated and eventually released from the hospital shortly before Thanksgiving.
In extreme and desperate situations like this one, having the right idea in mind is not always the smart action to take. The young man that died was just trying to save a friend and co-worker and he acted quickly without regard to his own life.
Similar to silage fumes, manure methane gases are deadly and need to be taken seriously. This is actually a situation that occurs more often than people think. If faced with a similar situation, call for immediate backup and wait until help arrives even though it may be a difficult choice.
MAKE THIS ABSOLUTE RULE ON YOUR FARM:
IF SOMEONE IGNORES THIS RULE AND BECOMES TRAPPED:
- Call for assistance or backup immediately
- Wait for emergency personnel to arrive with proper oxygen masks and gear
- In a rescue effort, if you absolutely must enter the tanker, wear a safety harness and have people prepared to pull you out
Hay Fires
PDMP Safety Tip
August 2010
Hay fires can cost farmers thousands of dollars in terms of building replacement, feed replacement and lost revenue. Proper storage practices can reduce hay fires significantly.
Hay Fire Causes
The most common cause is excessive moisture, wet hay. Forage crops are always contaminated with countless microorganisms. When stored wet, a small supply of air and favorable moisture levels cause the microorganisms to begin to feed and multiply, generating heat in the process. There are, of course, causes of hay fires from other than spontaneous ignition. Some of these causes are lightning striking nearby trees or fences, arson, contact with electric fences and sparks from cigarettes, or welding.
Preventing Hay Fires
Ideal hay curing weather has less than 50 percent relative humidity and some wind. Be aware that the moisture content will increase overnight when the air is humid, especially if there is dew or fog. New hay should be checked frequently with a temperature probe and if the temperature reaches 130° increase air circulation and cooling. PROPER HAY STORAGE Ideally, hay should not be stored in the same building as your animals, but often that is your only option. If storing hay inside, be sure the barn roof or floor doesn’t leak (getting wet from a leak can allow bacterial activity to increase and result in a fire). Place bales where air can circulate freely. Hay stored uncovered outdoors should be formed into the tightest packages possible to resist penetration by rain. Protect them from ground moisture and runoff by placing bales on a bed of gravel, old tires or pallets.
Proper Use of Fire Extinguishers Can Save Lives
The risk of serious farm fires is compounded by users who do not understand how to use a fire extinguisher.
A simple method for remembering the four steps in fire extinguisher use is the word PASS, which stands for:
P — PULL the pin. This unlocks the operating handles.
A — AIM the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
S — SQUEEZE the operating handle.
S — SWEEP from side to side as you knock down the fire.
Keep fire extinguishers in areas where fire hazards pose the greatest threat. This includes in farm shops and near machine re-fueling stations. Keeping fire extinguishers current and charged is most IMPORTANT.
Farm combine fires often result in a total loss to the machine. Equipping your combines with at least two accessible fire extinguishers is recommended. Fires often develop behind the operator’s station, out of sight from the operator. The operator may have little time to extinguish the fire before it spreads and consumes the engine compartment and cab areas.
Also important is the proper type of fire extinguisher used. For most farm and ranches, the ABC-type extinguisher provides the best protection. This type of extinguisher controls fires involving common combustibles such as wood and paper (Class A fires); flammable liquids such as gasoline and grease (Type B fires); and fires involving electrical wiring and machinery (Class C fires).
Farm Accident Prompts Reminder
PDMP Safety Tip
April 2010
On April 20 the MacGlaflin Farm in New Hampshire had a tragic accident occur with a silage cave-in. It was school vacation week. The farm’s feeder had just finished feeding and had just told his 11 year old son not to be riding his bike near the corn silage pile on the concrete pad. Before you know it they heard a large noise and realized that they didn’t see the boy anywhere. Several people rushed over to the corn pile and found a large section of corn had fallen to the silo floor. They hurried to pull back the silage pile and discovered the boy. They immediately started to perform CPR. The boy was rushed to Dartmouth Hospital in critical condition and later died. It is hard to believe over the years the number of cave-ins that have occurred with silage piles. This is a pit type silo with high walls and a tall face. Too many farms pile corn higher then loaders can reach and run the risk of cave-ins. In the long run the cost of a larger silo with lower silage heights is nothing. There’s certainly no value we can place on someone’s life.
Spring Farm Safety
PDMP Safety Tip
March 2010
There are many dangers on the farm throughout the farming season. One of the main causes of farm related incidents are youth not having enough education to operate equipment, in addition to attempting to get the job done quickly.
Here are some tips to help avoid injuries when operating tractors and augers:
TRACTORS are the main cause of death and injuries on the farm so it is very important to know how to operate and maintain tractors properly. You should regularly check for hazards that are related to tractor use, such as attached implements and field conditions. Hazard areas could include mechanical parts, operator training, other people, work procedures, unsafe jacking and uneven terrain.
GRAIN AUGERS can be very dangerous if safety precautions are not taken. There have been many broken hands, arms, fingers, legs and feet due to improper use of augers. On top of that there have been many amputations because grain auger safety precautions have not been taken. When starting and stopping the auger, be sure hands are clear of all moving parts. Ensure all guards are properly installed and locked in place. Be sure auger is empty before moving. A safe auger has a clutch and a starter. Always look up when moving augers to ensure that they clear overhead electrical power lines.
If you do not feel comfortable operating any piece of farm equipment you should let your parent or employer know before use.
Make sure you are fully trained to operate the equipment and that you are aware of proper first aid measures.
Be sure you are not tired or under the influence of any substance that can cause drowsiness when you are operating machinery.
Manure Pits
PDMP Safety Tip
January 2010
Some of the most tragic farm accidents are associated with manure pits. Death from toxic gases or drowning can occur. In some cases, multiple deaths have occurred when a second or third person tries to rescue someone else.
- Keep all manure storage areas fenced off.
- Provide forced ventilation before going into any manure storage area
- Wear a harness with rescue rope, and have plenty of help available to pull you away If necessary
- Never walk on the crust formed on top of manure storage
- Have warning signs in appropriate areas near manure storage
View 2009 Archived PDMP Farm Safety Tips
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