Farm Safety
Safety First!
…..Did you know?
· Safety is all too often an afterthought – and often
that is too late!
· Farm tractors are associated with almost half of all farm
related fatalities. In accidents where tractors are involved, the
operator is at the greatest risk of injury.
· Only authorized and trained workers should operate machinery.
· No riders! No riders! No riders!
· People usually cause accidents – machinery is only
the means.
· Fatigue and haste are the seeds of accidents – stop
working if you’re tired and use extra caution if you’re
hurrying.
· Rarely do safety practices require more time or money.
Most safety procedures can be easily included in your regular routine
and the payoff from making safety an integral part of all you do
will be a better quality of life for you, for your family, and for
those who work for you.
Make safety a habit – not an afterthought – 95% of
accidents are preventable!
Registration and Licensing
o If your vehicle is in excess of 4000 kg and is used only for
agricultural purposes, you need pay only 15% of the regular commercial
license fee. Your vehicle must be clearly labeled with your name,
occupation and address in large (at least 10 cm) block letters on
the left side. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
o There is a one-time fee of $10.00 for licensing any self-propelled
piece of agricultural equipment. These tractors, etc. are to be
used exclusively for agricultural purposes but may be towed or driven
incidentally on the highway. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Other farm implements with are towed (ploughs, wagons, mowing
machines, hay rakes, etc.) are exempt from fees as long as they
are only towed on the highway by licensed vehicles. These must be
driven by operators holding valid drivers’ licenses and the
move must be for agricultural purposes. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Any vehicles, including farm vehicles, which are driven on highways,
must be licensed. At the time of registration, proof of insurance
must be presented. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
Be Easily Seen to Avoid Accidents!
o Do not move any farm equipment on the highway unless it is easy
to see. Have lights turned on and clearly visible at least half
hour before sunrise or if the weather is foggy. Better still, use
your lights every time you move farm machinery on a highway! Farm
tractors should use headlamps (white light), at least one tail light
(red light), and turn signals if they are being moved on the highway.
(NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Rotating roof lights will increase your visibility significantly
and should be used whenever possible.
o Turn signals must be used to be effective. A collision can occur
when machinery starting a left turn is hit by a car passing from
behind. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Check to see that all lights are working and clearly visible
before starting out. Dust, mud, and equipment which is being towed
can block the other drivers’ view of your lights.
o If a load projects more than 1.5 meters beyond the vehicle (or
trailer), a red flag must be used to increase visibility to other
drivers. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Wide loads (2.05 meters or more) are required to carry at least
two amber lights in front and two red ones on the rear. Consider
using an escort vehicle to alert other motorists when moving equipment
on a highway. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
Trailers
o Trailers or machinery being towed must be securely attached to
the towing vehicle at a portion of the chassis strong enough to
give adequate strength. The use of an auxiliary chain or cable of
equal strength to the main means of attachment is also required.
(NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Trailers are required to have two stop lights as well as turn
signal lights in operable condition. As well, reflectors must be
mounted on the trailer’s sides – amber ones are required
near the front (and midline if the trailer is more than 9.2 meters
long) and red ones must be near the rear for good visibility. Red
and white reflective tape on the rear and sides of trucks and trailers
will also increase their visibility. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Linch-pins or other devices used to hitch implements should be
locked in place with cotter pins to avoid accidental separation
of the assembly.
o If your trailer blocks your view of the highway in the rear,
side mirrors which give a clear view of the road must be installed.
o Mud guards or fenders are required to prevent the wheel spray
causing problems for other drivers. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
Load Security
o Care should be taken when loading and securing loads so that
they cannot shift and that nothing can be spilled or dropped on
the highway. Where necessary, tarpaulins, ropes, and adequate strapping
should be employed. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Towing equipment filled with liquid (such as manure) is easier
if the container is completely filled rather than partially filled.
This prevents shifting of the load which makes it easier to control
on the highway.
Tires and Highways
· Tires must be in good condition and properly inflated
for safety and efficient performance. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
· Devices on wheels which are damaging to the road surface
(e.g. tracks or chains) are not allowed on the highway. ( NL Highway
Traffic Act)
· Farm vehicles should be driven on the traveled portion
of the highway because the shoulder may not be firm enough to withstand
the weight of the equipment.
Brakes
o Every vehicle (or combination of vehicles) driven on the highway
must have both brakes and an emergency brake in good repair. (NL
Highway Traffic Act)
o It is a good idea to lock your tractors individual wheel brakes
together for road travel.
Fuel
o Smoking must never be permitted in the vicinity of vehicles or
equipment which are being refueled.
o Fuel for farm vehicles (except trucks*) is exempt from provincial
fuel tax. In order to qualify for this exemption you must be a registered
farmer under the Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Products Marketing
Act. To receive the exemption:
1. For gasoline submit the receipts for fuel purchases with your
registered farm number to the Provincial Department of Finance for
a rebate of the tax.
2. For diesel fuel a permit must first be obtained from the Department
of Finance by submitting your farmers’ registration number.
When purchasing diesel fuel, the permit (or its number) must be
presented to the vendor who will deduct the fuel tax from the price.
* The only farm trucks which qualify for a fuel tax exemption are
closed liquid manure and slurry spreaders.
o Do not fill fuel containers on plastic lined truck beds. Under
some conditions these liners accumulate static electricity which
may cause sparks, thereby igniting the gasoline.
o It is a good idea to equip every piece of powered machinery with
an easily accessible fire extinguisher.
Horse Drawn Sleighs and Wagons
o Vehicles pulled by horses or other animals must be equipped with
a lamp on the left side which casts a white light to the front and
a red light to the rear if they are on the highway from half hour
before sunset to half hour after sunrise. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
o Sleighs or sleds drawn by horses or other animals must have at
least two bells attached to the harness or sleigh so as to give
ample warning of their approach. (NL Highway Traffic Act)
Slow Moving Vehicles
o Keep safety in mind when moving farm implements on the highway
– slow moving vehicles must be marked with reflective triangles
(point on top) at the rear. These signs must be clearly visible
at least 150 meters. SMV triangles must be positioned between 0.5
and 2 meters above the roadway.
o You have the right of way when moving on the highway –
do not pull over to let vehicles pass unless you can pull entirely
off the road. Of course, planning highway travel so as not to be
moving at peak traffic periods and pulling off the road to allow
passing when you are certain it is safe to do so will help to avoid
frayed nerves!
Transporting Animals
o In general, regulations controlling the manner in which animals
are transported are aimed at the health and comfort of the animals.
Attention to these details will ensure that the animals arrive at
their destination with less stress and without injury, therefore
ensuring their continued health and production or increasing their
value at slaughter.
o The loading of animals must be done so that they are not overcrowded,
and so that they can be easily fed, watered, and inspected during
the journey whenever necessary. (Canadian Health of Animals Act
and Regulations)
o Vehicles used for transporting animals must be free of features
which could injure them (projecting bolts, sharp angles, etc). The
animals must also have adequate ventilation and protection from
extreme whether. On long journeys, arrangements must be made for
appropriate feeding, fresh water, bedding, and resting of the animals.
(Canadian Health of Animals Act and Regulations)
o Animals have to be separated from others of different sex, size,
or species for their safety. Females with suckling offspring must
be segregated from others. (Canadian Health of Animals Act and Regulations)
o No animal should ever be transported in a manner that it cannot
stand in a natural position. (Canadian Health of Animals Act and
Regulations)
o Ramps and chutes used for loading and unloading animals must
be properly maintained to prevent their injury. (Canadian Health
of Animals Act and Regulations)
o It must not be possible for manure or urine to escape from the
vehicle during the transport of animals. (Canadian Health of Animals
Act and Regulations)
o Animals may not be transported if they are sick, injured, or
likely to give birth during the journey. (Canadian Health of Animals
Act and Regulations)
o Animals may not be overcrowded in any way which could cause injury
or suffering during their journey. (Canadian Health of Animals Act
and Regulations)
o All animals must be provided with appropriate, secure footing
and have adequate bedding during their journey. (Canadian Health
of Animals Act and Regulations)
o Government inspectors and veterinarians will gladly provide advice
on all aspects of animal transportation including appropriate methods
of restraint and the maximum times the various species may be transported
before they must be fed, watered, and rested.
Transportation of Soil
· In order to prevent the spread of golden nematode and
potato wart disease, the Federal Government regulates the movement
of soil and items which may be contaminated with soil (used burlap
bags, plants, machinery, etc.) off the island of Newfoundland. Further
information is available from the Department of Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada.
Interprovincial Movement of Animals
· Non-indigenous species (e.g. deer and other elk) may not
be brought into Newfoundland. Buffalo must have a permit from the
Provincial Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods.
· Regulations also exist for the control of animal diseases
that may be of public concern. This can involve the control of outbreaks,
movement, or sales as needed. Animals can be detained by officials
(including the police) for inspection and if found to be diseased,
they can be treated, destroyed, or returned to their place of origin
at the transporter’s expense. There are also strict controls
to prevent diseased animals being brought into contact with others
(e.g. at sales or shows) or onto any common ground where other animals
may be exposed to them. (NL Livestock Health Regulations)
· Certain animals can’t be moved without permission.
Newfoundland ponies may not be taken or sent out of the province
and swine can’t be brought in without a permit from the Minister
or the Director or Animal Health. (NL Livestock Health Regulations
and NL Heritage Animals Act)
· St. Pierre-Miquelon is part of France; therefore animals
being transported to or from these islands are subject to international
quarantine regulations. (Canadian Health of Animals Act and Regulations)
Animal Crossing Areas
· Cattle (and other animal) crossing signs will be supplied
and installed by the Department of Highways if a significant number
of animals of a substantial hazard exists. If you feel that the
use of one of these signs is warranted in your area, contact the
Director of Fleet Management with the Provincial Department of Works,
Services and Transportation.
Transporting Dangerous Goods
· Transporting of pesticides must be done so as to avoid
contamination of live plants, animal feed or drink, or the food
or drink of humans. This is done by using vapor proof containers
or by having the material packaged in some other manner which will
prevent problems. (NL Pesticide Control Regulations)
· Seed grain treated with a pesticide must be clearly labeled
and moved in a way which will prevent spillage during transport.
(NL Pesticide Control Regulations)
· All dangerous goods must be properly sealed to prevent
problems during transport.
· Appropriate Work Place Hazardous Material Information
System (WHMIS) signs must be displayed on vehicles as required by
law when transporting hazardous materials.
· WHMIS information sheets must be available at all times
when hazardous materials are being transported or used.
· When moving flammables (e.g. fuels or welding gases),
take every precaution to prevent spillage, leaks, or ruptures. These
materials must be properly secured for travel.
Tips and Common Sense
· Copies of all relevant operating manuals and safety materials
should be easily available for all workers.
· Before starting machinery, make sure no one is behind,
under, or in front of you.
· All workers and family members should know how to shut
off vehicles and other equipment.
· All equipment, tools, and vehicles should be checked for
proper fluid levels and operating conditions regularly.
· Mud and grease should always be removed from pedals and
steps.
· When vehicles or equipment are not in operation, the operating
keys should be removed and placed in a specified location out of
the reach of children.
· Children must be kept away from vehicles and machinery.
Never allow riders on tractors or other equipment.
· Remember that trailers need stop lights and turn lights
in the rear as well as reflectors on the sides to be visible at
night.
· Watch for overhanging wires. Low hanging wires and tall
equipment pose a deadly combination.
· Keep first aid kits and fire extinguishers easily available
in vehicles and where needed in the workplace.
· As the driver, it is your responsibility by law to clearly
indicate all turns, slowing, or stops.
· Leave any equipment which could fall, such as the bucket
of a front end loader, in the down position or block it up.
· Maintain a safe travel speed on the highway and heed all
traffic signs.
· Always make sure no one is in forage or grain wagons or
trucks while they are being loaded or unloaded.
· Dress properly for work safety – avoid items which
could catch in machinery such as open jackets, wide pant legs, jewellery,
and sweatshirts with drawstrings. When needed, wear appropriate
safety clothing such as hard hats, steel toed boots, gloves, ear
plugs, etc.
Seat Belts
· Your tractor should be equipped with a roll over protection
system (ROPS) and a seat belt. If these are not present, have them
installed, and then be sure every driver uses the seal belt every
time! Don’t use the seat belt until the ROPS is installed
though – you could be trapped in a roll over accident.
· Homemade roll over protective structures are not recommended
and may inactivate your insurance.
Exhaust Systems
· Mufflers and exhaust systems on tractors (as with all
vehicles) must be maintained in good condition. (NL Highway Traffic
Act)
National Safety Code
· The National Safety Code regulates commercial motor vehicles
(trucks, truck tractors, and trailers). Such factors as maximum
periods drivers may operate the vehicle without rest, training programs
for workers, maintenance, first aid, vehicle inspection, loading,
handling of dangerous goods and maintaining records are included.
(NL Highway Traffic Act)
· Further information on the Code is available from the
Transportation and Regulation Enforcement Section, Motor Registration
Division, Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Government Services
and Lands.
Criminal Code of Canada
· The Criminal Code of Canada applies to drivers of vehicles
both on and off the highway. It is illegal to operate a farm tractor
or self propelled piece of farm machinery when impaired by alcohol
or drugs.
Tractor Safety
· To avoid a rear roll-over:
1. Do not hitch loads above draw bar height or in locations not
designated by the manufacturer.
2. Do not stop or shift gears while driving uphill with a load.
3. Back the tractor up steep hills.
4. When stuck, try to back out; don’t apply too much power
to the rear wheels if they are restrained.
5. Keep front end loader equipment in lowest possible position
when in transport.
· To avoid a side overturn:
1. Slow down for turns and avoid turning too quickly or too sharply.
2. Adapt your speed to the surface conditions.
3. Use rear-view mirrors to check on attached loads.
4. To transport a heavy load, space the rear wheels as far apart
as possible and ballast with weights or fluid according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
5. Lock brake pedals together when driving at transport speeds.
· To avoid a tractor run over:
1. Adopt a “No riders” rule and establish a safe play
area for children.
2. Don’t leave the keys in the tractor
3. Walk around the tractor to check for obstacles before starting
up.
4. Don’t ground start a tractor: it could lurch at start-up
and crush the operator or a nearby person.
5. Don’t dismount and leave the tractor running unless the
wheels are blocked; it could slip into gear and become mobile.
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