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WORKING SAFELY IN THE FARM/RANCH SHOP
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 visitors to the shop and to the people who operate the equipment.
 SAFETY IS YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY
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. Avoid taking short-cuts
and violating safety rules and practices. Pay attention to the job you are doing.
DON'T USE
DEFECTIVE TOOLS
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.
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.
LOCKOUT/TAG-OUT
ANY DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT
If you find a piece of equipment that needs repair, notify your supervisor and follow your
employer's lockout/tag-out procedures. 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 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.
PROTECT YOUR
EYES AND FACE
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. Prescription glasses from the optometrist are not safety glasses, unless you
specify PRESCRIPTION SAFETY GLASSES. Contact lenses in an agricultural environment are not
recommended.
PROTECT YOUR
FEET
If you work in an area where major foot hazards are present, steel-toed safety shoes
should be worn. 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.
WASH YOUR HANDS
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO YOUR SKIN
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.
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.
HANDLE AND
STORE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS WITH CARE
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.
SELECT THE
PROPER EQUIPMENT FOR THE JOB
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.
If you work on vehicle brakes, for example, find out about the hazards of asbestos
fibers and what precautions and protective equipment is recommended to be used to prevent
breathing asbestos fibers.
PRACTICE GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING
Keep your work area clean. 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.
REPORT ALL
INJURIES TO YOUR SUPERVISOR
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 they occur. 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.
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