A. Shop Safety Awareness and Principles for Safety

Safety 1. Of all farm related accidents, nearly 50% involve working with machinery.

Safety 2. Safety involves developing an environment free from danger, risk or injury.

Safety 3. The number one key to shop safety is the people who use the shop.

Safety a. Workers shop should always be trained in safe and proper tool operations.

Safety b. Workers should always pass a safety test prior to using the shop.

B. Principles for safety

Safety 1. Keep the shop in an orderly manner to prevent tripping and related injuries.

Safety 2. Remove unnecessary hazards such as oily rags.

Safety 3. Minimize danger by making certain all machines have safety shields in place prior to and during operation.

Safety 4. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing and devices. For example:

Personal protective equipment PPE Personal protective equipment

PPE a. Safety glasses or goggles should always be worn to prevent eye injury from dust and flying objects.

PPE b. Leather steel-toed shoes offer protection from items dropped or falling on the feet.

PPE c. Ear protection (plugs or muffs) can prevent hearing loss when the noise level exceeds 90 dB (decibels).

PPE d. Other safety clothing may be required for certain work such as welding.  

A. Development of Safety Color Coding

1. Development of Safety Color Coding

Color Coding 2. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Safety Committee of the American Vocational Association published the code.

Color Coding 3. Color coding alerts people to dangers and hazards, provides information to help on react quickly in an emergency.

Color Coding 4. Each color or combination of colors conveys a special message based on a standard code.

B. Basic Safety Code Colors

Red Identifies areas of danger. Red is used on safety switches and fire extinguishers. Red = Danger.

Orange 2. Designates machine hazards, such as edges and openings. It is also used as background for electrical switches, levers and controls. Orange = Warning.

Yellow 3. Identifies wheels, levers, and knobs that adjust or control machines Yellow = Caution.

Blue 4. Used on signs such as “Out of Order” to identify broken shop equipment that does not work or does not work properly. Blue = Information.

Green Indicates the presence of first aid and safety equipment. Green = Safety.

C. Fire Hazards in the Agricultural Mechanics Shop

Fire Triangle Heat Fuel Oxygen

Fuel 1. Any combustible material that will burn. Examples: oily rags, sawdust, paper, etc.

Heat 2. Most materials burn if they are made hot enough.

Oxygen 3. Gas in the atmosphere that is not a fuel, but must be present for fuels to burn.

B. Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention 1. Take away one of the components of the fire triangle and fire will not start or will stop if already started.

Fire Prevention 2. Safe storage of fuels or combustible materials is the easiest fire prevention strategy.

Fire Prevention 3. Clean shop facilities also decrease the chance of fire and injury.

C. Extinguishing Fires

Fire Extinguishers

Type of Fire a. Know the kind of fire extinguisher that is used for different kinds of fires prior to the fire.

Fire Classification Materials involved and techniques that safely extinguish them

Class A Fires 1. Fires that occur with ordinary combustible materials.

Class B Fires 2. Fires that occur with flammable liquids.

Class C Fires 3. Electrical equipment

Class D 4. Fires that occur in combustible metals

b. Know the placement of fire extinguishers so that time is not taken looking for the extinguisher if a fire occurs.

Fire Extinguishers should be hung on walls within easy reach in areas where fires would most likely occur.

c. Know how to use the fire extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher 1. Generally, extinguishers are held upright, the ring pin is pulled, and a lever is pressed.

Fire Extinguisher 2. The nozzle of the extinguisher is directed toward the base of the fire to discharge the extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher Hitting the base of the flame with the extinguishing material is the Quickest Method.

Clothes on Fire 3. Wrap the person in a blanket to smother the fire. STOP DROP & ROLL

d. Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA d. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA Requirements All person should wear safety glasses or goggles in a shop to meet OSHA requirements