Working Safely

Causes of eye injuries  Rock, soil or dust particles  Objects thrown from equipment  Spray cans  Pesticides  Tools

Eye protection  Goggles  Safety glasses with shields  Splash goggles  Face shields

Welding masks  Protect against light and sparks  Protect against flash burn  Protect against UV and infrared light

Sunglasses  UV absorbent block 99% rays  Lenses labeled 400nm block 99% rays  Polycarbonate filter 100% UV rays  Photo chromatic are 100% UV protection

Eyewear fit  Comfortable  Fit snugly  Shouldn’t interfere with work or vision  Durable  Easily cleaned

Cost of eyewear  Goggles and sunglasses available for under $10  Welding masks available for under $50  Photo chromatic lenses around $200

Slow Moving Vehicles (SMV)

Farming and accidents  Approximately 30,000 accidents/year involving farm machinery  Most machinery has a maximum speed of 20 MPH  Loud engines prevent drivers from hearing approaching traffic

Even at 400 feet (a sizable distance), the driver of a car traveling at 55 MPH has less than 10 seconds to react and avoid an accident with a SMV traveling at 20 MPH.

Why use a slow moving vehicle emblem?  It’s the law!  Warns other traffic that you are a SMV  Cautions other drivers to slow down

It’s the law! All vehicles traveling less tan 25 MPH on a public road must display the SMV emblem on the back of their vehicle.  Tractors  Horse-drawn carriages  Mowers  Construction equipment

SMV Emblem Law  Equilateral triangle  14 inches high  Fluorescent orange  Red reflective border  Clearly displayed rear and center  Placed point up  Lower edge at least 2 ft and not more than 6 ft above ground

Emblem maintenance  Sunlight causes fading  Inspect monthly  Effectiveness  Cleanliness  Keep extras on hand  Check for secure mounting

Buying your emblem  Look for ASAE compliance  Reputable dealer  $8 - $10 per emblem

Lockout/Tagout

What is lockout/tagout?  Step by step procedure  Defines protocol for appropriate shut down of equipment and machinery  Prevents injury from unexpected energy release

What are some sources of energy?  Electricity  Thermal  Chemical  Hydraulic  Pneumatic  Mechanical  Gravity

Lockout The placement of a lock or a block on an energy-isolating device to prevent the operation of the machine or equipment being serviced preventing the operation of the equipment until maintenance is complete.

Tagout Attachment of a warning tag to a switch, valve or other energy isolating device indicating that the equipment is being serviced and is inoperable until the tagout device is removed.

Why develop lockout/tagout protocol?  Prevents injuries  Serves as a warning  Sets a standard  Identifies mechanic  Assures equipment is secure

Lockout/Tagout procedure  Notification that procedure is scheduled  Shut down machinery  Locate the isolating device  Check condition of locks and tags  Affix lock and tag  Attempt to restart  Ready for servicing

When maintenance is complete:  Reapply safety guards  Notify about energy restoration  Remove locks and tags  Restore energy

Why is lockout preferred?  Locks  Provide physical restraint  Can’t be removed  Can’t be ignored  Tags  Can be bypassed  May not be legible  Can fall off

Purchase locks and tags that:  Identify who applied device  Identify who is servicing equipment  Withstand environmental factors  Withstand chemical exposure  Secure fasteners  Legible

Standardized locks and tags  Same color  Same shape  Same size