This revised step-by-step guide to tractor safety, formerly called 'Tractor action', is for everyone who uses a tractor, or tractor-operated machinery. It applies to those working in farming, forestry, horticulture, amenity horticulture and the sports turf industry.
People die in tractor accidents every year and there are many major injuries. Following the nine simple but essential safety steps described here would have prevented most of them, and could save your life.
Introduction
This step-by-step guide to tractor safety is for everyone who uses a tractor, or tractor-operated machinery. It applies to those working in farming, forestry, horticulture, amenity horticulture and the sports turf industry. Whether you are a student, a regular tractor driver, or an employer, you need to learn about tractor safety before it is too late. People die in tractor accidents every year and there are many major injuries, including amputations and fractures.
There are probably other accidents or near misses which HSE never hears about. Simple but essential safety steps would have prevented most of them. This leaflet shows how training in tractor safety could save your life. Step 1 Before starting Before you start a tractor, you must know the basic safety procedures. These are safety checks and safe stop.
Safety checks
■ Am I wearing suitable clothing and footwear?
■ Have I read and understood the instruction manual?
■ How am I going to do this work?
■ Have I carried out pre-start checks of the machinery?
■ Do I know enough to work safely?
Safe stop
■ Make sure the handbrake is fully applied.
■ Make sure all controls and equipment are left safe.
■ Stop the engine.
■ Remove the key.
Always use safe stop:
■ before leaving your seat; or
■ when anyone else approaches; or
■ when anyone else is working on the machine.
You need to take extra precautions when safe stop is not possible, for example when using power take-off (PTO)-driven stationary machinery such as slurry tankers or operating external controls.
Key points
■ Never use a machine unless you are trained and know how to use it safely.
■ Make use of relevant training courses such as those run by training providers, agricultural colleges and manufacturers/dealers.
■ Never use a machine unless it is properly maintained.
■ Keep away from moving machinery – remember that some machine components will continue to rotate or move even after the engine has stopped.
■ Wear footwear with a good grip – safety boots are best.
■ Wear clothes that will not snag on machinery – preferably overalls.
■ Keep long hair tied back.
■ Remove any jewellery that might snag – don’t forget watches and rings.
■ Find and read the operator’s manual – keep it handy.
People die in tractor accidents every year and there are many major injuries. Following the nine simple but essential safety steps described here would have prevented most of them, and could save your life.
Introduction
This step-by-step guide to tractor safety is for everyone who uses a tractor, or tractor-operated machinery. It applies to those working in farming, forestry, horticulture, amenity horticulture and the sports turf industry. Whether you are a student, a regular tractor driver, or an employer, you need to learn about tractor safety before it is too late. People die in tractor accidents every year and there are many major injuries, including amputations and fractures.
There are probably other accidents or near misses which HSE never hears about. Simple but essential safety steps would have prevented most of them. This leaflet shows how training in tractor safety could save your life. Step 1 Before starting Before you start a tractor, you must know the basic safety procedures. These are safety checks and safe stop.
Safety checks
■ Am I wearing suitable clothing and footwear?
■ Have I read and understood the instruction manual?
■ How am I going to do this work?
■ Have I carried out pre-start checks of the machinery?
■ Do I know enough to work safely?
Safe stop
■ Make sure the handbrake is fully applied.
■ Make sure all controls and equipment are left safe.
■ Stop the engine.
■ Remove the key.
Always use safe stop:
■ before leaving your seat; or
■ when anyone else approaches; or
■ when anyone else is working on the machine.
You need to take extra precautions when safe stop is not possible, for example when using power take-off (PTO)-driven stationary machinery such as slurry tankers or operating external controls.
Key points
■ Never use a machine unless you are trained and know how to use it safely.
■ Make use of relevant training courses such as those run by training providers, agricultural colleges and manufacturers/dealers.
■ Never use a machine unless it is properly maintained.
■ Keep away from moving machinery – remember that some machine components will continue to rotate or move even after the engine has stopped.
■ Wear footwear with a good grip – safety boots are best.
■ Wear clothes that will not snag on machinery – preferably overalls.
■ Keep long hair tied back.
■ Remove any jewellery that might snag – don’t forget watches and rings.
■ Find and read the operator’s manual – keep it handy.
