Working safely with machinery

Nia Davies-Jones Y Tir in ENGLISH 01 April 2025 Hits: 352

Hazardous areas on agricultural machines

Many agricultural machines have potentially dangerous moving parts, which can cause serious or fatal injuries. For example:

balers – pick-ups, twine mechanisms and moving rear doors;
forage harvesters – chopping cylinders;
combine harvesters – augers in the grain tank and the header unit;
potato harvesters – rotating rollers and conveyors;
slurry tankers – power take-off (PTO) shafts;
bale and straw choppers – chopping mechanisms;
tractor – hitch mechanisms, PTOs and PTO shafts;
power harrows – rotating tines;
feeder wagons – rotating components in the mixing chamber

Before you start

Before using a machine, consider the following:

Is the machine you intend to use suitable for the job?
Are all safety devices such as guards in place and working correctly?
Are you (or the operator) properly trained to do this job/use this machine?
Has the instruction manual for the machine been provided, read and understood?
Is the right personal protective equipment (PPE) available and worn?
Has a risk assessment been carried out?
Has the work been properly planned and communicated to those who may be at risk?
If two or more people are involved, has everyone understood what needs to be done and has a system of communication been agreed on?

Is the machine operator competent to do the job safely?

Are all operators/workers trained to do this job?

- Workers should not use a machine unless they are properly trained and know how to use it safely.

- You should also check that any contractors you intend to use are competent to do the job. Don't forget that training is needed by casual or seasonal workers