Guarding of agriculture machinery

Accidents at stationary machines

A recent accident to a farmer’s daughter, who suffered severe injury while attempting to clear a roller mill, serves as a timely reminder that the farming industry should not be complacent about machinery guarding.

Stationary machinery (e.g. mill and mix equipment, augers, conveyors, potting machines, log peelers, potato graders etc.) all carry a high level of risk merely because they remain in-situ and therefore there is more chance of a person approaching dangerous parts - intentionally or otherwise.

Newer CE marked equipment should come properly guarded and it is simply a case of keeping those guards maintained and in place. Older equipment may not be so well protected so you need to make sure that drive mechanisms such as chains, sprockets, belts and pulleys are properly covered with a fixed guard.  Others areas to take particular account of are risks from drawing-in and nips points such as found in roller mills and auger ends. If it is not possible to guard these, because of material flow for example, then they must be located out of reach. Where frequent access is required then fitting some form of interlocked guard should be considered as it will reduce the likelihood of the guard being left off.  This is more easily done with static machines and the technology has been used in factories for years.

It is also important to be able to isolate the machine for maintenance purposes.  Suitable switches should be readily accessible and be capable of ‘locking-off’ to avoid someone else inadvertently starting the equipment.  It is not as easy to fit emergency stops and isolators to tractor PTO driven equipment – but it is possible.  New tractors with electric ignition/PTO control can easily be adapted and with older tractors an electric solenoid switch on the fuel line can be used to cut off an engine fuel supply (a system seen frequently on vegetable harvesting rigs).

It is never too late to have a look round and see if machines are guarded as well as they could be and make some minor improvements (we call it risk assessment!).  Remember – it may not just be you who could be hurt.

Further information about using machines safety can be found in:

• Farmwise – your essential guide to health and safety in agriculture