Crushing hazards

Types of machinery

• Reciprocating mechanisms, e.g. grain cleaners, box fillers, hop presses, baler needles
• Hydraulically raised equipment, e.g. trailers and rear doors, telescopic handler booms, combine headers
• Trailed machines with drawbars, e.g. trailers, balers, manure spreaders
• Linkage mounted machinery stability, e.g. post drivers, sprayers, fertiliser spreaders

Operator errors

• Reaching into or entering crush areas with the machine operating
• Incorrectly hitching tractors to implements and trailers
• Failing to support machinery during repairs or maintenance

Design points

• Protect crush points so that workers cannot get their arms or hands trapped. This involves allowing adequate clearance around the moving parts.
• Prevent access to crush points using fixed guards or interlocked guards.
• Provide check valves and mechanical supports for hydraulic equipment that are easy to use from outside the danger area
• Ensure drawbar jacks and stands can support the machine in all conditions of use.
• Provide stabilisers for unbalanced machines when they are de-mounted.
• Removable devices should be stored on the machine in a safely accessible place when they are not needed.

Operator instructions and training

Instructions for using this type of machinery must include clear guidance on:

• Controls
• Safe maintenance
• Relevant training, e.g. Lantra qualification and accreditation

Find out more

• Standard BS EN 349 Minimum gaps to avoid crushing parts of the human body - offers guidance on the distances required around moving parts to safeguard against crushing hazards.
• Standard BS EN ISO 4254-1 Agricultural machinery safety – General requirements
• How to obtain copies of British, European and International standards.