Tractor safety this Spring

Spring has sprung, and with it come lengthening days and warmer conditions. Paul Mullins discusses the importance of tractor safety at this busy time.

There will be a lot of machinery on the move, in terms of tractors with slurry equipment, fertiliser spreaders and other implements to get land set up for the year ahead. While this is welcome, it also brings its dangers. Over half of all farm fatalities involve machinery. With this in mind, we should take a moment to consider some of the dangers that we might face and how they can be addressed.

Tractors are a mainstay on pretty much all farms but can be potentially lethal if not properly maintained or handled.

In terms of maintenance, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) recommends you should make sure that:

• a cab or safety frame is fitted
• all controls are in good working order and clearly marked
• brakes are checked regularly and are always in sound working condition
• all relevant guards are in place and that PTO and hydraulics are functioning correctly
• mirrors, lights and wipers are in working order at all times

When it comes to using the tractor, we should ensure that:

• the driver is competent and fit. If driving on the public road they must be licensed and be over 16 years old
• the driver is aware of other people that they may come in contact with when driving the tractor, i.e. children etc
• the tractor is always parked safely and securely
• the cab floor is kept clear to allow safe use of brakes and clutch
• the power take-off (PTO) can be turned on and off correctly, and that the PTO shield is kept in place at all times
• all tractor components are maintained and serviced, including hydraulics, U-guard and hitches

Another issue to consider is driving on slopes. When doing so, one should consider the following:

• the risk of overturning
• always assess the slope and ground conditions before commencing work
• consider if it is worth taking the risk of operating on sloping ground
• make sure you are familiar with the slope. Walk the slope before driving on it
• use a four-wheel-drive tractor
• select the right gear before approaching the slope, to avoid gear changes on the slope
• use engine braking when you drive down a slope
• keep as much weight uphill as possible
• turn uphill if working across a slope
• avoid quick, sharp turns
• if a tractor is about to overturn, do not attempt to jump clear. Stay in the cab and hold on to the steering wheel

Tractor drivers also need to be cognisant of other road users. Tractor drivers need to ensure that their tractor has an orange flashing beacon. It is a requirement for any slow-moving vehicle to be fitted with a beacon, as it gives advance warning to other road users. On the other hand, tractor drivers should be aware of the work lamps (also referred to as ploughing lamps). These are high-intensity lights that are designed to be used when working in a yard or field situation. They are brighter than standard headlights, and if left on when the tractor is on a public road, they create a serious hazard. The glare can be blinding for oncoming and following traffic and can easily lead to a driver losing visibility of the road ahead.

Where traffic starts to build up behind tractors, the driver should pull in at a safe place and allow the traffic to pass. Where traffic builds up behind slow-moving vehicles, it can lead to frustration and may result in people taking chances that they otherwise wouldn’t.

But by the same token, other road users need to be aware that tractors and other heavy and relatively slow machinery will also be using the roads. Be vigilant, as these vehicles will be coming onto public roads from fields etc., and sightlines may be reduced in many instances. If all road users can demonstrate a degree of consideration for others, perhaps everyone might get to where they need to without undue stress.

In advance of the busy period ahead farmers and contractors should also take a while to look at the Health & Safety section of the Teagasc website and the Agriculture section of the HSA website.