Sample Farm Safety Lessons and Demonstrations
53 Sample Farm Safety Lessons and Demonstrations
The following short demonstrations can be used to provide valuable information for all types of farm safety programs. Most utilize some type of simulation to illustrate the principles involved when "accidents" occur.
The lessons can be adapted for audiences of any age group, and require only a minimum of equipment and expense. You need not be an "expert" presenter to present these demonstrations. Each of the following lesson outlines provides instructions for conducting the demonstration, and lists key points and questions to help promote discussion among members of the audience.
Two lesson outlines are provided for demonstrations in each of the following general topic areas:
* Tractor Safety
* Power Take-Off (PTO) Safety
* Grain Handling Safety
* Pesticide Safety
* Emergency Response
Tractor Safety
Tractor Overturn
Objective
Educate audience about causes of tractor overturns, means of preventing tractor overturns, and reducing the frequency and severity of injuries resulting from tractor overturns.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Remote controlled, battery-operated toy tractor
* Ramp
* Weight sled and hitching device for attaching weights to the tractor
* Weights
Conducting the Demonstration
Sideways Overturns - Use the ramp and toy tractor to demonstrate how driving across a slope rather than straight up or down the slope will cause tractor rollovers.
Rear Overturns - Hitch the weight sled to the drawbar of the toy tractor and drive the tractor forward. The tractor's front wheels will not come off the ground. Then hitch the weight higher on the tractor, such as near the seat or cab. Towing the heavy weight sled should pull the front tires off the ground and potentially cause a rear overturn.
Effect of Ballast and Front Weights - If possible, attach front end weights to the toy tractor and demonstrate the effect of the weights on the potential for overturns. (Driving up a steep slope will be safer with proper ballast, and reduce the number of rear overturns).
Effect of ROPS - If possible, show the benefits of ROPS by performing a roll-over using a tractor with ROPS (cab or bar, with "seat belt") and one without ROPS. The visual impact of this demonstration can be enhanced if a small cloth doll is placed in the operator seat.
Discussion Questions
* Who in this group has ever driven a farm tractor? (children's
workshops)
* What age did you first drive a tractor?
* Do you know anyone who has been injured or involved in a tractor
overturn?
Key Points to Discuss
* Tractor overturns are the largest single cause of death on the
farm.
About 20 - 25% of all farm fatalities are the result of rollovers.
* 80 to 90% of all rollovers are to the side.
* Factors involved with side rollovers are speed, slopes, and rough
terrain.
* Rear overturns result from either improper ballasting or high load
hitching.
* ROPS provide protection for the operator in the event of an overturn.
* ROPS are less effective if you do not wear your seat belt.
* Extra riders cannot be secured within the protective zone of the ROPS, even
in cab equipped tractors. Passengers, especially children, should never be
allowed.
Tractor and Equipment Runover
Objective
Inform audience about the risks involved with being an extra rider on farm tractors or equipment.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Tractor without a cab or ROPS and some type of trailing implement
* Tractor with a cab
* Small child 4 - 8 years of age
Conducting the Demonstration
With the older non-ROPS equipped tractor in a stationary position, have the youngster sit on the seat. Point out how difficult it would be to operate the tractor as well as supervise a small child. Then have the child sit on the operator's lap or fender and point out the potential for distractions to the operator and the possibility of falls from the equipment.
On the cab equipped tractor, conduct the same demonstration, pointing out that children and adults can fall from enclosed tractor cabs, resulting in serious injury or death. Describe how easily a small child could engage the PTO or bump the hydraulic control levers in the cab while the operator went back to work on a piece of machinery.
Discussion Questions
* How many of you have ever been an "extra rider" on a tractor or other piece of equipment?
* How many seats are on this tractor?
* In addition to injuries from a fall, what else might happen to someone riding on the tractor's drawbar?
* If there is only one seat, where did you sit if the seat was already taken?
* Do you allow your children to ride on the tractor with you? If so, why?
* Do you allow your children to play in traffic areas, or where farm machinery is stored, and repaired?
Key Points to Discuss
* Tractor and equipment runovers are the leading cause of farm-related deaths for children under 12 years old.
* Most of these deaths involved extra riders or children who were playing in the work area. Children (and adults) can fall from enclosed tractor cabs, resulting in serious injuries or death.
* Small children are difficult to see from tractors and other farm equipment, and are at high risk because they do not recognize the dangers of moving machinery.
Power Take-Off Safety
Speed of Equipment and PTO Entanglements
Objective
Illustrate in a memorable way the speed with which farm equipment entanglements can occur.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Lace-up type of boot or shoe with a dangling "shoestring" about 25-30 feet long (use twine or cord for the shoestring)
* Tractor and PTO powered machine (this demonstration is most effective when used in conjunction with the "PTO Entanglement" demonstration described in the following lesson)
Conducting the Demonstration
Obtain two volunteers from the audience. Let one hold the boot and have the other grab the end of the shoestring which is coiled inside. After asking the following questions and discussing the key points, ask the individual with the shoestring to begin walking and see how long the shoestring is.
This demonstration can be made more interesting by creating a scenario in which one person is sitting on the tractor seat and sees his/her partner get a shoestring caught in the PTO shaft while working. Talk about how the amount of time required for a person to react and shut off the PTO will be approximately 3 to 4 seconds. Then see how long a shoestring must be to provide sufficient reaction time. You may also illustrate this demonstration on a chalkboard by calculating the length of string which will be entangled during the 3 to 4 seconds required to respond.
Discussion Questions
* Do you know anyone who has been injured by becoming entangled in a PTO or other farm equipment?
* How did those injuries occur?
* How fast do PTO shafts rotate?
* How fast can a person react to an emergency?
* Do you think you could shut off a machine quickly enough to prevent an injury if you saw a friend's clothes get caught in rotating parts?
Key Points to Discuss
* Equipment and PTO entanglements cause some of the most serious injuries on the farm.
* Entanglements are usually caused by clothing or shoestrings being caught in rotating or moving equipment.
* PTOs are designed to operate at 540 rpm or 1000 rpm.
* It takes a human about 1 to 2 seconds to recognize an emergency situation, and about 2 more seconds to take any action.
* A PTO shaft (3.5 in diameter) rotating at 540 rpm can wrap between 25-33 feet of shoestring during the 3 to 4 seconds it takes to react.
(L(ft) = diameter (in)*[[pi]]*time (sec)*540 rpm*(1 min/60 sec)*(1 ft/12 in)
PTO Entanglement
Objective
Show the causes and potentially devastating effects of entanglement on a rotating PTO shaft, and how fast such an incident can occur.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Tractor and PTO powered machine (a rotary mower is often used for these demonstrations because they are readily available)
* Dummy made from disposable or discarded coveralls stuffed with newspaper or straw
* Twine for tying dummy to PTO shaft
Conducting the Demonstration
Before the presentation, tie the dummy's leg to the yoke of the PTO shaft near the tractor. This simulates a shoestring being caught on the rotating shaft and ensures that the dummy will suffer some damage. After discussing the provided key points with the audience, start the tractor and engage the power take-off to entangle the "victim." You might want to experiment with this demonstration a couple of times before doing it in front of an audience.
Caution!! Only individuals familiar with the equipment should be allowed to conduct this demonstration. Never attempt to entangle string, clothing, or a dummy in a revolving shaft.
Discussion Questions
* Do you know anyone who has been injured by becoming entangled in a PTO or other farm equipment?
* How did those injuries occur?
* How fast do PTO shafts rotate?
* What types of injuries result from PTO entanglements?
* How do we prevent PTO-related injuries?
Key Points to Discuss
* PTO entanglements are one of the leading causes of disabling injuries on the farm.
* Entanglements are usually caused by clothing or shoestrings being caught in rotating or moving equipment.
* There is no way to predict the injuries that might result from a PTO entanglement.
* Common injuries include severe bruises, cuts, lacerations, fractures, amputations, spinal cord injuries, or death.
* Prevent PTO accidents by always keeping guards and shields in place, wearing snug fitting clothing with no dangling strings, and staying away from the rotating PTO shafts.
* The bottom line is when attempting to adjust, service, or maintain PTO operated equipment--SHUT IT OFF!
Grain Handling Safety
Flowing Grain Entrapment
Objective
Show the dangers of flowing grain by demonstrating how a person can become caught and suffocate in grain storage facilities or transport vehicles.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Model grain bin or wagon filled with corn, popcorn, wheat, or other grain
* Small doll
Making a Model Grain Bin
A clear plastic or Plexiglas bottle or container 10 to 14 inches in diameter can be used to make a "bin." Five gallon water bottles with the top spout cut off have been used successfully for this purpose. Cut a 1" round hole in the center of the bottom of the container. Use a rubber stopper or threaded PVC cap to close the opening.
Conducting the Demonstration
Discuss how flowing grain entrapments occur. Place the toy "victim" in the model grain bin. Explain that with no grain flowing, a person will not sink in the grain, unless there is a void caused by a surface crust. Start the "unloading auger" by removing the plug from the bottom of the model. The victim will be drawn into the flowing grain and pulled to the auger where the grain is leaving the bin. Point out the speed of the entrapment in the model is no faster than in "real life."
Discussion Questions
* Have you ever heard of someone suffocating in grain?
* Will I sink if I walk on the grain in a bin or wagon when the auger is not running? * What state of matter does flowing grain most resemble: solid, liquid, or gas?
* How deep must you be buried to be helpless in flowing grain?
* How long do you think it would take for a person to become helpless in flowing grain? * What must be done to rescue someone submerged in grain?
Key Points to Discuss
* The most common cause of grain bin entrapments is becoming caught in flowing grain. Another cause is the collapse of spoiled, crusty "bridged" grain.
* Flowing grain acts like a liquid, creating a funnel effect pulling grain from the top of a bin towards the bottom.
* Within 3 to 4 seconds, an adult caught in flowing grain may be submerged up to his knees and unable to free himself.
* In the event of a grain entrapment, never assume the victim is dead. Shut off all augers, start ventilating fans (but not driers), and summon emergency assistance. The bin must be cut open to remove the grain from around the victim as quickly as possible.
* The victim of an entrapment will generally be found over the auger well or opening at the bottom of the bin or near the hopper door of a gravity flow wagon.
Auger Entanglement
Objective
Describe how an auger can "grab" and injure a hand or foot.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Two foot section of 4 inch auger tubing with flighting (can be made from part of an old auger and Plexiglas tubing)
* Glove
* Discarded auger guard
Conducting the Demonstration
This short demonstration is completed by holding a glove or other object near the end of the example auger and rotating the flighting. The flighting will quickly pull the glove into the tube. You can also have a volunteer place fingers on the exposed flighting and slowly rotate the flighting to draw the person's fingers toward the auger tube.
Caution!! Be very careful not to rotate the flighting too fast--you could cut the person's fingers.
Use the auger guard to demonstrate how it is designed to keep hands and feet away from the rotating auger, but does not guarantee against injury. Simply have a member of the audience stick his/her fingers through the wire mesh guard and explain that the fingers could still be caught or mangled in the auger. This step highlights that guards and shields are an essential part of injury prevention if kept in place, but not a substitute for being careful around machinery.
Discussion Questions
* What causes auger entanglements?
* Can you pull your hand back from an auger quickly enough to prevent being caught?
* What types of injuries result from auger intanglements?
* How do we prevent auger-related injuries?
* What is the other major hazard associated with grain augers?
Key Points to Discuss
* Auger entanglements cause very serious injuries, including amputations and lacerations.
* A rotating auger moves too fast for someone to prevent an entanglement if they come in contact with it.
* Entanglements are usually caused by clothing or shoestrings being caught in the rotating auger.
* Prevent auger injuries by always keeping guards and shields in place, wearing snug fitting clothing with no dangling strings, and keeping hands and feet away from exposed augers.
* Many farmers have been seriously injured or even killed when an auger they are moving comes in contact with overhead power lines.
Pesticide Safety
Personal Protective Equipment for Pesticides
Objective
Describe the basic types of personal protective equipment for mixing pesticides, as well as proper techniques for pouring a liquid chemical.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Rubber or neoprene gloves
* Long sleeved shirt or forearm protectors
* Splash-proof goggles
* Chemical jug filled with water (food coloring can be added)
* Bucket or tub to simulate chemical tank
Conducting the Demonstration
Place the personal protective equipment near the demonstration area in plain sight. Without mentioning the purpose of the demonstration or the protective gear, ask a volunteer from the audience to pour the contents of the "chemical" jug into the "tank." Point out the spillage that may occur and any contact the volunteer has with the container's contents. Next, have the volunteer put on the gloves, long sleeved shirt, and goggles before pouring the "chemical" a second time. When pouring the "chemical" the volunteer should hold the container sideways to allow the liquid to flow smoothly. Finally, the "chemical handler" should shake the container to remove any remaining "chemical." If the volunteer performs the task correctly, have the person explain each step. If not, have the volunteer start over, and explain the correct method for pouring a liquid chemical.
Discussion Questions
* Have you ever mixed chemicals?
* What personal protective equipment do you wear when working with chemicals?
* What parts of the body are most likely to come in contact with the chemicals you use?
* What is the most important piece of personal protective equipment when using farm chemicals?
* Why should you hold a chemical jug sideways when pouring, and why should you shake the jug to remove the last few drops of pesticide?
Key Points to Discuss
* Wear personal protective equipment when working with farm chemicals.
* The pesticide label will list the required protective equipment.
* Most pesticide exposure occurs on the hands and forearms.
* Wearing rubber gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection will eliminate about 99% of potential chemical exposures.
* Some highly toxic pesticides may require respirators, chemical proof coveralls, and other specialized equipment.
* Holding a liquid pesticide jug sideways while pouring prevents gurgling and splashing of the contents, while shaking the last few drops into the tank makes triple rinsing and disposal easier and saves a little money.
Triple Rinsing Chemical Containers
Objective
Explain proper procedure for triple rinsing chemical containers, including the use of spray nozzles that are sometimes used to replace the traditional triple rinse procedure.
Demonstration Aids Required
* 2 empty chemical jugs (clean)
* Bucket or tub to simulate chemical tank
* Rubber or neoprene gloves and splash-proof goggles
* Garden hose and water source
* Knife
* Triple rinsing spray nozzle
Conducting the Demonstration
Obtain a volunteer from the audience. Ask the volunteer to triple rinse the chemical jug as if he or she had just emptied the container into the tank. The volunteer should wear the personal protective equipment provided, and rinse and dump the contents of the jug into the tank three times. After completing the triple rinse, the volunteer should cut a slit in the bottom of the jug to prevent reuse of the container (this can be simulated, if you need the jug for more demonstrations). Next, have the same (or a different) volunteer use an approved triple rinse nozzle to rinse a container. The nozzle is designed to punch a hole in the container, and will provide an acceptable rinse in 30 seconds of continuous flushing.
Discussion Questions
* Why do we triple rinse chemical containers?
* Have you ever reused chemical containers for other purposes, or seen chemical jugs and buckets used around the farm?
* Why do we cut a slit in a perfectly good jug?
* Do you think a triple rinse nozzle will make rinsing containers easier?
Key Points to Discuss
* Triple rinsing of containers is required by law to prevent chemical contamination of the environment.
* Some farmers use chemical containers for storage, feed buckets, and other purposes, which is dangerous because pesticide residues may remain.
* Cutting a hole or slit in the bottom prevents the jug from being reused.
* Triple rinsing nozzles are government approved as a substitute for traditional triple rinsing.
* Nozzles have the advantages of water pressure to assist the rinsing action, and they punch a hole in the container, preventing reuse of the jug.
Emergency Response
Making an Emergency Phone Call
Objective
Describe the proper actions for notifying emergency services by phone, and highlight the importance of having emergency information posted by all phones.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Two telephones (can use toy phones)
* Phone book
* Paper listing emergency phone numbers, a farm's address and phone number, and directions to the farm
Conducting the Demonstration
Describe a scenario in which an individual is caught and injured in a piece of farm equipment. Have a volunteer use the telephone to make a mock call to the local EMS. The quality of the presentation can be enhanced by choosing your volunteer before the demonstration, and providing the person with instructions on what he or she is expected to do. The presenter will serve as the dispatcher. The volunteer will only have the telephone book to find emergency numbers. Once the call is made the dispatcher will ask the caller for the farm's phone number, address, and a description of the accident. Then the dispatcher will ask for directions to the farm. The caller should have difficulty giving directions and providing needed information because it is not easily accessible. Point out that panic would make the situation worse, especially if the caller was a child, a visitor to the farm, or someone unfamiliar with the area.
Repeat the activity, using a different volunteer. Place the information sheet near the phone. The sheet should provide phone numbers for EMS or the sheriff's office, eliminating the need to find it in a phone book. Then, the caller need only read the information on the sheet to provide the dispatcher with clear directions to the accident site. The caller should not hang up the phone until the dispatcher says to do so.
For added interest, use a stopwatch to compare the time required to successfully complete each call.
Discussion Questions
* Has anyone here had to make an emergency phone call?
* Do you have emergency phone numbers posted near your phone at home?
* Why should you include directions and the farm's address with the numbers?
* Do you have 9-1-1 service in your community?
* When should you hang up the phone when calling the EMS?
Key Points to Discuss
* Posting emergency numbers and directions to your home will speed contacting the EMS, and eliminates mistakes during a panic situation.
* Never hang up the phone until the dispatcher says to do so.
* Find out whether your community has 9-1-1 service.
* Provide a clear description of the accident so rescue personnel can prepare while driving to the farm.
* Do not panic!!
First Aid for Bleeding Injuries
Objective
Explain the proper actions for stopping severe bleeding in an emergency situation and techniques for applying direct pressure to a wound.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Basic first aid kit
* Bandage material such as gauze, towels, or cotton cloth
* Red water-soluble marker
* Latex surgical gloves
Conducting the Demonstration
This demonstration should be conducted by a person trained in first aid, such as a nurse or EMT. Obtain a volunteer from the audience to be an injury "victim" and draw a bleeding cut on his or her arm with the red marker. Tell the audience that the person has severe arterial bleeding and will die within minutes if the bleeding is not stopped. Ask another audience volunteer to stop the bleeding the best and quickest way possible with the materials available. The person should put on the gloves, make a pad with the bandage material, and apply direct pressure to the wound. Assume the victim bleeds through the bandage. The first aid provider should leave the bandage on the wound and add more clean material to the top of the bandage. A tourniquet should not be used. Explain that the vast majority of bleeding cases can be stopped with direct pressure, and that the use of a tourniquet nearly always means the loss of a limb. If bleeding continues, the first aid provider should apply additional bandages, elevate the injured part (if this can be done without causing further damage), or apply pressure at "pressure points" located at the femoral (leg) or brachial (arm) arteries. Be sure to point out the importance of wearing latex surgical gloves to prevent exposure to blood-borne diseases.
Discussion Questions
* What is the difference between arterial bleeding and venous bleeding?
* What materials will work for bandages in an emergency?
* When does direct pressure work to stop bleeding?
* Should you use a tourniquet for severe bleeding?
* Why should protective gloves be worn if available?
Key Points to Discuss
* Arterial bleeding is very fast, and appears to spurt out of a wound. Bleed ing from a vein is slower and oozes. Arterial bleeding is very serious.
* Nearly any type of clean cotton cloth, such as towels, will work for bandages.
* If no bandage material is available, apply direct pressure with your bare hand.
* Direct pressure works for the vast majority of severe bleeding cases.
* A tourniquet should only be used by trained medical professionals. Tourniquets disrupt circulation to the degree that the affected limb eventually needs to be amputated.
* If rubber gloves are available, wear them to prevent exposure to blood-borne diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis B.
Possible Workshop Topics
The following topics have all been used for farm safety and health workshops. Obviously, there is no way to cover all of the topics in a single workshop, or even a series of workshops. This list is included to provide ideas to help you in developing your own programs. Some of the topics may not directly relate to farm safety and health, but involve rural recreation and other subjects affecting farm families. Resource materials may be very limited for certain topics listed here, so be sure to locate resources and presenters before planning your workshop.
Farm Injury Statistics
* General farm injury statistics
* State statistics
* National statistics
* Childhood injury statistics
* Senior farmer injury statistics
* Costs of farm injuries
General Farm Safety Considerations
* Child safety on the farm
* Appropriate tasks for youth
* Farm wife's role in family safety and health
* Using a management approach to improve farm safety
* Developing a safety committee for your farm
* Developing a farm safety plan
* Conducting a farm safety and health inventory
* Planning a safe farmstead
* Livestock handling
* Farm safety considerations for senior farmers
Tractor Safety
* Safe tractor operation
* Preventing tractor rollovers
* Dangers of extra riders on farm equipment
* Operating tractors on public roads
* Importance of rollover protective structures
* Importance of pre-operation training
* Proper ballasting of farm tractors
* Importance of pre-operational safety checklist
* Front-end loader safety
* Slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems and lighting
Machinery Safety
* General farm machinery safety
* Auger safety
* Combine or forage harvester operation
* Guarding and shielding of farm machinery
* PTO safety - PTO entanglement demonstration
* Safety during harvest season
* Safety during spring preparation and planting
* Hydraulic system safety
Grain Handling and Storage
* Preventing grain bin entrapments
* Preventing grain wagon entrapments
* Grain dust exposures
* Entrapment demonstration
* Causes of grain suffocations
First Response to Farm Emergencies
* Contacting the EMS
* Basic first aid
* CPR
* Proper actions by the first person on the scene
* Extrication techniques for agricultural equipment entanglements
* Grain bin entrapment rescues
* First aid for chemical exposures
Farm Respiratory Hazards
* Overview of agricultural respiratory hazards
* Preventing dust exposures
* Manure and silo gases
* Chemical respiratory hazards
* Choosing a proper respirator
Agricultural Chemicals
* Pesticide handling safety
* Personal protective equipment for pesticides
* Pesticide container disposal
* Proper use of pesticide equipment
* Pesticide applicator training
* Anhydrous ammonia handling
Laws and Regulations
* EPA Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides
* OSHA and its implications for agriculture
* Hazardous Occupations Work Order for Agriculture
* Local, state, and federal hazardous waste disposal regulations
* Waste recycling programs
Shop and Farm Maintenance Safety
* Correct use of hand and power tools
* Arc welding safety
* Precautions for oxyacetylene welding and cutting
* Designing a safe farm shop
* Safe repair and maintenance of farm equipment
* Chain saw safety
* Rotary mower operation
* Safe use of lawn and garden tools
* Electrical safety
* Identifying electrical hazards
* Fire prevention on the farm
* Proper use of fire extinguishers
* Personal protective equipment for the shop
Rural Health
* Health screenings (cholesterol, blood pressure, lung function, etc.)
* Dangers of noise exposures
* Prevention of hearing loss among farm workers
* Hearing protection
* Prevention of skin cancer
* Farm-related respiratory impairments
* Dressing appropriately for the weather
* Preventing frostbite and hypothermia
* Avoiding and treating heat-related illnesses
* Prevention of back injuries
* Proper lifting techniques
* Importance of exercise
* Sources of stress and relationship to injuries
* Sources of assistance for stress-related problems
* Stress management
* Alcohol and drug use among farm populations
* Considerations for operating farm machinery while using prescription medications
Rural Recreation
* All-terrain vehicle operation
* Snowmobile safety
* Developing a farm pond safety plan
* Hunting safety considerations
* Firearm safety
* Horseback riding
Returning to Work Following an Injury
* Farming safely with a physical disability
* Assistive technology for farmers with physical impairments
* Disability awareness
Sample Farm Safety Lessons and Demonstrations
53 Sample Farm Safety Lessons and Demonstrations
The following short demonstrations can be used to provide valuable information for all types of farm safety programs. Most utilize some type of simulation to illustrate the principles involved when "accidents" occur.
The lessons can be adapted for audiences of any age group, and require only a minimum of equipment and expense. You need not be an "expert" presenter to present these demonstrations. Each of the following lesson outlines provides instructions for conducting the demonstration, and lists key points and questions to help promote discussion among members of the audience.
Two lesson outlines are provided for demonstrations in each of the following general topic areas:
* Tractor Safety
* Power Take-Off (PTO) Safety
* Grain Handling Safety
* Pesticide Safety
* Emergency Response
Tractor Safety
Tractor Overturn
Objective
Educate audience about causes of tractor overturns, means of preventing tractor overturns, and reducing the frequency and severity of injuries resulting from tractor overturns.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Remote controlled, battery-operated toy tractor
* Ramp
* Weight sled and hitching device for attaching weights to the tractor
* Weights
Conducting the Demonstration
Sideways Overturns - Use the ramp and toy tractor to demonstrate how driving across a slope rather than straight up or down the slope will cause tractor rollovers.
Rear Overturns - Hitch the weight sled to the drawbar of the toy tractor and drive the tractor forward. The tractor's front wheels will not come off the ground. Then hitch the weight higher on the tractor, such as near the seat or cab. Towing the heavy weight sled should pull the front tires off the ground and potentially cause a rear overturn.
Effect of Ballast and Front Weights - If possible, attach front end weights to the toy tractor and demonstrate the effect of the weights on the potential for overturns. (Driving up a steep slope will be safer with proper ballast, and reduce the number of rear overturns).
Effect of ROPS - If possible, show the benefits of ROPS by performing a roll-over using a tractor with ROPS (cab or bar, with "seat belt") and one without ROPS. The visual impact of this demonstration can be enhanced if a small cloth doll is placed in the operator seat.
Discussion Questions
* Who in this group has ever driven a farm tractor? (children's workshops)
* What age did you first drive a tractor?
* Do you know anyone who has been injured or involved in a tractor overturn?
Key Points to Discuss
* Tractor overturns are the largest single cause of death on the farm.
About 20 - 25% of all farm fatalities are the result of rollovers.
* 80 to 90% of all rollovers are to the side.
* Factors involved with side rollovers are speed, slopes, and rough terrain.
* Rear overturns result from either improper ballasting or high load hitching.
* ROPS provide protection for the operator in the event of an overturn.
* ROPS are less effective if you do not wear your seat belt.
* Extra riders cannot be secured within the protective zone of the ROPS, even in cab equipped tractors. Passengers, especially children, should never be allowed.
Tractor and Equipment Runover
Objective
Inform audience about the risks involved with being an extra rider on farm tractors or equipment.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Tractor without a cab or ROPS and some type of trailing implement
* Tractor with a cab
* Small child 4 - 8 years of age
Conducting the Demonstration
With the older non-ROPS equipped tractor in a stationary position, have the youngster sit on the seat. Point out how difficult it would be to operate the tractor as well as supervise a small child. Then have the child sit on the operator's lap or fender and point out the potential for distractions to the operator and the possibility of falls from the equipment.
On the cab equipped tractor, conduct the same demonstration, pointing out that children and adults can fall from enclosed tractor cabs, resulting in serious injury or death. Describe how easily a small child could engage the PTO or bump the hydraulic control levers in the cab while the operator went back to work on a piece of machinery.
Discussion Questions
* How many of you have ever been an "extra rider" on a tractor or other piece of equipment?
* How many seats are on this tractor?
* In addition to injuries from a fall, what else might happen to someone riding on the tractor's drawbar?
* If there is only one seat, where did you sit if the seat was already taken?
* Do you allow your children to ride on the tractor with you? If so, why?
* Do you allow your children to play in traffic areas, or where farm machinery is stored, and repaired?
Key Points to Discuss
* Tractor and equipment runovers are the leading cause of farm-related deaths for children under 12 years old.
* Most of these deaths involved extra riders or children who were playing in the work area. Children (and adults) can fall from enclosed tractor cabs, resulting in serious injuries or death.
* Small children are difficult to see from tractors and other farm equipment, and are at high risk because they do not recognize the dangers of moving machinery.
Power Take-Off Safety
Speed of Equipment and PTO Entanglements
Objective
Illustrate in a memorable way the speed with which farm equipment entanglements can occur.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Lace-up type of boot or shoe with a dangling "shoestring" about 25-30 feet long (use twine or cord for the shoestring)
* Tractor and PTO powered machine (this demonstration is most effective when used in conjunction with the "PTO Entanglement" demonstration described in the following lesson)
Conducting the Demonstration
Obtain two volunteers from the audience. Let one hold the boot and have the other grab the end of the shoestring which is coiled inside. After asking the following questions and discussing the key points, ask the individual with the shoestring to begin walking and see how long the shoestring is.
This demonstration can be made more interesting by creating a scenario in which one person is sitting on the tractor seat and sees his/her partner get a shoestring caught in the PTO shaft while working. Talk about how the amount of time required for a person to react and shut off the PTO will be approximately 3 to 4 seconds. Then see how long a shoestring must be to provide sufficient reaction time. You may also illustrate this demonstration on a chalkboard by calculating the length of string which will be entangled during the 3 to 4 seconds required to respond.
Discussion Questions
* Do you know anyone who has been injured by becoming entangled in a PTO or other farm equipment?
* How did those injuries occur?
* How fast do PTO shafts rotate?
* How fast can a person react to an emergency?
* Do you think you could shut off a machine quickly enough to prevent an injury if you saw a friend's clothes get caught in rotating parts?
Key Points to Discuss
* Equipment and PTO entanglements cause some of the most serious injuries on the farm.
* Entanglements are usually caused by clothing or shoestrings being caught in rotating or moving equipment.
* PTOs are designed to operate at 540 rpm or 1000 rpm.
* It takes a human about 1 to 2 seconds to recognize an emergency situation, and about 2 more seconds to take any action.
* A PTO shaft (3.5 in diameter) rotating at 540 rpm can wrap between 25-33 feet of shoestring during the 3 to 4 seconds it takes to react.
(L(ft) = diameter (in)*[[pi]]*time (sec)*540 rpm*(1 min/60 sec)*(1 ft/12 in)
PTO Entanglement
Objective
Show the causes and potentially devastating effects of entanglement on a rotating PTO shaft, and how fast such an incident can occur.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Tractor and PTO powered machine (a rotary mower is often used for these demonstrations because they are readily available)
* Dummy made from disposable or discarded coveralls stuffed with newspaper or straw
* Twine for tying dummy to PTO shaft
Conducting the Demonstration
Before the presentation, tie the dummy's leg to the yoke of the PTO shaft near the tractor. This simulates a shoestring being caught on the rotating shaft and ensures that the dummy will suffer some damage. After discussing the provided key points with the audience, start the tractor and engage the power take-off to entangle the "victim." You might want to experiment with this demonstration a couple of times before doing it in front of an audience.
Caution!! Only individuals familiar with the equipment should be allowed to conduct this demonstration. Never attempt to entangle string, clothing, or a dummy in a revolving shaft.
Discussion Questions
* Do you know anyone who has been injured by becoming entangled in a PTO or other farm equipment?
* How did those injuries occur?
* How fast do PTO shafts rotate?
* What types of injuries result from PTO entanglements?
* How do we prevent PTO-related injuries?
Key Points to Discuss
* PTO entanglements are one of the leading causes of disabling injuries on the farm.
* Entanglements are usually caused by clothing or shoestrings being caught in rotating or moving equipment.
* There is no way to predict the injuries that might result from a PTO entanglement.
* Common injuries include severe bruises, cuts, lacerations, fractures, amputations, spinal cord injuries, or death.
* Prevent PTO accidents by always keeping guards and shields in place, wearing snug fitting clothing with no dangling strings, and staying away from the rotating PTO shafts.
* The bottom line is when attempting to adjust, service, or maintain PTO operated equipment--SHUT IT OFF!
Grain Handling Safety
Flowing Grain Entrapment
Objective
Show the dangers of flowing grain by demonstrating how a person can become caught and suffocate in grain storage facilities or transport vehicles.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Model grain bin or wagon filled with corn, popcorn, wheat, or other grain
* Small doll
Making a Model Grain Bin
A clear plastic or Plexiglas bottle or container 10 to 14 inches in diameter can be used to make a "bin." Five gallon water bottles with the top spout cut off have been used successfully for this purpose. Cut a 1" round hole in the center of the bottom of the container. Use a rubber stopper or threaded PVC cap to close the opening.
Conducting the Demonstration
Discuss how flowing grain entrapments occur. Place the toy "victim" in the model grain bin. Explain that with no grain flowing, a person will not sink in the grain, unless there is a void caused by a surface crust. Start the "unloading auger" by removing the plug from the bottom of the model. The victim will be drawn into the flowing grain and pulled to the auger where the grain is leaving the bin. Point out the speed of the entrapment in the model is no faster than in "real life."
Discussion Questions
* Have you ever heard of someone suffocating in grain?
* Will I sink if I walk on the grain in a bin or wagon when the auger is not running? * What state of matter does flowing grain most resemble: solid, liquid, or gas?
* How deep must you be buried to be helpless in flowing grain?
* How long do you think it would take for a person to become helpless in flowing grain? * What must be done to rescue someone submerged in grain?
Key Points to Discuss
* The most common cause of grain bin entrapments is becoming caught in flowing grain. Another cause is the collapse of spoiled, crusty "bridged" grain.
* Flowing grain acts like a liquid, creating a funnel effect pulling grain from the top of a bin towards the bottom.
* Within 3 to 4 seconds, an adult caught in flowing grain may be submerged up to his knees and unable to free himself.
* In the event of a grain entrapment, never assume the victim is dead. Shut off all augers, start ventilating fans (but not driers), and summon emergency assistance. The bin must be cut open to remove the grain from around the victim as quickly as possible.
* The victim of an entrapment will generally be found over the auger well or opening at the bottom of the bin or near the hopper door of a gravity flow wagon.
Auger Entanglement
Objective
Describe how an auger can "grab" and injure a hand or foot.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Two foot section of 4 inch auger tubing with flighting (can be made from part of an old auger and Plexiglas tubing)
* Glove
* Discarded auger guard
Conducting the Demonstration
This short demonstration is completed by holding a glove or other object near the end of the example auger and rotating the flighting. The flighting will quickly pull the glove into the tube. You can also have a volunteer place fingers on the exposed flighting and slowly rotate the flighting to draw the person's fingers toward the auger tube.
Caution!! Be very careful not to rotate the flighting too fast--you could cut the person's fingers.
Use the auger guard to demonstrate how it is designed to keep hands and feet away from the rotating auger, but does not guarantee against injury. Simply have a member of the audience stick his/her fingers through the wire mesh guard and explain that the fingers could still be caught or mangled in the auger. This step highlights that guards and shields are an essential part of injury prevention if kept in place, but not a substitute for being careful around machinery.
Discussion Questions
* What causes auger entanglements?
* Can you pull your hand back from an auger quickly enough to prevent being caught?
* What types of injuries result from auger intanglements?
* How do we prevent auger-related injuries?
* What is the other major hazard associated with grain augers?
Key Points to Discuss
* Auger entanglements cause very serious injuries, including amputations and lacerations.
* A rotating auger moves too fast for someone to prevent an entanglement if they come in contact with it.
* Entanglements are usually caused by clothing or shoestrings being caught in the rotating auger.
* Prevent auger injuries by always keeping guards and shields in place, wearing snug fitting clothing with no dangling strings, and keeping hands and feet away from exposed augers.
* Many farmers have been seriously injured or even killed when an auger they are moving comes in contact with overhead power lines.
Pesticide Safety
Personal Protective Equipment for Pesticides
Objective
Describe the basic types of personal protective equipment for mixing pesticides, as well as proper techniques for pouring a liquid chemical.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Rubber or neoprene gloves
* Long sleeved shirt or forearm protectors
* Splash-proof goggles
* Chemical jug filled with water (food coloring can be added)
* Bucket or tub to simulate chemical tank
Conducting the Demonstration
Place the personal protective equipment near the demonstration area in plain sight. Without mentioning the purpose of the demonstration or the protective gear, ask a volunteer from the audience to pour the contents of the "chemical" jug into the "tank." Point out the spillage that may occur and any contact the volunteer has with the container's contents. Next, have the volunteer put on the gloves, long sleeved shirt, and goggles before pouring the "chemical" a second time. When pouring the "chemical" the volunteer should hold the container sideways to allow the liquid to flow smoothly. Finally, the "chemical handler" should shake the container to remove any remaining "chemical." If the volunteer performs the task correctly, have the person explain each step. If not, have the volunteer start over, and explain the correct method for pouring a liquid chemical.
Discussion Questions
* Have you ever mixed chemicals?
* What personal protective equipment do you wear when working with chemicals?
* What parts of the body are most likely to come in contact with the chemicals you use?
* What is the most important piece of personal protective equipment when using farm chemicals?
* Why should you hold a chemical jug sideways when pouring, and why should you shake the jug to remove the last few drops of pesticide?
Key Points to Discuss
* Wear personal protective equipment when working with farm chemicals.
* The pesticide label will list the required protective equipment.
* Most pesticide exposure occurs on the hands and forearms.
* Wearing rubber gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection will eliminate about 99% of potential chemical exposures.
* Some highly toxic pesticides may require respirators, chemical proof coveralls, and other specialized equipment.
* Holding a liquid pesticide jug sideways while pouring prevents gurgling and splashing of the contents, while shaking the last few drops into the tank makes triple rinsing and disposal easier and saves a little money.
Triple Rinsing Chemical Containers
Objective
Explain proper procedure for triple rinsing chemical containers, including the use of spray nozzles that are sometimes used to replace the traditional triple rinse procedure.
Demonstration Aids Required
* 2 empty chemical jugs (clean)
* Bucket or tub to simulate chemical tank
* Rubber or neoprene gloves and splash-proof goggles
* Garden hose and water source
* Knife
* Triple rinsing spray nozzle
Conducting the Demonstration
Obtain a volunteer from the audience. Ask the volunteer to triple rinse the chemical jug as if he or she had just emptied the container into the tank. The volunteer should wear the personal protective equipment provided, and rinse and dump the contents of the jug into the tank three times. After completing the triple rinse, the volunteer should cut a slit in the bottom of the jug to prevent reuse of the container (this can be simulated, if you need the jug for more demonstrations). Next, have the same (or a different) volunteer use an approved triple rinse nozzle to rinse a container. The nozzle is designed to punch a hole in the container, and will provide an acceptable rinse in 30 seconds of continuous flushing.
Discussion Questions
* Why do we triple rinse chemical containers?
* Have you ever reused chemical containers for other purposes, or seen chemical jugs and buckets used around the farm?
* Why do we cut a slit in a perfectly good jug?
* Do you think a triple rinse nozzle will make rinsing containers easier?
Key Points to Discuss
* Triple rinsing of containers is required by law to prevent chemical contamination of the environment.
* Some farmers use chemical containers for storage, feed buckets, and other purposes, which is dangerous because pesticide residues may remain.
* Cutting a hole or slit in the bottom prevents the jug from being reused.
* Triple rinsing nozzles are government approved as a substitute for traditional triple rinsing.
* Nozzles have the advantages of water pressure to assist the rinsing action, and they punch a hole in the container, preventing reuse of the jug.
Emergency Response
Making an Emergency Phone Call
Objective
Describe the proper actions for notifying emergency services by phone, and highlight the importance of having emergency information posted by all phones.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Two telephones (can use toy phones)
* Phone book
* Paper listing emergency phone numbers, a farm's address and phone number, and directions to the farm
Conducting the Demonstration
Describe a scenario in which an individual is caught and injured in a piece of farm equipment. Have a volunteer use the telephone to make a mock call to the local EMS. The quality of the presentation can be enhanced by choosing your volunteer before the demonstration, and providing the person with instructions on what he or she is expected to do. The presenter will serve as the dispatcher. The volunteer will only have the telephone book to find emergency numbers. Once the call is made the dispatcher will ask the caller for the farm's phone number, address, and a description of the accident. Then the dispatcher will ask for directions to the farm. The caller should have difficulty giving directions and providing needed information because it is not easily accessible. Point out that panic would make the situation worse, especially if the caller was a child, a visitor to the farm, or someone unfamiliar with the area.
Repeat the activity, using a different volunteer. Place the information sheet near the phone. The sheet should provide phone numbers for EMS or the sheriff's office, eliminating the need to find it in a phone book. Then, the caller need only read the information on the sheet to provide the dispatcher with clear directions to the accident site. The caller should not hang up the phone until the dispatcher says to do so.
For added interest, use a stopwatch to compare the time required to successfully complete each call.
Discussion Questions
* Has anyone here had to make an emergency phone call?
* Do you have emergency phone numbers posted near your phone at home?
* Why should you include directions and the farm's address with the numbers?
* Do you have 9-1-1 service in your community?
* When should you hang up the phone when calling the EMS?
Key Points to Discuss
* Posting emergency numbers and directions to your home will speed contacting the EMS, and eliminates mistakes during a panic situation.
* Never hang up the phone until the dispatcher says to do so.
* Find out whether your community has 9-1-1 service.
* Provide a clear description of the accident so rescue personnel can prepare while driving to the farm.
* Do not panic!!
First Aid for Bleeding Injuries
Objective
Explain the proper actions for stopping severe bleeding in an emergency situation and techniques for applying direct pressure to a wound.
Demonstration Aids Required
* Basic first aid kit
* Bandage material such as gauze, towels, or cotton cloth
* Red water-soluble marker
* Latex surgical gloves
Conducting the Demonstration
This demonstration should be conducted by a person trained in first aid, such as a nurse or EMT. Obtain a volunteer from the audience to be an injury "victim" and draw a bleeding cut on his or her arm with the red marker. Tell the audience that the person has severe arterial bleeding and will die within minutes if the bleeding is not stopped. Ask another audience volunteer to stop the bleeding the best and quickest way possible with the materials available. The person should put on the gloves, make a pad with the bandage material, and apply direct pressure to the wound. Assume the victim bleeds through the bandage. The first aid provider should leave the bandage on the wound and add more clean material to the top of the bandage. A tourniquet should not be used. Explain that the vast majority of bleeding cases can be stopped with direct pressure, and that the use of a tourniquet nearly always means the loss of a limb. If bleeding continues, the first aid provider should apply additional bandages, elevate the injured part (if this can be done without causing further damage), or apply pressure at "pressure points" located at the femoral (leg) or brachial (arm) arteries. Be sure to point out the importance of wearing latex surgical gloves to prevent exposure to blood-borne diseases.
Discussion Questions
* What is the difference between arterial bleeding and venous bleeding?
* What materials will work for bandages in an emergency?
* When does direct pressure work to stop bleeding?
* Should you use a tourniquet for severe bleeding?
* Why should protective gloves be worn if available?
Key Points to Discuss
* Arterial bleeding is very fast, and appears to spurt out of a wound. Bleed ing from a vein is slower and oozes. Arterial bleeding is very serious.
* Nearly any type of clean cotton cloth, such as towels, will work for bandages.
* If no bandage material is available, apply direct pressure with your bare hand.
* Direct pressure works for the vast majority of severe bleeding cases.
* A tourniquet should only be used by trained medical professionals. Tourniquets disrupt circulation to the degree that the affected limb eventually needs to be amputated.
* If rubber gloves are available, wear them to prevent exposure to blood-borne diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis B.