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PART
II. CHOOSING EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
A.
General Principles
It is widely acknowledged that the majority of equipment related
fatalities and accidents are caused by:
-
Run downs
-
Overturns
-
Contact with moving/unguarded machinery
A significant factor in these accidents is the use of machinery
or driving of farm vehicles whilst intoxicated (either drunk or
whilst using medication or drugs) and “fooling around”.
Developing simple and strict policies on these matters can
improve your safety significantly. But having done this,
what more can you do to improve your safety? Well by
carefully choosing the farm equipment and machinery you buy and
matching its performance criteria to the needs of your farm will
go a long way to ensuring your safety. There are some
useful pointers on this in the following sections.
But once you have purchased your machinery or equipment, you
need to train everyone that will operate it to use it properly
and safely. You need to make them aware of:
-
what can go wrong
-
how to avoid it going wrong
-
and what to do if inspite of everything it still goes wrong
In the following pages we present a number of areas of concern
for popular items of farm machinery and equipment.
B. Operating a Tractor
Tractors are the main cause of accidental deaths on farms.
Over the years, many farmers, farm workers and others living on
or visiting farms, have been killed or seriously injured falling
from moving tractors, being run over by tractors, or being
crushed when a tractor rolls sideways or backwards.
Spot the hazard
Regularly check for hazards relating to tractors, attached
implements and field conditions. Hazard areas could
include mechanical parts, operator training, other people, work
procedures, unsafe jacking, climatic conditions, chemicals used,
uneven terrain, and any other potential causes of an injury or a
 hazardous
incident. Keep a record to ensure identified hazards are
assessed and controlled.
Assess the risk
Once a potential hazard has been identified, assess the
likelihood of an injury or hazardous incident occurring.
For example, risk to children playing near a tractor will vary,
depending on what the tractor operator is doing, how close they
are to the tractor and whether the operator knows they are
there. Consider ways of minimising risk.
Make the changes
Here are some ways of improving tractor operator safety:
-
Read and follow safety procedures in the manufacturer's
manual.
-
Ensure an approved cab or roll-over protective structure (ROPS)
is fitted.
-
Fit and use a seatbelt on tractors with ROPS.
-
If there is a risk from falling objects, fit a fall-on
protective structure (FOPS).
-
To reduce risk of back strain, fit a seat with side restraints
and a backrest.
-
Wear hearing protection, and remember, not all tractor cabs
are sound proof.
-
Keep children away from tractors and machinery.
-
Remove starter keys when tractors are not in use.
-
Have an up-to-date maintenance schedule.
-
Follow safe maintenance and jacking procedures. (See section
2.4.)
-
Ensure the operator is properly trained for each type of
tractor work.
-
Always mount and dismount on a tractor's left side - to avoid
controls.
-
Adjust the seat so all controls are safely and comfortably
reached.
-
Keep all guards in place, including the power take-off (PTO).
-
Operate the self-starter from the operator position only.
-
Never carry passengers.
When operating a tractor
-
Drive at speeds slow enough to retain control over unexpected
events.
-
Reduce speed before turning or applying brakes.
-
Watch out for ditches, logs, rocks, depressions and
embankments.
-
On steep slopes, without a trailed implement, reverse up for
greater safety.
-
Engage the clutch gently at all times, especially when going
uphill or towing.
-
Use as wide a wheel track as possible on hillsides and sloping
ground.
-
Descend slopes cautiously in low gear, using the motor as a
brake.
-
Never mount or dismount from a moving tractor.
-
Ensure the park brake is on and operating effectively before
dismounting.
-
Take short breaks regularly when working long hours.
When towing implements
-
Fit attachments according to the manufacturer's instructions.
-
Always attach implements to the draw bar or the mounting
points provided by the manufacturer.
-
Never alter, modify or raise the height of the draw bar unless
provided for by the manufacturer.
-
Regularly check safety pins on towed lift-wing implements, to
ensure they are not worn.
-
Ensure all guards on towed implements are in place before
operating.
-
Never hitch above the centre line of the rear axle, around the
axle housing or to the top link pin.
-
Never adjust or work on implements while they are in motion.
-
Never attach implements unless the PTO shaft is guarded.
-
When parking, always lower the three point linkage and towed
implement.
To avoid strain injury
-
Adjust the tractor seat for back support and comfort.
-
When buying a tractor, ensure seating is safe and comfortable.
-
Check seat height, seat depth, back rest height and angle,
fore and aft movement, seat tilt, firm padding, partial
pivoting (if you have to spend long periods looking behind
you), and vibration-absorbing suspension.
-
Dismount every hour or so, and spend 5 or 10 minutes doing
something active.
-
Plan for your next tractor to include suitably low steps, hand
grips, adequate doorway and cab space, and a safe mounting
platform.
-
-
Dismount by climbing down - not jumping down - and use each
provided foot and hand hold.
C.
Operating Ag Bikes (including Quads and Trikes)
The term “ag bike” refers to all motorbikes with two, three and
four wheels, used for farm work. Three and four wheelers are
also known as 'all terrain vehicles' or ATVs.
Spot the hazard
Most ag bike injuries result from lack of training and
experience, speed, uneven or unfamiliar terrain, humps, logs,
rocks, embankments, carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load,
inadequate protective clothing and unsafe driving. Those aged
between 10 and 24 have a significantly higher risk of injury on
ATVs.
Assess the risk
Ag bike injuries are predominantly to legs, followed by injuries
to spine, arms and head. Three and four wheeler spills often
result in the rider being pinned beneath or rolled on by the
vehicle. Assess all use of ag bikes for likelihood and possible
severity of injuries. Develop safe use procedures to match the
risk.
Make the changes
The following suggestions will help minimise risks.
-
Never ride an ag bike without an approved helmet.
-
Long sleeves and pants, sturdy boots and gloves all provide
protection if you come off the vehicle.
-
Eye protection prevents serious eye injuries from bugs,
branches or stones.
Maintenance
-
Check your bike before riding it.
-
Pay attention to maintenance advice in the vehicle manual.
-
Check brakes and tyres regularly.
-
Ensure all parts are genuine or are at least equivalent
components designed for use on your particular brand of bike.
Attachments
-
Take extra care when using attachments such as spray tanks and
other equipment on your ATV, as they can change the vehicle's
centre of gravity and affect its stability.
-
Ensure any attachments are designed for use on your ATV.
Terrain
-
Be on the lookout for potential hazards when riding. Rocks,
bumps, irrigation pipes and wildlife all have the potential to
cause an accident, and should be approached with caution.
-
Take extra care when operating a bike on unfamiliar or rough
terrain.
-
Where possible, use familiar farm tracks.
-
Be particularly careful when turning, approaching a rise or
navigating an obstacle. If you are not sure of your ability to
clear an obstacle, find another route or go back.
Paved surfaces and public roads
-
Don't drive ATVs on paved or bitumen surfaces. They are not
intended for use on smooth surfaces and could be difficult to
control.
-
Never ride ATVs on public roads. It may be difficult to avoid
a collision if other vehicles are on the road.
Passengers and children
-
Passengers and ATVs don't mix. ATVs are designed to be
controlled by the shifting of weight around the vehicle. A
passenger limits the driver's ability to do this.
-
Never allow children to operate an ATV without training and
appropriate supervision.
-
Children do not always have the weight, limb size , skill and
judgement to control an ATV safely.
Stunts and speeding
-
Never attempt jumps, wheelies or other stunts on an ATV.
-
Ride at an appropriate speed for the terrain, your experience
and the visibility conditions.
Drugs, alcohol and fatigue
-
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including
prescription drugs. They may affect your balance, vision,
judgement and concentration.
-
Fatigue can also limit your ability to control an ATV safely.
Operating an ATV is more physically demanding than driving a
car. If you are travelling long distances, take frequent rest
breaks.
-
Ensure you are dressed comfortably and appropriately -
uncomfortable clothing can make you tire more easily.
Know the manual
-
Be familiar with the capabilities of your machine.
-
Read and understand the manual, particularly safety
information.
-
Know all warning labels on the machine.
Owner responsibility
-
As an ag bike owner you must fully understand the risks
associated with ATVs and know the appropriate safety
precautions to take. You must ensure anyone riding your ag
bike has the necessary skills and understanding to operate it
safely and responsibly.
-
If you are an employer, you have a duty of care under the
Occupational Safety and
Health Act
1984
to ensure that ag bikes including ATVs are safely maintained
and used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications,
and that employees riding them are adequately trained and are
wearing protective gear.
D.
Tractor Maintenance
 People
have been killed and seriously injured doing maintenance and
repairs to farm tractors. Major hazards can occur when tractors
are jacked and wheels are removed without safe working
procedures. These risks are magnified on soil. Regular workshop
maintenance of farm tractors and trailed implements can prevent
hazardous incidents in the field.
Spot the hazard
When planning tractor maintenance, check the right equipment is
available for safe jacking, removal of wheels and other tasks.
People doing the job should be experienced, and there should be
agreed safe procedures. Heavy lifting and carrying can cause
strain injuries. Children should be kept away from tractor
workshops. Field repairs present specific injury risks.
Assess the risk
The greater the risk of an injury or a dangerous incident
occurring, the more urgent the need for changes to be made to
minimise or eliminate the risk.
Make the changes
Here are some ways of improving tractor maintenance safety.
-
Routinely adjust brakes, clutches and drives, according to the
manual.
-
Ensure steering, exhaust system and brakes are in top
condition.
-
Stop the motor before refuelling, servicing or greasing and,
if possible, wait until the engine is cold before refuelling.
-
Never remove or replace belts while pulleys are under power.
-
Keep steps and working platforms free of grease and oil to
avoid slips and falls.
-
If the engine overheats, allow time for it to cool off before
removing the radiator cap.
When jacking a tractor
-
Jack on a flat surface, ideally a concrete floor.
-
Avoid working alone. Ask somebody with training and experience
to help.
-
Refer to the manufacturer's manual on safe jacking, or seek
professional advice.
-
Where jacking points are not identifiable, jack from the
lowest possible point.
-
Use jacks that comply with applicable standards.
-
Use vehicle stands that comply with applicable standards, and
are designed for the load to be suspended.
Blocks and chocks
-
Ensure wooden blocks for jacking are of hardwood, e.g. jarrah
or karri, with a surface area that will support the tractor's
weight on soft soils.
-
Chock all wheels that will remain on the ground, using big
wooden chocks at the front and rear of each wheel. Don't use
rocks; they're too unstable.
-
Chock all wheels on articulated vehicles to stop them twisting
sideways during jacking.
-
Before jacking, apply brakes, place in gear - or automatic
park - and switch ignition off.
-
Stay clear of the tractor while operating the jack.
When removing wheels
-
Loosen wheel nuts before the wheel is off the ground, to avoid
any movement that could dislodge the tractor.
-
Before removing a tractor tyre from a rim, release all water
and air pressure.
-
Use safety equipment and procedures to avoid serious injuries
from split rims.
-
Never jack more than one wheel off the ground at a time in the
field.
-
If both rear wheels have to be removed, work on a flat, level
concrete floor, in the workshop.
-
When removing rear wheels, ensure the front wheels are
immobilised by fixing wedges between axle and body.
E. Guarding Moving Machinery
Manufacturers of machinery and equipment are today legally
required to make sure dangerous parts are safely guarded so that
operators and others are protected from injury.
But old farm machinery is sometimes poorly guarded. Extra moving
parts like wheels and pulleys may have been added for various
other uses. Original guarding may have been removed for
maintenance and not put back.
There may be times when an operator may need to reach over,
under, around or into a machine while it is running. If so, any
moving parts or other hazards must be appropriately guarded from
human contact.
A guard may be any shield, cover, casing, or physical or
electronic barrier, intended to prevent contact between a
hazardous machine part and any part of a person or a person's
clothing.
Spot the hazard
Some of the hazards associated with machinery likely to cause
injury include:
-
rotating PTO and other shafts (e.g. joints, couplings, shaft
ends and crank shafts);
-
gearing (including friction roller mechanism), cables,
sprockets, chains, clutches, cams or fan blades;
-
the run-off point of any belt, chain or cable. All belts are
hazardous, especially if joints are not kept smooth.
-
keyways, keys, grease nipples, set-screws, bolts or any other
projections on rotating parts;
-
any pulley or flywheel that incorporates any openings, spokes,
protrusions, etc, that render it anything except totally
smooth;
-
any crushing or shearing points, e.g. augers and slide blocks,
roller feeds, conveyor belts;
-
ground wheels and track gear that incorporate protrusions,
spokes, etc, that are adjacent to an operator's position
(standing platform, seat, footrest) or passenger's seat;
-
rotating knives, blades, tines or similar parts of power
driven machines that operate in or near the ground or engage
crops;
-
any machine component that cuts, grinds, pulps, crushes,
breaks or pulverises farm produce;
-
hot parts of any machine where the surface temperature exceeds
120C in normal operation.
Assess the risk
Once a hazard has been identified, assess the likelihood of the
hazard resulting in injury to the operator or any other person,
and the likely severity of any injury or harm.
For more information see "Plant
in the Workplace: A Guide to Managing Risks from Plant in the
Workplace for Employers and Employees" (National Occupational
Health and Safety Commission).
Make the changes
Ensure machinery guards:
-
are designed in a practical way to protect the user but allow
ready access for operation and maintenance;
-
are always in place on dangerous parts of machinery unless
they are, by any reasonable definition, located out of reach
of users, operators or bystanders;
-
are conveniently placed so that users, operators and service
and maintenance people are less likely to remove them
permanently;
-
are strong and durable enough for the machine part they cover;
-
protect users, operators and bystanders against burns caused
by hot parts;
-
are ventilated where applicable to avoid the machine
over-heating;
-
are not removed until the machine is stopped and isolated with
a tagged lock-out switch, and all sources neutralised, e.g.
pressure in the hydraulic, or LPG gas line.
Children and machinery
Children on or visiting the farm are often at risk of being
injured by machinery. Minimise the risks, teach your children
about safety on the farm, and get them to tell their friends.
-
Agricultural machinery is not a playground. Make sure guards
are on machines, especially when children are around;
-
Be aware that children's fingers can sometimes reach into
guarding designed for adult hands.
Safe procedure
Stick to a safe procedure for machinery guarding.
-
For maintenance jobs, have a checklist procedure ensuring
guarding is safely replaced.
-
Use approved lock-out and tag devices to prevent machinery
being accidentally started during maintenance.
-
Redesign work processes to minimise risk from moving parts.
-
Get rid of machinery and eliminate work processes that can't
be made safe.
-
Replace unguarded machinery with safer machinery.
-
Have guards designed and fitted for improvised machinery.
F. Safety in Workshops
Perhaps more than any other occupation, agriculture involves a
broad cross section of skills. Farmers and farm workers
routinely perform workshop tasks that in other industries would
be done by a variety of skilled trades people.
Repairs and maintenance of farm machinery, and associated
workshop jobs, are among the most frequent causes of farm
injuries.
Identify potential hazards and develop safe procedures for all
workshop tasks, in particular training and supervision for young
and inexperienced
 workers.
Spot the hazard
Check potential hazards in the structure of farm buildings,
electrical fittings and fixtures, power tools and equipment,
ladders and trestles, welding equipment and procedures, safe
storage of hazardous materials and equipment, accessibility to
children, and in procedures for lifting and carrying heavy and
awkward weights.
Assess the risk
Check each potential hazard for the likelihood of it resulting
in injury or harm. Make the highest risk items top priority for
safeguarding. Assess possible risks in alternative safety
measures.
Make the changes
-
Ensure adequate working space for each job.
-
Provide and use personal protective equipment where
appropriate.
-
Check there is sufficient lighting and ventilation.
-
Keep walkways and exits clear.
-
Update fire fighting and first aid equipment to meet current
needs.
-
 Ensure
fuel, compressed air, steam, electrical or other services are
safely installed and maintained.
Tools and equipment
-
Read the manual before using new tools and equipment.
-
Follow instructions on safe procedures.
-
Ensure power tools and equipment are properly guarded.
-
Use angle grinders only for grinding and not for cutting.
Safer power cutting tools are available.
-
Ensure all guards and shields are kept in place during use.
-
Use clamps and vices where possible to hold job items.
-
Store tools safely to prevent damage and unauthorised use.
Ladders and trestles
-
Before climbing, place a ladder's feet about a quarter of the
ladder's length from the wall or top support.
-
Before working high on a ladder, secure it to prevent it
slipping sideways.
-
Never place a ladder in front of a doorway unless the door is
locked or guarded.
-
Avoid standing ladders on drums, boxes or blocks.
Electricity
-
Replace old fuse boxes with an RCD board that protects the
whole building.
-
Or, fix portable RCDs at power points where power tools are
connected.
-
When someone gets an electric shock and "locks on" to a live
component, the power must be turned off before the person is
handled.
-
Check all power cords regularly to ensure insulation is
intact, and that inner cabling is not exposed.
-
Get rid of old, worn or faulty power cords. #
Welding
-
For maximum protection against eye injuries, wear goggles with
side shields, as well as a welding shield or helmet.
-
Protect skin areas from radiation burns, preferably with
woollen or flame resistant canvas clothing.
-
Never wear thongs or open footwear when welding. Shoes or
boots should be rubber soled for non-slip and electrical
protection.
-
Obtain and follow safety guidelines on welding.
-
See Topic 13 on Welding in this book.
G. Working Safely With Electricity
The best safeguard against electrocution on farms is the
residual current device (RCD) or safety switch. A fixed RCD can
be installed instead of a fusebox in your house, shed or
workshop, or portable RCDs can be used with individual power
tools.
Spot the hazard
Check to ensure electrical fittings, fixtures, plant and
equipment, wiring, insulation, switches, power cords, plugs,
earth wires, guarding, and welding equipment are in good
condition and regularly maintained.
Look for shorting or sparking fittings. Avoid using electrical
equipment in wet conditions. Wear safe footwear and clothing.
For work on wires, plugs, switches, fuses and electrical plant,
call the electrician.
Assess the risk
Assess each identified hazard for likelihood and severity of
possible injury or harm. If there is any risk of electric shock
or electrocution, you should have a safe procedure to ensure the
hazardous plant is put out of use and either isolated, or kept
in a safe place until repaired or discarded.
Make the changes
The following suggestions will help to minimise or eliminate the
risk of electric shock.
-
Make sure all hand held power tools and appliances are
connected through an RCD.
-
Always employ an electrician for power alterations or repairs.
-
Ensure wiring, equipment, leads and plugs are kept in good
repair.
-
Don't overload your wiring installation.
-
Don't remove guards or covers from electrical switch gear.
-
In areas exposed to wind and rain, always use weather-proof
outlets and fittings.
-
Avoid using outdoor electrical equipment in wet weather.
-
All lights exposed to breakage by farm tools should be fitted
with wire guards.
-
Old rubber-insulated wiring is now unsafe, and should be
replaced.
Earth wires
-
The earth wire is an essential safety feature. Its purpose is
to divert any current leakage to the ground and cause a fuse
to blow or an RCD to trip out should a fault develop in the
installation.
-
The earth wire is usually a bare or green and yellow insulated
copper wire, connected to a water pipe or stake driven into
the ground. It should never be removed or disconnected.
Outdoor power lines
-
Make sure tall items like balers and headers are kept well
clear of overhead wires.
-
Never ride on top of high loads.
-
If your crop-dusting is done by aeroplane, tell the pilot
beforehand about any power lines in the area.
-
Plan farm roads to avoid passing under power lines, and have
new power lines installed so they don't cross over roads.
-
Always check the location of power lines before you start
work.
-
Always check plans and records of underground powerlines
before any digging or earthworks.
-
Never stack irrigation pipes or park machinery under power
lines.
-
Never up-end a pipe before looking up. Carry pipes
horizontally.
-
Remember, power line heights are deceptive. Know the operation
and maximum height of your machine.
-
Have an observer check your position when working close to
overhead power lines.
-
If in doubt, always contact the supply authority for advice
and assistance.
-
If you see a power line that has been damaged or has fallen
down, keep clear and notify the supply authority.
Fuses and RCDs
-
If a fuse blows out, turn off the switch and check the
electrical equipment being used before you replace the fuse
wire. If the fuse blows again, call an electrician.
-
When replacing a fuse wire, make sure its rating is correct
for the circuit.
-
If an RCD trips out, check the electrical equipment for
obvious faults. If it keeps tripping out, call an electrician.
-
Remember, while an RCD may shut off a lethal dose of
electricity, it does not prevent electric shock. You must
still avoid live contact, particularly if you are working at
height or operating hazardous machinery.
Power tools
-
When buying a portable power tool, double insulated is safer.
-
Never use a light socket to operate a power tool.
-
Don't use tools if the casing is broken or damaged. Damaged
cords and plugs should be replaced.
-
Regularly check power tools are free from external damage or
makeshift repairs. This includes leads and plugs.
-
Don't make adjustments to a tool without first switching it
off and removing the plug from the power point.
-
All bench-mounted equipment, such as power saws or grinders,
should be effectively earthed - except for those with double
insulation.
-
Don't use makeshift extension lights. Use a type with a guard
around the globe and an insulated handle.
Welding equipment
-
Switch off power before connecting welding leads to terminals.
-
Check leads are correctly connected to terminals marked
'electrode' and 'work'.
-
Ensure supply terminals and live parts are suitably enclosed
and protected.
-
Ensure welding terminals are shrouded to prevent inadvertent
contact or short circuits.
-
Check the frame of welding equipment is effectively earthed.
-
Don't use leads if they have bare sections. Replace them.
-
Never use bare hands on metal parts of electrode holders or
electrodes while the welder is switched on. Never rest the
electrode on your body.
-
Be sure to keep waste material away from the welder.
Do you:
-
Make sure all appliances and power tools are connected through
a safety switch or RCD?
-
Make sure alterations or repairs are carried out by an
electrician?
-
Inspect cords and plugs regularly?
H. Safety in Welding and Allied
Repair Processes
 The
dangers in welding, cutting, heating and grinding should never
be underestimated. Everyone doing these tasks should be properly
trained to use the equipment safely and to understand the
hazards involved.
Spot the hazard
Hazards associated with welding include:
-
The arc itself.
The temperature of the arc can reach 6000 C. Intense
ultraviolet and infra-red rays can be harmful to both the
welder and anyone else nearby. Damage to uncovered skin can be
similar to severe sunburn. Unprotected eyes can become
extremely red and sore and in extreme cases suffer permanent
damage.
-
Welding gases.
In gas welding, leaking oxygen can enrich the atmosphere so
that a naked flame, cigarette, spark or electrical fault can
be dangerous.
-
The fumes.
Welding in confined and unventilated spaces should be avoided,
because welding fumes can be fatal. Where it's not possible to
ensure good ventilation, it may be necessary to wear an
air-line fed respirator with Australian Standard
certification.
-
Fumes and explosions.
Avoid welding, cutting or heating empty drums. People have
been killed this way when undetectable fuel residues vapourise
and explode. Always check what's been inside, and if necessary
clean the drum thoroughly before cutting, welding or heating.
Welding heat can also generate toxic fumes from chemical
residues. Avoid welding on metal coated surfaces, such as
galvanised iron.
-
Heat.
Hot metal surfaces, metal fragments and sparks can cause
severe burns to unprotected skin.
-
Electric shock.
The risk of electric shock in welding is high. Any electrical
hazards should be identified and addressed. Check
manufacturers' instructions.
Assess the risk
Check each of the above areas for potential to cause an injury
or hazardous incident. Refer to accident records, safe work
procedures, training and the experience of operators doing
hazardous work. If risk of injury or harm is identified, take
steps to minimise or eliminate the risk.
Make the changes
Here are some suggestions for making welding safer. Appropriate
protective clothing should include:
-
a shield or helmet with a suitable grade of filtered lens;
-
a felt skull cap or beret;
-
fire resistant gloves and leather apron;
-
boots and leather spats;
-
arm protection - long sleeves, leather if possible;
-
fire resistant overalls.
To prevent deterioration, all protective clothing and equipment
should be stored carefully, and kept clean and in good working
order.
Machine welding
-
Never attempt to connect or change welding cables before
switching off mains power.
-
Always install the welding machine as near as possible to the
power point.
-
Always keep the welding machine terminals and cable
connections clean and tight.
-
Only use welding cables that are fully insulated throughout
their entire length.
-
Work on a well insulated floor wherever possible.
-
Wear rubber insulated shoes.
-
Always wear dry gloves when handling equipment that is live,
e.g. when placing an electrode in a holder.
-
Always get a qualified electrician to do any electrical
repairs.
-
Don't use gas pipes or water pipes as part of the welding
circuit; it can cause an explosion or give someone a shock.
Gas welding
Leaking gases are a major hazard in gas welding. While fuel gas
is usually recognised by its odour, oxygen leaks are potentially
more dangerous because they are not easily recognised. Leaking
oxygen can enrich the atmosphere so that a naked flame,
cigarette, spark or electrical fault can be dangerous. Oils and
greases may spontaneously ignite in the presence of pure oxygen.
-
Do not allow any fittings of oxy-acetylene equipment to be
contaminated with grease or oil under any circumstances.
-
Do not oil unions, gauges or other components.
-
Have regulators regularly maintained by a competent person.
-
Regulators can fail in two ways - by the controlled forward
flow of gas which is known as regulator "creep", or by the
reverse flow of another gas in the gas lines. Regular
maintenance can avoid these situations.
-
Either of these failures can be recognised by a higher than
expected reading on the operational or low pressure gauge. The
gauge needle creeps beyond the pressure set for actual welding
or cutting. If this happens, stop work, close down the
cylinder valves, and have the equipment repaired.
-
Take care not to drop or damage gauges and regulators.
-
Excess pressure or the presence of a different gas in a
regulator can cause fire and explosions of varying severity,
resulting in damaged equipment and operator injury.
-
Never use equipment fitted with a regulator in which a "creep"
condition is known to exist.
-
Use the correct colour and type of hoses and fittings
recommended by the manufacturers. Copper must never be used on
acetylene lines, as unstable substances are formed that may
spontaneously detonate.
-
Flashback arresters should be fitted to all oxy-acetylene
equipment to overcome the danger of flashback.
-
Oxy-acetylene or oxy-LPG equipment should not be left near hot
equipment or metals that could burn the leads. Gas leaks can
be detected using soap and water.
-
Proper maintenance of equipment is necessary to prevent
accidents.
-
Don't light up welding equipment using cigarette lighters or
matches. Use an appropriate flint or "piezo" electric ignition
device.
-
Don't smoke when welding or near welding jobs, and don't keep
your lighter in your pocket - it could explode. Simple
prevention could save your life.
-
Have a suitable fire extinguisher close by for all welding,
cutting, heating and grinding activities.
-
Obtain and refer to MSDSs (material safety data sheets) for
all welding electrodes, welding rods and hazardous fluxes.
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