Why
Agricultural machines are large investments that help you increase productivity. However, they may also cause trouble and accidents when some of their parts are not properly guarded. Before you purchase a machine, study its safety aspects carefully to identify all possible dangers. Make sure all dangerous parts are well guarded.
Regular maintenance keeps your machinery safe and working properly. Check all machine parts carefully. Particular care is needed for rotating parts, detachable guards and electrical wires.
How
1. Before you purchase a machine, study and check it carefully. Make sure that all moving parts are well guarded, and that electrical wires are well protected. Check whether all feeding and ejection parts work safety. Switch the machine on and test it to see whether it runs well and safely. Ensure that your hands are free from danger while the machine is in motion.
2. Fix maintenance days to be held at regular intervals. Develop a maintenance diary, and record the condition of your machines.
3. Ensure that protective guards and safety controls are checked carefully and regularly.
4. Maintenance should only be carried out by qualified and experienced persons. Call for assistance from technical specialists in your village if you have any doubt. Alternatively, get training in how to operate the machine safety and how to do the proper maintenance. Machinery sellers or local agricultural experts can be helpful here. Without proper training and sufficient experience, machines could be a danger to you and your family.
5. While a machine is being maintained or repairedit must be switched off and the electrical supply disconnected. Hang a suitable notice on the machine: for example, “DANGER, DO NOT OPERATE”.
Ways to promote cooperation
Your village may have people who are experienced in selecting safe machines, and in maintaining machines in good condition. Learn from them. If possible, ask them to conduct short on-site training for other farmers. Recognize that farmers who maintain machines play a very important role for villagers. Neighbourhood cooperation is necessary to promote the safe use and maintenance of machines.
Some more hints
If you find an inexpensive machine, check its safety aspects even more carefully. Once accidents occur, the costs can be high.
Points to remember
Only safe machines can contribute to higher productivity. Machines are not inexpensive: study their safety aspects carefully before purchasing them.