The Citizen, 1996-03-20, Page 47Agriculture 1996
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THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1996. PAGE A-23.
Taking the test
How well did you do on the farm safety quiz?
Only a perfect score is acceptable
— for even one mistake about safety
on the farm can cause pain,
suffering, or loss of life. While a
perfect score doesn't guarantee an
accident-free farm, it does indicate
an awareness of basic safety rules
and practices. That's the first step
toward a safer farm and work
environment. But remember, you
have to pass with a perfect score
every second of every day on the
farm.
1. True. The machine will start in
gear if neutral-start circuitry is
bypassed. This could cause the
machine to move suddenly and
cause serious injury or death to
anyone on its path. Start an engine
only from the operator's seat of the
machine, with the transmission in
park or neutral.
2. True. If your tractor is equipped
with a rigid ROPS (rollover
protective structure) or ROPS cab,
by Kerri-Sue Lang
(NC)—Bill Richardson always con-
sidered himself a responsible farmer
and family man. But he figured there
was always room for improvement. So
he registered for an Environmental
Farm Plan (EFP) workshop to encourage
some introspective analysis of the
family's farming operation.
"Anything to do with the environ-
ment or conservation intrigues me,"
says Richardson. "I have 2 sons who
might like to farm here and if we don't
look after the environment today, they
may have nothing to farm tomorrow."
The EFP process proved enlightening
and prompted several small but critical
changes on the Richardson farm just
south of London. While completing the
farm review, Bill identified and assessed
potential concerns. "The Environmental
Farm Plan raised my overall awareness
of the farm as a whole and in all its
different parts," says Richardson. "It
forced me to look at my well and septic
systems, fuel storage, soil types and
erosion control, manure handling and
compaction. It was a great refresher
course."
After the review, he set out to develop
a realistic action plan. First, he realized
his drilled well failed to meet today's
standards. Casings should rise at least
12" above normal ground level to help
prevent contaminants from entering the
well. The well is located relatively close
to the hog barn, so the condition of the
well head is particularly important.
To help ensure a reliable supply of
high quality drinking water, Richardson
hired a licensed well contractor to
raise the casing height to 12", fill in the
existing pit and move the pressure
system to the office in the barn. Bill
now submits samples for bacterial
testing annually to provide added place
of mind.
you must wear your seat belt at all
times. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for foldable and
telescopic ROPS. If you do not
have a ROPS on your tractor, do
NOT wear a seat belt.
3. False. Your reaction time would
be too slow to avoid injury. Always
shut off the engine and remove the
key from the ignition before you
attempt to clear an obstruction.
4. True. Your tractor is a one-
person machine. Never permit
riders. Never allow anyone to ride
on the tractor, implements, or other
equipment, including wagons.
5. False. Use a piece of cardboard
or wood to find leaks. Never use
your hand or arm. Wear safety
goggles for eye protection. Diesel
fuel or hydraulic fluid under
pressure can penetrate the skin or
eyes and cause serious personal
injury, blindness or death.
6. False. Work clothes are usually
ENVIRONMENTAL
FARM
ihwiaNW PLAN
Next, he took a close look at water
consumption on the 180-sow farrow-to-
finish operation. By installing a simple
5124 tip on the end of his high pressure
washer gun, he slashed water con-
sumption in half. The water-saving tip
also adds cleaning power by putting a
spinning action on the stream of water.
cutting cleaning time in half, too.
Operating a hog farm close to
London neighbours means Richardson
needs to pay special attention to un-
pleasant odours produced periodically.
He feeds an additive that ties up am-
monia in the manure and helps to
reduce smells. Last fall, he tried another
product that is added to the storage
lagoon to further reduce ammonia. "So
far, I haven't smelled the lagoon, even
on wet days like we've frequently had
this winter," says Richardson.
Richardson uses conservation
tillage practises on all his land and is in
the process of converting to no-till to
further reduce soil erosion. On his farm,
he has found conservation farming a
win:win situation. Productivity is
improving and input costs have
decreased.
The Environmental Farm Plan is a
winner, too, says Richardson. "Some
people are concerned the government
might come after them if a serious
environmental problem is identified
during the process," he says. "But that's
just not the case. No one sees the
completed workbook unless a farmer
allows it."
too strong to tear away safely — and
the accident happens so fast that
there is little time react. Do not
wear loose-fitting clothing when
operating on or working around
machines. Keep all shields and
guards in place and replace
damaged or missing ones.
7. True. All equipment manu-
facturers that follow the ASAE
(American Society of Agricultural
Engineers) lighting and marking
standard are required to provide a
flashing yellow-light system that
includes turn signals which use the
steady illumination/fast flashing
rate to indicate direction of
intended turn.
8. False. Gasoline can still form an
explosive or flammable mixture
with air in cold, winter months. Do
not smoke or work near heaters or
other fire hazards when working
around fuel. Store all flammable
fluids away from fire hazards.
9. True. Driving forward up steep
inclines, hitching above the
Continued on A-27
Completing an
Environmental Farm Plan pays off
PLETCH ELECTRIC
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