Understand the Tractor Safety Signal Words

Signal words such as DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION, is used with the safety alert symbol.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

 

CAUTION

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

 

NOTICE

Indicates a situation which can cause damage to the tractor, personal property and/or the environment or cause the equipment to operate improperly.

 

IMPORTANT: Means that implement or property damage could occur if instructions are ignored

 

NOTE: Provides useful information.

 

Clean DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION decals with soap and water, wipe dry with clean soft cloth.

 

Safe Tractor Service

Park the tractor on solid and level ground. Engage the parking brake securely. Move all levers to N (neutral) position. Lower all the implements to the ground. Release the pressure from the hydraulic system. Shut off the engine and remove the key for service work that do not need running the engine or the tractor. Allow the engine and fluids to cool down completely that can be touch with bare hands.

Do not wear loose fitting clothes, necktie, scarf, baggy or torn clothing that could get caught with moving tools and/or parts resulting to severe injury. Remove jewelry such as necklaces or rings to prevent electrical short circuits and entanglement with moving tools and/or parts resulting to severe injury. If wearing long hair, tie the long hair behind the back to secure and prevent entanglement with moving parts.

 

Wear additional protection that is appropriate for the environment and the work to do, would include the following but is not limited to:

• protective goggles

• clear eye protection

• proper tinted eye protection for cutting and welding

• hearing protection

• ear protection

• respirator

• protective/chemically resistant gloves

• armored footwear

• protective jackets and chaps

 

Avoid working under any hydraulically supported devices. Hydraulically supported devices can leak,

suddenly settle or accidentally lowered. If working beneath the tractor or an implement is unavoidable, ensure to use a stand or lift apparatus with the capacity of more than 3 tons.

 

Prepare the Work Area Before Starting a Service Work

Make sure to clean the work area. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area.

• engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide

• if inhaled, the engine exhaust gas can cause severe poisoning or even death

 

When working in an enclosed area, always expel the engine exhaust gas to an outdoor area.

• connect one end of an extension pipe to the engine exhaust pipe

• set the other end outside of the work area

 

Allow fresh outside air to flow into an enclosed work area to remove the engine exhaust gas from the area. Make sure the work area is safely and adequately illuminated.

 

Make sure to use light bulb enclosed in wire cage.

• Hot filament from broken light bulb can ignite spilled fuel. Use portable safety light when working inside or under the tractor.

 

Always keep first aid kit and fire extinguishers available in the work area.

Always keep emergency telephone numbers available in the work area such as:

• doctors

• ambulance service

• fire department

 

Prepare the Tools and Parts

Make sure all necessary tools are available.

• use the appropriate tools for the work

• use the correct size of tools

• makeshift tools are safety hazards Make sure to have all the parts needed.

 

Make sure to take time to read and understand all instructions in the Operator's Manual to familiarize with the operation and safe use of the tractor.

Make sure to keep a copy of the Operator's Manual for quick reference.

 

Tractor Tires and Tire Service Safety

Regularly check the tire air pressure. If the tire air pressure is low, identify the cause/s of the problem. Correct the problem before returning the tractor to service.

Always keep the tires at the correct tire air pressure level.

Avoid exceeding the recommended tire air pressure specified in the Operator's Manual.

Check the tire and rim for cuts, bubbles, damage rims and missing bolts and nuts.

Avoid mounting a tire on a rim without the proper training and the proper equipment.

 

Never attempt to weld or apply heat to any tractor wheel, tractor rim or tractor tire assembly.

• welding can structurally weaken or deform the rim

• heat can cause an increase in tire air pressure and result in an explosion

• Never put any flammable liquid or gasses in a tractor tire.

• Avoid standing in front of or over a tire assembly during inflation.

• Always use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough for the tire to be inflated from a safe distance.

• Always use a safety cage when working on split­rim tractor wheels.

 

Tractor Battery Replacement and Service Safety

• Prevent battery explosions

• before performing any service work, disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal first

• connect the positive (+) battery terminal first after the service work

• wear protective goggles and gloves

• battery can emit flammable/explosive gasses

• use extreme caution when handling batteries

• keep sparks, and open flames far away from the tractor battery

• avoid placing any metal piece across the battery posts

• Prevent acid burns

• the battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid that is poisonous and can cause serious burns

• wear protective goggles and gloves

• fill batteries with electrolyte in a well-ventilated area

• avoid inhaling battery fumes during filling or recharging the battery

• First-aid for skin in contact with acid

• avoid getting the skin in contact with the battery electrolyte

• immediately flush with plenty of water

• immediately seek medical attention

 

Servicing High Pressure Tractor Hydraulic Lines & Hoses Safety

Always shut down the engine and release the pressure in the hydraulic system before disconnecting or connecting hydraulic lines.

 

Avoid contact with high pressure hydraulic fluids. Pressurized hydraulic fluids can:

• penetrate the skin and other body parts

• cause serious injury

 

When checking for leaks, run a piece of cardboard or wood block along the hydraulic lines and connections.

 

When high pressure hydraulic fluids accidentally penetrate the skin, immediately see a doctor.

• any fluids injected into the skin can cause gangrene and must have the proper medical attention

 

Do not apply heat nor weld hydraulic fluid lines using open flame.

 

Inspect and tighten all connections before applying pressure to the hydraulic system.

• First-aid for eyes in contact with acid

• immediately flush with running water for 15-30 minutes

• immediately seek medical attention

• First-aid once acid is swallowed

• drink large amount of milk to neutralize the acid

• immediately seek medical attention

 

Safety Precautions: When Servicing the Cooling System

Engines and the cooling systems are hot and pressurized during and after operations.

Allow the engine and fluids to cool down completely that can be touch with bare hands.

Avoid opening the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

 

Shut down the engine. Always allow the engine and the cooling system to cool down before servicing near or the cooling system.

• the radiator is hot and can cause serious burns

• the build up pressure in the cooling system can cause the coolant to spray out explosively during removal of the radiator cap that can cause serious burns

 

When removing the radiator cap, always:

• loosen the radiator cap to the first stop

• the preceding action releases excessive pressure on the radiator

• fully remove the radiator cap once the pressure has been released completely

Add coolant or water to the reserve tank and not to the radiator.

 

Safety Precautions: Servicing Rotating Blades, Augers and Power Take Off (PTO) Shafts

Avoid making contact with moving and rotating parts.

Make sure that all moving and rotating components have stopped.

Make sure to shut off the engine during:

• repair

• lubricating

• removal of components

 

Tractor Ecology and Environment: Disposal of Hazardous Waste Materials

Improper disposal of hazardous waste materials can threaten the environment and ecology.

Always observe environment protection laws.

 

Dispose of (possibly) hazardous materials in accordance with the guidelines of the local (city, county or state) environmental or health agency, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant governmental bodies.

 

Make sure to use approved leak proof containers when disposing hazardous waste materials.

Do not dispose fluid waste onto the ground, drains or in and around water sources.

 

The hazardous materials in the tractor includes, but not limited to:

• engine oil

• diesel fuel

• transmission hydraulic oil

• battery

• coolant

• front axle gear oil

• brake fluids

• brakes

• tires

• dust

 

SAFETY INFORMATION FOR CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Exposure to hazardous chemical materials and products for an extended period can cause serious injury.

Hazardous chemical materials and products include the following, but is not limited to:

• diesel fuels

• coolants

• lubricants

• paints

• adhesives

 

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) describes details on specific chemical materials and products on:

• handling and safety procedures

• physical and health hazards

• emergency response protocol

 

Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before performing any service work that includes hazardous chemical materials and products.

 

Yanmar Tractor Store can provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for chemical products upon request.

 

BEFORE RETURNING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT TO WORK

• Check and confirm that the safety interlock system of the tractor operates correctly.

• Replace any missing, worn out and/or damaged safety decals.

• NEVER repair or alter the Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS).

• welding, bending, drilling, grinding, or cutting the Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) can weaken the Roll-Over    Protective Structure (ROPS).

• Use only implements approved by YANMAR and Yanmar Dealer Yanmar Tractor Store .

• Perform a test run of the tractor and the implement.

• perform the test run in a safe area that is free from hazards and bystanders

• perform the safety checks of the safety interlock system of the tractor

• make sure to repair and correct all safety related faults

• perform all operating standards and instruction described in the Operator's Manual that is applicable to the tractor and the implement

 

FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS" IMPORTANT TO EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND OPERATIONS

* This section is not intended as a legal interpretation of the laws, and should not be considered as such.

* The intention of this section are the following:

• to explain the federal law in broad terms

• to explain the concept of the federal law and the effect of the federal law

 

U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA

This Act Seeks: "... to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources ... "

 

DUTIES: Sec. 5

(a) Each employer shall-

(1) furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

(2) comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.

(b) Each employee shall-

(1) comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to this Act, which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.

 

EMPLOYEE TRACTOR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

 

CHILD LABOR UNDER 16 YEARS OLD

OSHA Regulations

 

The current OSHA regulations state in part:

• "At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the employer shall instruct every employee in the safe operation and servicing of all equipment with which the employee is or well be involved."

 

These include but are not limited to, instructions to:

• make sure keep all guards are in place while operating the the tractor

• permit no riders on the tractor

• before servicing, adjusting, cleaning or unclogging the tractor to:

• stop engine

• disconnect the power source

• wait for all moving parts to stop

• where the tractor must be running to be properly serviced or maintained:

• the employer shall give instructions to the employees for all of the steps and procedures which are necessary to safely service or maintain the tractor

• make sure everyone is clear of the tractor before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating the tractor

 

EMPLOYEE: TRACTOR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Keep the retractable seatbelt fastened while operating the tractor with the Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) in the unfolded "up" position.

Avoid allowing passenger/s on any portion of the tractor.

Before entering an area covered with tall grass, inspect the area to detect any obstacles.

Avoid operating on steep slopes.

Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and on rough slick, or muddy surfaces.

Always pay attention for blind corners, trees and other object that can obstruct the vision.

Avoid sudden turning, starting or stopping of the tractor.

Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended by tractor manufacturers.

When the tractor has stopped, lower all the implements to the ground, move all the levers to N (neutral) position, engage the parking brake securely, shut off the engine and remove the key.

 

CHILD LABOR UNDER 16 YEARS OLD

Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power tractor.

It is the responsibility of the service operator to know the regulations that are applicable in the area or situations.

Refer to U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.

Stay clear of ditches, potholes, embankments or ponds. The incident of upsetting the tractor can occur more on soft or wet ground.