Reducing Hazards in Agricultural Mechanics

Objectives Reduce hazards in agricultural mechanics State the three conditions necessary for combustion Match appropriate types of fire extinguishers to each class of fire Describe appropriate action in case of fire, accident, or other emergency

Introduction Fire, slow moving veichales, highway crossings and chemicals create a unique hazard in agricultural mechanics Each hold dangers to the worker and to others in the area However, there are ways to reduce hazards and take action quickly in accidents occur.

Reducing Fire Hazards Most losses from fire can be prevented It requires attention and knowledge of how fire works

The Fire Triangle To produce fire, three components must be present at the same time Fuel: any combustible material that will burn Heat: a type of energy that causes the temperture to rise Oxygen: gas in the atmosphere. It is not a fuel but must be present for fuels to burn. Combined they are known as the fire triangle If any component is missing a fire CAN NOT be started If any component is removed the fire will go out.

The Fire Triangle heat fuel oxygen

Preventing Fires in Ag Mechanics Store fuels in approved containers Store fuels away from other materials that burn easily Store materials in areas that are cooler than their combustion temperature Use fire only in safe surroundings Put out fires by removing one or more elements in the fire triangle Fire prevention goes hand in hand with safe use of equipment!

Extinguishing Fire

Extinguishing Fire Extinguished by Adding water to cool them Covering them to cut off oxygen Removing the fuel

Classes of Fire Class A- ordinary combustibles Class B- flammable liquids Class C- Electrical equipment Class D- Combustible metals Classification is based on how safely and cheaply a material is extinguished Water is generally the cheapest but is not always the safest or most effective.

Types of Fire Extinguishers The proper fire extinguisher can put out a fire within seconds! However it must happen when the fire first burst into flames The key is the proper extinguisher used immediately and in the proper way.

Common Types of Fire Extinguishers Water with pump or gas pressure (Class A fires) Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) (Class B & C) Dry chemical (A, B, C) Blanket (used to smother fire on humans or animals)

Common Types of Fire Extinguishers A B Combustibles Liquids Equipment D Metals

Location of Fire Extinguishers Very important Should be placed in areas were fire is likely to occur Should be in clean, dry areas near exits within easy reach Should not be be more than 3 ½-5’ above the floor Bottom should be at least 4” above the floor Everyone should be familiar with the locations and use of all types of extinguishers

Using Fire Extinguisher Step 1: Hold upright, pull ring pin. Step 2: Start back 10’ aim at base of fire Step 3: Squeeze lever, sweep side to side.

Package Labels May be a matter of life or death in the event of accident This products may cause illness, death It is very important to keep materials in their original containers Pesticide labels are legal documents Label directions are required by law to be accurate and complete Labels should be read again before handling, mixing, using or disposing of pesticides Pesticide labels have at least sixteen items of information Pesticides should always be stored in a locked cabinentor area.

Pesticide Label

Summary Fire can not burn with out fuel, oxygen and heat Fire, slow moving veichles and chemicals all cause a hazard to those in agriculture. Fire can be extiguished by removing one part of the fire triangle. Common types of fire extinguishers are water, carbon dioxide gas, dry chemical, and blanket The placement of fire extinguishers is very important. Slow moving vehicle emblems are required on all vehicles that travel a maximum speed of 25 mph on public roads Pesticide are dangerous and can cause injury or death Pesticide labels MUST be read to ensure proper handling.