Machinery and Vehicles

All machinery requires training before use.

• Tractors - use only as trained and approved. Always check for birds nest. Be familiar with areas too dangerous, steep or soft to take tractor - refer to hazard map.

• Utes - use within limits. This is the vehicle most likely to slide in wet conditions.

• Quad bikes - use only has trained.

• Two wheeler motorbikes - use only as trained.

• Heavy Trucks - qualified operators in accordance with the Heavy Vehicle Road Code only. Fall hazard when working on deck, crushing hazard from unstable loads and stability hazard when tipping. 

• Side-by-Side - these are safer than motorbikes but only if you wear the seatbelt and a helmet, and have nets on the doors to prevent arms exiting the vehicle in the event of a roll over. 

  1. 1. 1. 1. • • Worksafe Guidance

                • General Operating Instructions

• Silage wagon and Muck Spreader - high risk. Nearly every farm has had a silage wagon loss of control incident. Don't climb inside while tractor is running as the moving floor, chains and spikes are a hazard. Use a safety chain. Turn tractor off before unjamming blockages.

• Mower - turn tractor off before working on mower or PTO. Only use if PTO is guarded. Check blades before use.

• Rakes - don't allow people to work between the tractor and the rake. Allow for the width of the rake when steering around obstacles.

• Balers - never work alone on the baler when the tractor's engine is running. If you need to check the knotter while it is running always get another worker to be in the seat ready to turn the PTO off. Don't unblock the baler while the tractor is running.

• Front end loader - always check bucket/grab/fork is attached and locked before driving off. Ensure legal overhang or use flags when driving on road.

• Diggers - keep clear of the swing radius if you are spotting and communicate positively with confirmation from the driver before moving into the excavation. Look up and live - be aware of power wires. Bench out holes for stability deeper than 1.5m.

• Sprayer - be aware of liquid sloshing around in the tank, particularly when on hills

• Loader - mind the unique turning mechanism and tipping risk with heavy loads.

• Slurry Tanker - avoid enclosed areas.

• Telehandler

  1. 1. 1. 1. • • Stability decreases as boom is extended or lifted - operate within limits. Keep load low and close where possible. Avoid operating on slopes.

                • Boom is capable of reaching power wires - electrocution risk. Look up and live.

                • Blindspots - visibility is restricted. Keep workers clear of blind spots.

                • Unstable loads - ensure loads will not cause harm if they fall off the attachment.

              • Wood Splitter

                • Wear PPE: ear muffs, work boots, gloves.

                • Tie back loose clothing and hair. No jewellery.

                • Risk of crushing and amputation. Keep hands on the side of the wood when loading and keep fingers out of cracks in the wood which can close up.

                • Don't attempt to remove jammed wood while wedge is under load or moving.

                • Never split across the grain.

                • Don't load wood while wedge is moving. Only the operator is to load wood into the splitter - helpers may stack it clear of the wedge.

                • Keep surrounding area clear of debris to reduce trip hazard.