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Farm Safety Checklist

There are many reasons why farm safety differs from that of a home or other sorts of business. Farms stock different chemicals, including fertilizers, can have large equipment or machinery and may store various fuels. It's important that these items be addressed in addition to the more general safety precautions and conventions. A checklist can help, allowing owners and workers to get their job done without accident or incident.

  1. Chemicals

    • A sign should be present wherever chemicals are stored. These signs should warn of potential hazards, such as flammability. Chemicals should always be stored in original containers, with their labels, dates and warnings clearly intact. Disposal of empty chemical containers should be both quick and safe. Areas where chemicals are to be mixed should be located either outside or in a well-ventilated space. Keep chemicals separate from any other chemical with which they aren't compatible. When farming chemicals are handled, proper safety equipment should be worn.

    Emergency Training

    • All workers should be aware of the emergency procedures in place. They should also know where a copy of all emergency numbers can be found quickly. Write down the procedures and place them in a conspicuous spot, so that they can be consulted quickly and easily if an emergency occurs. First aid kits should be well-stocked and maintained, and placed in convenient areas such as the home, barn and/or office. As many people as possible should be trained in at least the basics of CPR and first aid.

    Equipment

    • Equipment should be well-maintained and receive regular maintenance. Any warnings should be clearly posted--and legible--on the machinery and all equipment should be turned off before it's adjusted or repaired. Even in tractors using Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS), safety belts should be used. All tractors, as well as self-propelled machines, should have a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Loose-fitting clothing should not be worn when operating equipment or machinery in which it's likely to get caught.

    Fuel

    • All fuel storage tanks should be 40 feet from the closest building, in a spot where they won't be in the way of vehicles or equipment. Underground storage tanks should be regularly checked for leaks. Gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene should be stored in approved safety containers and kept out of the way of daily activity. Dry chemical fire extinguishers should be within easy reach around fuel storage containers. Signs warning of the area's hazards should be clearly posted.

    Livestock

    • Managing different species of livestock requires different techniques, and each worker should be instructed in the techniques involving any animal with which they'll be working. Housing, hauling and handling facilities should be regularly cleaned and maintained. All stalls, fences and pens must be tall enough, as well as secure enough, for the animals kept there. Intact male animals and female animals with new offspring may act aggressively, and all workers should be aware of the animals and how to handle them.

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