Machinery and Equipment
In the primary industry you may work with a large range of machinery and equipment including: tractors, motor bikes, harvesting machinery, generators, chain saws, power tools and equipment, skidders and loaders, haul packs, prime movers and off-road vehicles.
A large number of mechanical equipment injuries occur in the primary industry. These injuries may result in lengthy periods of time off work and sometimes result in permanent disability.
Your employer should:
have a maintenance program to make sure all equipment and machines are in safe working order and guards are fitted;
have a system in place for locking out and isolating machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs;
train you to operate any item of mechanical equipment before you use it and make sure you are supervised when you use it - if you are still not sure how to use it ask your supervisor; and
provide any personal protective equipment needed and tell you how to wear and use it correctly.
What you should do
When you are operating any mechanical equipment you should follow safe work procedures as instructed by your employer or supervisor. This may include:
wearing clothing that will not catch in moving parts;
wearing any personal protective equipment provided by your employer;
operating the machinery and equipment correctly and safely;
keeping all guards in place;
making sure guards removed during cleaning are replaced before you use the machine;
switching off machinery and equipment when not in use and locking out and isolating machinery before any adjustment, cleaning or maintenance is done;
concentrating on the job as distractions might cause injuries; andkeeping the area around the equipment or machinery clean.
Examples of the dangers of working with machinery and equipment are highlighted in the case study Farm Worker Loses Leg.
 | | Your employer or supervisor must make sure you are old enough and properly trained to operate or use any machinery and equipment. |
Guarding
Manufacturers of machinery and equipment are legally required to make sure dangerous parts are safely guarded so that operators and others are protected from injury. Examples of guards used in the primary industry include power take-off guards on tractors and guards on belts, couplings, power saws and chain saws.
Your employer or supervisor must make sure machinery and equipment is correctly guarded.
| | Keep all guards in place - they are fitted to protect you from moving parts. |
Workshops
In the primary industry you may be involved in work tasks and maintenance work in a workshop including machinery or vehicle maintenance, using power tools and saws, welding, cutting and grinding.
To reduce the risk of injury your employer or supervisor should:
provide training, instruction and supervision for all work tasks, such as cutting, welding grinding, heating and using abrasive power tools;
install safety switches or RCDs;
store hazardous substances, tools and equipment safely;
provide suitable tools for the job;
provide fire fighting equipment and smoke detectors;
provide suitable personal protective equipment and clothing;
make sure there is enough working space for each job;
provide good lighting and ventilation;
make sure walkways and exits are kept clear to reduce slip and trip hazards; and
make sure that fuel, compressed air; steam equipment, electrical or other services are installed correctly and are in safe working order.
| | You should follow safe work procedures and wear any personal protective equipment provided. |
