Welcome to the ACRE

The Agronomy Center for Research and Education, ACRE, is an outdoor laboratory for Purdue Agriculture. Used for field research and hands-on teaching, the 1,135 acre farm is a busy place with faculty, staff, student, and visitor activity. I am Jim Beaty. I have been Superintendent of the ACRE since 1986. With my four full time staff members, part time help, and student employees we are responsible for operating the research farm. About 53 university researchers conduct projects here at the ACRE. I plan to write about our research, visitors, and farm safety thoughts.

Friday, December 31, 2010

ACRE Safety Thought #30

Each summer we always expect heat and humidity. Hazards at ACRE during the hot days of summer might include heat stress and sunstroke. Workers can refresh at the Research Building. It has 2 water fountains, an employee breakroom area, as well as, a refrigerator and cola machine. Fluids are available. Shade is available during breaks at the picnic table area. Many employees have their own water jugs to provide fluids as needed. Consider freezing water bottles about 3/4 full and finish filling with water so they last until the next break. A hat with a wide brim would help too. A supervisor might think about providing a 5 gallon water jug and paper cups if a big crew is involved. Get ice from the campus machine or at a service station on the way out. There is no reason to work until you are sick but there is no reason for a healthy adult to not work in this weather with available fluids and a few cool down breaks. Think, plan, and work safely at ACRE

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