ACRE Safety Thought #38

For many ACRE researchers and workers the fall harvest means the use of harvesters, stationary shellers, and stationary threshers. These powered mechanical devices can be hazardous. The use of shields over moving and rotating pulleys, belts, chains, and shafts can greatly reduce the chance of entanglement. Additionally operators should keep hands and feet away from the input throat when feeding plant material into the device. Avoid wearing loose clothing, sweatshirt draw strings, dangling jewelry, and other entanglement objects. Also remember to turn off the power or engine to the device when cleaning or repairing it. Stay away from engaged PTO shafts (Power Take-off Shafts) and never step over an operating PTO. Plan, think, and work safely at ACRE. Jim