ACRE Safety Thought #41

Harvest season brings on the use of combines and other powered equipment. The dust and dried plant material that accumulates on power equipment can be very combustible. A combine fire, although rare, would be a serious hazard to ACRE workers. To avoid this hazard keep harvest equipment cleaned daily, or more often if needed. Broom off or use the farm shop compressed air system to keep equipment clean. Be especially aware of plant material that wraps tightly around shafts or bearings and might heat up. Seriously attempt to keep the area around the engine exhaust system free from any debris. Proper equipment maintenance is critical to prevent bearings from overheating during failure. Plan, think, and work safely at ACRE. Jim