Operator Safety

• At every job it is critical to obtain a hazard map and when working for the first time at a farm have a verbal conversation with someone from the farm to obtain locations of no-go areas, wet areas above falls, boggy areas, holes or other hazards.

• Always use in accordance with the Tow and Fert operators manual.

• The PTO must have a cover. Don't work near the PTO when it is operating. Turn the tractor off when attaching or detaching the PTO.

• To mitigate risk of trailer detaching always use the safety chain and check condition of the hitch as part of the monthly maintenance checks.

• The hiab crane has a risk of tipping the whole trailer. Ensure there is at least one ton of liquid in the tank before operating the crane under load. Note that one thousand litres of water is one ton but the same volume of other liquids may be heavier or lighter. Always use the stabiliser arm and locking bar when using the hiab.

• Never walk under the crane when it is under load and lift no more than one ton to reduce the risk of hydraulic failure. There is a safety cutout in the event of hydraulic failure.

• Keep clear of pinch points such as on the hiab and always have guards fitted to the PTO

• There is a risk as a lone worker on farms which can be mitigated by using TracMap for Foxfert base to locate the tractor if required. Farmer contacts are available at Foxfert base for when the driver is not directly contactable.

• When driving on the road keep the differential braking coupled to prevent loss of control should only one brake be pressed.

• Always engage park when exiting the tractor. Automatic park brakes are fitted in case this doesn't happen but shouldn't be relied on. This will reduce the risk of the tractor rolling forward unmanned.

• Verify the braking ability periodically when on the road.

• Always wear the seatbelt.

• If children are present they should be belted into the passenger seat of the tractor whenever the tractor is on. Check blindspot behind Tow and Fert before reversing, and when parking position the tractor so you can drive forwards out of the park if possible.

• Have three points of contact when climbing on or off the tractor to reduce the risk of fall.

• To reduce the risk of unexpected operation or gear engagement, only start the tractor from the seat, never from the steps.

• Roll over is a risk, including on flat terrain. Drive to the conditions, keep speeds down and lower the centre of gravity with water in the tyres.

• Weight distribution can contribute to loss of control if too much weight is transferred to the front of the trailer and transfers to the back of the tractor which would reduce the ability of the front wheels to steer. The Tow and Fert has front axle braking to mitigate this risk.

• Tractor wheels - store laying flat on a pallet or timber to keep it off the ground but unable to fall on children.

• Any heavy objects that may fall on people need to be secured - post drivers, workshop shelves, mole ploughs etc.

• Terrain

  • Get out and walk it if unsure.

  • Travel directly up or down hill if steep.

  • Liquid in the tank will shift centre of gravity towards a rolling tendancy as it travels around a slope.

  • When going up a hill select a gear that will allow quick power shifting down without needing the clutch if possible.

  • When going down a hill, approach it slowly and braking gently in a gear that allows firstly the release of brakes, then the increase of RPM and then the quick power shift up.

  • Diff lock improves traction and prevents single wheel lock up but also makes turning more difficult.

  • If traction is lost travelling sideways on a hill turn uphill and stop to assess the best option to exit the situation.

  • Good tyre selection can reduce the chances of loss of control on slopes.

  • Differential braking can help maintain traction on slopes by pointing the nose up hill to maintain a straight track. However, this should also be an indication that you are operating near the limits of the machinery and possibly your own limits.

  • Embankments and slopes can give way and initiate a slide.

  • Irrigation can create isolated damp areas which initiate a slide. These are hard to detect and are particularly hazardous when a slide would terminate in a fall.

• Fire

  • Always check for birds nests.

  • Familiarise yourself with how to remove the fire extinguisher from its cradle.

  • Don't open the bonnet. Approach only if safe and aim the fire extinguisher under the bonnet. If the fire is too advanced remain clear.

• Always use the flashing beacon.

Emergencies

• Keep both doors unlocked when using the tractor to reduce the risk of entrapment in case of an incident.

• In the case of submerging use the fire extinguisher or other solid item to break the windows to exit.

• Consider phone reception areas in case of the need to make emergency calls, and because TracMap tracking won't trasmit where phone reception is poor.

• In case of roll-over:

  • Brace once control is lost.

  • Turn key off once the tractor stops moving.

  • Exit and keep clear in case the tractor shifts.

  • Call 111 if injured.

  • Call the farm owner or manager for assistance.

  • Leave scene undisturbed until further instruction is received from the insurance company.

• When in a location inaccessible to ambulances or if you are unsure of the rapid number or address it may be necessary to get co-ordinates from the map app on your Android or Iphone by holding your finger on your location - you may need to scroll up to find it on the pop up window.