LESSON 4

APPLYING SAFETY MEASURES IN

FARM OPERATIONS
Unlocking of difficulties:
Safety-deals w/ the physical & environmental con-
ditions of work w/c comply w/ the prescribed
Occupational Health Standards (OHS).
Occupational safety-practices related to production &
work process.
Health-a sound state of the body & mind of the worker
that enables him/her to perform job normally.
Disinfection chemicals-refers to the chemical used in
cleaning w/c has the ability to kill micro-organisms.
Classes of hazards in the farm:
 1.Physical-fire, falling objects, slippery surface, manual
handling, heat & cold, radiation, poor lighting, air
quality etc.
2.Mechanical/electrical-electricity, machinery,equipment,
pressure vessels,dangerous goods,fork lifts,cranes etc.
3.Chemical-chemical substances such as acids or poisons
& those that could lead to fire or explotions
 (pesticides,herbicides,perfumes etc.)
4.Biological-includes bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew,
insects, vermin, animals etc.
5.Psychosocial-includes workplace stressors arising from
a variety of sources.
FARM WORKS THAT NVOLVE HAZARDS:
1.Spraying chemicals
2.Land preparation using tractor
3.Cutting trees using chainsaw
4.Operating tractors/equipment
5. Malfunction of tools
PPE/Personal Protective Equipment:
a. Footwear-boots w/ steel toe caps
b. Leg protection-chainsaw operator’s safety chaps.
c. Safety helmet
d.Ear muffs
e. Eye protection-goggles in dusty conditions or
helmet visor.
d. Respiratory equipment-protecting lungs (dust & gas
masks, cartridge respirators, air packs etc.)
CLEANING TOOLS/EQUIPMENT:
*Remove as much as possible plant debris, soil, and
residues of any kind.Use a brush or another appropriate
tool when necessary.
*Inspect equipment for physical damage which might
injure, spoil and contaminate fresh crops.
*If cleaning and/or disinfection chemicals are used,follow
label instructions for mixing.
*As required, apply cleaning materials such as detergent
and/or disinfection chemicals, and ensure that no spots
are missed.
*Rinse with safe water, use a clean wet towel and follow
the same procedures for cleaning.
*Ensure that small equipments and tools do not touch the
ground floor after cleaning.
*If possible, place in the full sun for rapid drying.
*Store equipment and tools properly to avoid contamina-
tion.
LABELING/PACKAGING CHEMICALS
1. Signal words such as ‘CAUTION‘, POISON‘ or
DANGEROUS POISON‘.
2. The label ‘flammable liquids’ must be observed.
3. Risk phrases, e.g. ‘irritating the skin‘, and safety
phrases e.g. ‘keep away from combustible material’
Storage and Transport of Chemicals:
-Arrangements must be in place to contain any
spillage of the chemical.
-A farmer might decide that a locked shed with a
roof and concrete floor, is the best way to provide safe
storage.
-Remember, never store oxidizing agents.
Disposal of Farm Chemicals
-Empty farm chemical containers and unwanted
chemicals need to be disposed of properly.
-Prior to disposal, wash the container out three times-Use
the rinse water to dilute further batches of chemical.