Mimeo S - 55
Safety Makes Sense: with farmstead equipment
by F. R. Willsey, Extension Safety Specialist, Agricultural Engineering Department
Why be Concerned?
Push button farming is quite evident around the modern farmstead. Highly mechanized systems for handling feed and grain are now at many farmer's fingertips. In fact, some degree of automation seems a necessary part of any successful farm operation. Unfortunately, today's highly mechanized farmstead presents safety hazards that were unknown in the era of the scoop shovel and pitchfork.
Modern push button farming provides a new work pattern. Farm wives and children are no longer expected to be producers of horsepower -- they are primarily users of horsepower. To use horsepower safely the grain-handling installation must be as foolproof as possible. And, all operators must be taught how to operate the equipment safely. The farm operator himself needs instruction since he is the most frequently injured person on the average farm.
Manufacturers, installation and service personnel as well as farm organizations can become more active in promoting and conducting community service programs in farmstead safety. This safety material is provided to assist in the task of promoting safe use of power equipment on the farmstead.
Equipment Around the Farmstead
There are many kinds of equipment on the modern farmstead. Some of these are: Conveyors (auger, belt, pneumatic, bucket elevator, feed bunk). Distributors (in grain bins, at top of elevators). Grinders and Grinder-Mixers (portable and stationary).
Feed wagons and trucks . Crop dryers. Forage blowers . Ear corn elevators . Hopper and storage bins. Silo unloaders. Manure handling equipment. Electrical devices (grounding switches, etc.). Feed blenders . Ventilating fans.
Conveyors
The main conveyor system commonly combines a vertical elevator and augers to move grain and feed into and out of storage or holding bins. Augers should be used with caution since the intake end must be kept relatively open and unrestricted to receive the grain or feed. A screen of large mesh or bearing supports can be placed over the moving screw; but this is not entirely safe because the spaces are still large enough to get a hand or foot part way through the grating. When working around augers, be alert and observe these specific precautions:
1.	Never try to clean grain or feed from around the auger while it is running --always disconnect the power before cleaning an auger or clearing a stoppage. Make sure auger cannot be started accidentally.
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indiana