Reducing Hazards in Agricultural Mechanics

Objectives

• Reduce hazards in agricultural mechanics

• State the three conditions necessary for combustion

• Match appropriate types of fire extinguishers to each class of fire

• Describe appropriate action in case of fire, accident, or other emergency

Introduction

• Fire, slow moving veichales, highway crossings and chemicals create a unique hazard in agricultural mechanics

• Each hold dangers to the worker and to others in the area

• However, there are ways to reduce hazards and take action quickly in accidents occur.

Reducing Fire Hazards

• Most losses from fire can be prevented

• It requires attention and knowledge of how fire works

The Fire Triangle

• To produce fire, three components must be present at the same time– Fuel: any combustible material that will burn– Heat: a type of energy that causes the

temperture to rise– Oxygen: gas in the atmosphere. It is not a

fuel but must be present for fuels to burn.• Combined they are known as the fire

triangle• If any component is missing a fire CAN

NOT be started• If any component is removed the fire will

go out.

The Fire Triangle

fuelheat

oxygen

Preventing Fires in Ag Mechanics

• Store fuels in approved containers• Store fuels away from other materials

that burn easily• Store materials in areas that are cooler

than their combustion temperature• Use fire only in safe surroundings• Put out fires by removing one or more

elements in the fire triangle• Fire prevention goes hand in hand with

safe use of equipment!

Extinguishing Fire

Extinguishing Fire

• Extinguished by– Adding water to cool them– Covering them to cut off oxygen– Removing the fuel

Classes of Fire

• Class A- ordinary combustibles• Class B- flammable liquids• Class C- Electrical equipment• Class D- Combustible metals• Classification is based on how safely

and cheaply a material is extinguished• Water is generally the cheapest but is

not always the safest or most effective.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

• The proper fire extinguisher can put out a fire within seconds!

• However it must happen when the fire first burst into flames

• The key is the proper extinguisher used immediately and in the proper way.

Common Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Water with pump or gas pressure (Class A fires)

• Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) (Class B & C)

• Dry chemical (A, B, C)• Blanket (used to smother fire on

humans or animals)

Common Types of Fire Extinguishers

A B C

D

Combustibles Liquids Equipment

Metals

Location of Fire Extinguishers

• Very important• Should be placed in areas were fire is likely

to occur• Should be in clean, dry areas near exits

within easy reach• Should not be be more than 3 ½-5’ above

the floor• Bottom should be at least 4” above the

floor• Everyone should be familiar with the

locations and use of all types of extinguishers

Using Fire Extinguisher

• Step 1: Hold upright, pull ring pin.• Step 2: Start back 10’ aim at base

of fire• Step 3: Squeeze lever, sweep side

to side.

Summary• Fire can not burn with out fuel, oxygen and heat• Fire, slow moving veichles and chemicals all cause

a hazard to those in agriculture.• Fire can be extiguished by removing one part of the

fire triangle.• Common types of fire extinguishers are water,

carbon dioxide gas, dry chemical, and blanket• The placement of fire extinguishers is very

important.• Slow moving vehicle emblems are required on all

vehicles that travel a maximum speed of 25 mph on public roads

• Pesticide are dangerous and can cause injury or death

• Pesticide labels MUST be read to ensure proper handling.