ag-safety - Farm Safety Makes YOU the Hero

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019

Grain Dust Explosions

(Source: Penn State Ag Safety and Health)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Grain dust explosions. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63142/grain-dust-explosions.

Grain dust explosions of any size can cause damage to equipment, reduced work time, and injury or death. By controlling grain dust emissions, you can provide a cleaner and safer work environment for your employees and community.

Grain dust is highly combustible, so a fire or an explosion can happen at a large grain-handling facility or in a grain-storage area on a local farm or ranch. Four basic elements must be present for a grain dust explosion to occur: fuel, oxygen, confinement, and an ignition source.

Fuel: dust particles from wheat, oats, barley, or other types of grain that are suspended in the air or layers of grain dust in a confined space
Oxygen: normal oxygen levels and a continuous air supply
Confinement: areas of confined space such as grain bins, basement tunnels, bin deck galleries, silos, downspouts, and enclosed drag conveyors
Ignition source: short circuits, static electricity, lit cigarettes or lighters, overheated bearings, friction, cutting torches or welding devices, grinder sparks, lightning, and so on

Explosiveness of Grain Dust

The explosiveness of dust from different types of grain depends on the dust’s minimum explosive concentration (MEC), a measurement of particle size and energy nature. The accepted MEC for grain dust explosions is approximately 0.05 oz. per cu. ft. The optimum explosive concentration (OEC) equates to about 10 times the MEC, approximately 0.5 to 1.0 oz. per cu. ft. The MEC and OEC measurements vary depending on the type of grain. In an enclosed space with a height of 2 ft., the minimum depth of dust that can lead to explosion is 0.002 to 0.004 in. A typical sheet of paper is approximately 0.004 in. thick, so that critical MEC level can be reached in a very short time. Maintaining grain dust levels at or below the MEC reduces the risk of explosion and increases visibility for workers.

Characteristics of a Dust Explosion

There are two phases in a major dust explosion: a primary explosion and a secondary explosion. The explosions, however, can happen almost simultaneously, so distinguishing between the primary and secondary explosions can be difficult. The dust from the first explosion may actually provide fuel for the secondary explosion by shaking loose settled dust. If fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source are present in a confined space, a series of destructive explosions can occur that may cause structural damage.

Most grain dust explosions occur at grain transfer points. At the transfer points, the movement of grain causes dust to be released at high levels, resulting in suspended dust particles. The suspended dust may collect in leg boots and elevator legs. Dust concentrations in bucket elevators can exceed MEC levels and pose the risk of explosion.

Preventing Grain Dust Explosions

To reduce the risk of a grain dust explosion or fire, focus on controlling dust and reducing the sources of ignition. Preventative measures include continuous housekeeping, sanitation, and regularly scheduled maintenance. Implement a housekeeping or sanitation program to decrease grain dust in all work areas. Leg boots should be cleaned routinely to remove excess dust and kernels. Additional preventative steps include:

Developing and implementing a routine lubrication plan for bearings on the basis of the manufacturer’s recommendations
Developing and implementing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for housekeeping practices to minimize grain dust accumulation
Using a food-grade mineral spray on grain that is being transferred
Installing a bearing-temperature monitor in strategic locations throughout the grain handling system and implementing a program to periodically monitor bearing temperature
Installing belt-rub sensors inside bucket-elevator leg casings
Substituting steel cups with plastic cups in elevator legs
Using antistatic belting material in legs and horizontal belt conveyors
Establishing easy-to-open cleanout doors in the leg-boot side panel for easy removal of grain and dust
Installing dust aspiration systems or a ventilation system at grain transfer points
Training employees in safe work practices so that they can recognize and prevent hazards that could lead to a grain dust explosion
Posting No Smoking signs and actively enforcing the rule
Completing regularly scheduled inspections to locate any defective wiring or sparking and make repairs as needed

Use the following format to cite this article:

Grain dust explosions. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63142/grain-dust-explosions.

Sources

Combustible dust in industry: Preventing and mitigating the effects of fire and explosions. (2005) United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib073105.html.

Grain handling. (n.d.) United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/grainhandling/index.html.

Jones, C. (2011) Preventing grain dust explosions. Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved from http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2604/BAE-1737web.pdf.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

LaMar Grafft, East Carolina University – grafftl@ecu.edu

Davis E. Hill, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

Carol Jones, Oklahoma State University – jcarol@okstate.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019

Confined Spaces: Hazards of Manure Gases

Use the following format to cite this article:

Confined space: Hazards of manure gases. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63141/confined-spaces:-hazards-of-manure-….

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a confined space as a space that:

is large enough for a worker to enter and complete a task in,
has limited or restricted means of entry or exit, and
is not designed for continuous human occupancy.

Confined spaces on a farm or ranch in which manure handling may occur include manure pits, manure transfer pipes and deep gutters, transfer storage areas, and liquid manure spreaders. Farms and ranches continue to expand their operations to include larger manure handling systems. While these new systems are more efficient and reduce manual labor, farmers and ranchers must understand the hazards associated with working in and around confined spaces where manure is stored.

Gases inside Manure Storage Areas

The breakdown of manure is a biological process, and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and air flow can impact the release rate of gases produced during this process. High temperature, lack of air exchange, and humidity can increase the levels of manure gases that are produced and released. The following hazardous gases form naturally in manure storage areas and are difficult to detect because of their properties, impact on a person’s sense of smell, and similarity to other odors on a farm or ranch:

Ammonia is found in manure pits or aboveground tanks used for manure storage and has a strong odor that can irritate a person’s eyes or respiratory system.
Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas associated with animal respiration and manure decomposition. Carbon dioxide can replace the oxygen in a confined space. If you breathe in air that contains high levels of carbon dioxide, this gas can replace the oxygen in your bloodstream and may result in headaches, drowsiness, and death (after prolonged exposure). Carbon dioxide is heavier than air, so it can easily accumulate in low-lying areas of confined spaces.
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs at low levels but can overcome a person’s sense of smell at levels of 100 ppm and higher. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause eye and nose irritation, headache, nausea, and death (after prolonged exposure). Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air, so it can easily accumulate in low-lying areas of confined spaces.
Methane is a colorless and odorless gas produced during the decomposition of manure in storage. This gas is flammable and potentially explosive, especially when captured in foam that can form on the surface of stored manure. Methane is lighter than air, so it does not accumulate in low-lying areas of confined spaces.

Handheld gas detection equipment should be used to monitor gas levels prior to entry into and while occupying confined-space manure storage areas. Some equipment used to detect manure gases is configured to measure oxygen level, explosive gases (methane), and toxic gases (hydrogen sulfide).

For each of the hazardous gases mentioned above, OSHA has identified safe exposure levels for humans. Table 1 outlines the acceptable exposure limits in ppm over an eight-hour period. The oxygen level in a given space should be between 19% and 23%.

**Table 1: Acceptable Exposure Limits**
Hazardous Gas	Acceptable Exposure Limits
Ammonia	50 ppm
Carbon dioxide	5,000 ppm
Hydrogen sulfide	10 ppm
Methane	1,000 ppm

One way to reduce levels of hazardous gases is to ventilate the manure storage area using a mechanical ventilation system that forces fresh air into the space, increasing the oxygen level and decreasing the levels of explosive and toxic gases. By using a specially designed positive-pressure mechanical forced-air ventilation system, you can reduce the buildup of dangerous levels of gas. Forcing fresh air through a fan into the storage area reduces the possibility of fire or explosion caused by explosive gas coming into contact with electric fan motors. Fans should be able to move a volume of air equal to one-half the volume of the empty manure storage area every minute. Use the ANSI/ASABE S607 standard, provided by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), for guidance about ventilation capacity and ventilation time prior to entry and during occupancy. Click HERE for more information from Penn State Extension about the standard. To avoid the failure of a critical ventilation system during a power outage, connect the system to a standby power source that is regularly maintained and tested.

Entering Confined-Space Manure Storage Areas

If possible, avoid entering confined-space manure storage areas. If entry is unavoidable, you should fully understand the risks of entering such a space and have an entry plan that outlines your actions.

Complete the following steps when entering and working in a confined-space manure storage area:

Test the oxygen and explosive and toxic gas levels from outside the manure storage area.
Prior to entry and during occupancy, use a positive-pressure ventilation system to ventilate the manure-storage area.
Prior to entry, lock out all power sources other than the positive-pressure ventilation system to reduce the risk of stray electricity.
Wear an adjustable body harness with a lifeline attached to a rescue and retrieval system and carry a portable gas monitor.
Assign a second person to remain outside of the manure-storage area in case he or she must implement the rescue and retrieval system or get additional assistance.
Maintain verbal and visual contact with the person outside the manure storage area. The person outside the storage area should not enter the area, even in the event of an emergency.
Retest the air quality continuously during occupancy to monitor gas levels.

Additional Safety Recommendations

Remember that youth under the age of 16 are prohibited from working in confined spaces.
Post warning signs about the risks of confined spaces and gas hazards on or near all manure storage locations.
Instruct family members and employees about the hazards associated with manure storage in confined spaces. Even though most agricultural operations are not covered under OSHA regulations for confined-space entry, confined spaces exist in production agriculture, and it is vital that every person associated with the farm or ranch receive training on the hazards.
Prepare and document an entry plan for confined-space manure storage areas. Inform family members and employees about the plan.
Provide annual training for family members and employees about the entry into and emergency procedures associated with confined manure storage spaces.
Restrict access to confined spaces to authorized individuals. Remove temporary access ladders, and restrict access to permanent ladders.
Be aware that personnel and animals may need to vacate the confinement building during manure storage agitation or pumping.
Prohibit smoking in and around manure storage areas.
Operate manure agitators below the surface of liquid manure to reduce the release of manure gases.

See the Penn State Extension video below to learn more about safety concerns associated with manure storage in confined spaces.

Use the following format to cite this article:

Sources

Confined spaces. (n.d.) United States Department of Labor. Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/confinedspaces/index.html.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2004) Confined spaces. HOSTA task sheet 3.8. National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/NSTMOP%20Task%20Sheets%20Se….

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2004) Manure storage. HOSTA task sheet 3.11. National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/NSTMOP%20Task%20Sheets%20Se….

Steel, J., Murphy, D., & Manbeck, H. (2011) Confined space manure storage hazards. Penn State Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/confined-space-manure-storage-hazards.

Zhao, L. (2007) How to work safely around manure storage. Ohio State University Extension. No longer available online.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

LaMar Grafft, East Carolina University – grafftl@ecu.edu

Davis E. Hill, Pennsylvania State University – deh27@psu.edu

Carol Jones, Oklahoma State University – jcarol@okstate.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – djm13@psu.edu

J. Samuel Steel, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019

Working with Senior Farmers and Ranchers

Use the following format to cite this article:

Working with senior farmers and ranchers. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63140/working-with-senior-farmers-and-ranchers.

Many farm and ranch operations are family owned and operated and include workers of all ages. As a result, older adults are more prevalent in production agriculture than in other occupations. Between 2002 and 2007, the average age of farm operators increased from 55.3 to 57.1, and the number of farm operators over the age of 75 increased by 20% (2007 Census of Agriculture). Senior farmers and ranchers can offer valuable insight and wisdom gained from their years of work experience. It is important to keep communication channels open with senior workers, provide necessary worksite accommodations, and implement changes to keep them safe.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), when it comes to work-related injuries, older workers are at a disadvantage compared to their younger counterparts because older workers are more susceptible to injuries and typically have a longer recuperation period (NIOSH, 2009). In an article in the October 2005 Monthly Labor Review, Samuel Meyer notes that in the period between 1995 and 2005, a farmer over the age of 55 was over 10 times more likely to be involved in a fatal-injury incident involving tractors, equipment, or animals.

Senior farmers and ranchers are typically at a higher risk for work-related injuries and death due to the effects of the aging process. These effects can include:

reduced reaction time, balance, and strength;
changes in cognition levels;
decreased visual acuity; and
hearing loss.

These types of changes can affect the work that senior farmers and ranchers can safely complete. Agricultural producers and family members need to consider ways to make adjustments and modifications to better accommodate the needs of senior workers.

To decrease the risk of injury, those working with senior farmers and ranchers should take the following actions:

Vision Testing: Ask that senior workers have their vision tested regularly and abide by doctors’ recommendations regarding any driving restrictions.
Communication System: Keep a communication system, such as cell phones or two-way radios, available to senior workers at all times.
Fall Prevention: Take steps to reduce the risk of falls.
- Increase the level of lighting in barns, shops, and other buildings.
- Clear walkways, add nonslip surfaces to walkways, and add steps and handrails to stairs and elevated equipment.
Medication: Encourage senior workers to consider whether prescription and over-the-counter medications could affect their ability to safely operate equipment and machinery. Ask them to check for any warnings on medication labels.
Rollover Protection: Make sure that all the primary tractors in the operation are equipped with rollover protection. (Click here for information about rollover protection rebate programs.) Consider trading in an older model tractor for a newer model that is equipped with better seating, accessibility, and rollover protection.
Rest and Fluids: Have senior workers take necessary rest breaks and encourage them to get ample sleep, especially during high-stress times of the year such as harvesting. Provide frequent opportunities for senior workers to drink plenty of fluids.
Health Conditions: Be aware that health conditions can cause changes in a worker’s ability to safely complete a farm task. Understand that limitations or worksite accommodations may be necessary for senior workers to remain in production agriculture. Ask senior workers to consult with their physicians about participating in programs of strength training, stretching, and cardiovascular exercise to maintain or improve health status.
Hearing: It is common for senior workers to have some level of hearing impairment that can make it difficult for them to hear warning signals and approaching animals and co-workers. Encourage senior workers to have their hearing checked by an audiologist to determine whether hearing aids are applicable to their work environment. Provide workers with any necessary hearing protection. Due to hearing impairments, the use of agricultural hand signals may be even more valuable to senior farmers and ranchers. Click here to learn more about hand signals used in production agriculture.
Tractor Operation and Driving: Ensure that each tractor in the operation is equipped with properly working lights, brakes, and fenders and that shields are in place. Limit tractor driving to daytime hours, and ask workers to avoid roadways that are heavily traveled. Ask senior workers to take a driving course to maintain and promote skills and safety knowledge related to driving.

Use the following format to cite this article:

Sources

2007 Census of Agriculture: Demographics. (2007) United States Department of Agriculture, National Agriculture Statistics Service. Retrieved from http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Online_Highlights/Fact_Sheets/Demographics/demographics.pdf.

Funkenbusch, K. & Downs, W. (n.d.) Senior farmers at risk on the farm. Agricultural Safety Tips and Ideas. Retrieved from http://agrability.missouri.edu/ruralsafety/factsheets/updated/SeniorFarmersRiskOntheFarm.pdf.

Meyer, S. (2005) Fatal occupational injuries to older workers in farming. Monthly Labor Review. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2005/10/art5full.pdf.

Murphy, D. (1994) Senior farmers and safety: How changing health affects risks of fatal injury. Extension Circular 147. The Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension.

Occupational health disparities. (2009) National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/ohd/risks.html.

Reviewers, Contributors, and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri – funkenbuschk@missouri.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

Carla Wilhite, University of New Mexico – CWilhite@salud.unm.edu

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019

Farm Pond Safety

Use the following format to cite this article:

Farm pond safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63139/farm-pond-safety.

Although ponds on farms and ranches across the country serve a variety of functions, such ponds can also be a source of danger and liability. Victims of all ages, most typically small children, have drowned in farm ponds. Unsupervised children with little or no swimming instruction may play too close to the water’s edge and lose their balance. The dangers of ponds are not limited to children or those who cannot swim; other dangers are hidden in and beneath the water. Ponds may be contaminated by field runoff containing agricultural fertilizers, pesticides, livestock waste, and other pollutants that pose health concerns. Additional hazards in farm ponds include sharp rocks, animal bones, broken bottles, and other types of debris that can cause cuts and injuries.

As a pond owner, you should restrict pond use to invited guests only. In addition, take the following actions to minimize the dangers and liability associated with each pond on your farm or ranch:

Post No Trespassing and/or Keep Out signs around the pond.
Promote proper swimming instruction for all children.
Eliminate physical hazards in and around the pond, which may include sloping entrance areas and pond edges.
Dredge the pond regularly to remove submerged debris.
Employ a certified laboratory to test the pond’s water quality each spring.
Identify the depth of the water at various locations in the pond and indicate dangerous areas.
Insert a stable yellow rescue post in close proximity to the pond’s edge. Outfit the rescue post with the attachments described below.
- Obtain a nylon rope that is as long as the width of the pond. Secure one end of the rope to a wooden block, and the other end to a buoy. (You can make a buoy by filling a gallon milk jug with approximately one pint of water.) Hang the rope and buoy on the rescue post.
- Mount a thin, lightweight 12- to 14-ft. pole (aluminum or PVC) on the rescue post. This pole can be used as a rescue pole for floundering victims.
- Secure a sign at the rescue post that displays pond rules and emergency contact information, including information for calling 911.

Pond Pole. Source: The Ohio State University

Never allow anyone to swim alone. Individuals who supervise swimmers should be trained in water rescue procedures and CPR.
If possible, install a fence with a locked gate around the pond.

Following the above safety recommendations can reduce your risk of an incident, but despite taking appropriate precautions, you may still face liability should a drowning or other incident occur in your pond. Contact your insurance agent to discuss liability insurance coverage related to your pond.

Use the following format to cite this article:

Farm pond safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63139/farm-pond-safety.

Sources

Bean, T. (2008) Farm pond safety. Ohio State University Extension. No longer available online.

Murphy, D. and Fetzer, L. (12014) Farm pond safety. The Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/farm-pond-safety.

Training module: Farm pond safety. (2003) The Ohio State University Agricultural Tailgate Safety Training. Retrieved from http://nasdonline.org/1755/d001730/farm-pond-safety.html.

Willcutt, H. (2002) Farm pond safety. Mississippi State University Extension Service. Retrieved from https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publicati….

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Carol Jones, Oklahoma State University – jcarol@okstate.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – (Has since retired)

Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu

J. Samuel Steel, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019

What is a cow’s flight zone?

If you are planning to move cattle, you must first understand their “flight zone.” Understanding a cow’s flight zone will reduce stress on the animal and reduce the likelihood of injuries to you and the animal. A cow’s flight zone is similar to your personal space—it is the distance from an animal that a handler must maintain for the animal to feel comfortable. When a person enters the cow’s flight zone, the cow will move. A dairy cow that is accustomed to human interaction on a daily basis has a smaller flight zone than a beef animal out on the range (the flight zone of such an animal might be up to 300 ft).

“Point of balance” is a factor related to flight zone, and working with a cow’s point of balance will also help you move a cow more safely. The point of balance is located at the cow’s shoulder. To move a cow forward, you should be positioned behind its shoulder. If you need to move the animal backward, position yourself in front of the shoulder. Whether moving a cow forward or backward, work at the edge of the cow’s flight zone and at angle of 45° to 60° so that you stay within the animal’s field of vision.

For more information about handling beef cattle, click here to view the article “Beef Cattle Handling Safety.”

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019

Sun Exposure and Agriculture

(Photo Source: Pennsylvania State University Ag Safety & Health)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Sun exposure and agriculture. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63042/sun-exposure-and-agriculture.

Farmers and ranchers need to be cautious about their exposure to the ultraviolet rays (UV) of the sun. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and is related to repeated exposure to the sun which causes damaging changes to a person’s skin. The two types of ultraviolet rays most likely to damage a person’s skin and increase the risk for developing skin cancer are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB).

No one is immune to the sun’s UV rays; however, some skin types are more susceptible than others. People with blonde or red hair, fair skin, or freckles tend to get sunburned more quickly than others and should be even more vigilant about protecting themselves from the sun.

Skin damage builds up over the years, and once the damage has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

Risks of Sun Exposure

One of the main health concerns of sun exposure is skin cancer. In the United States, one in five people will develop skin cancer. Contact your physician if you notice a difference in your skin or changes in moles regarding asymmetry, border, irregularities, color, or size.

The three main types of skin cancer are basal, squamous, and melanoma. Basal and squamous cancers are typically associated with long-term exposure to the sun but are seldom fatal. Melanoma can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early and can affect people of all ages. When examining your skin for melanoma, look for changes in the size, shape, and color of existing moles and discolored patches of skin that may start small and grow.

Recommendations

The following recommendations can reduce an agricultural producer’s risk of sun exposure, skin cancer, and other sun-induced conditions:

Sun Intensity – Exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays is most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. When possible, avoid working in direct sunlight during this time. If you must be in the sun during these hours, take shade breaks to reduce exposure, drink plenty of water, and reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

Sunscreen – Sunscreens have one or more chemicals that absorb or disperse ultraviolet rays. Sun protection factor (SPF) is a numerical rating that indicates a specific amount of protection. You should wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, but those with fair skin should use an SPF of 30 or higher. Due to exposure to water, weather, and perspiration, you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

Clothing – Long-sleeved shirts and long pants provide protection from the sun’s rays. Darker clothing with a tight weave provides more protection from the sun than light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Special SPF or UV-resistant clothing is available to reduce exposing your skin to the UV rays.

Hats – When it comes to sun protection, not all hats are created equal. You should wear a wide-brimmed (minimum of three inches wide) hat with flaps or drapes to provide sun protection for your eyes, ears, and neck.

Wide Brimmed Hat. Photo Souce: Penn State University

Sunglasses – To reduce the risk of eye damage from the sun, wear sunglasses with UV protection. When purchasing UV-blocking sunglasses, look for labels that indicate “UV absorption” or “meets ANSI UV requirements.” Long-term exposure of your eyes to the sun could cause pterygium (thickening of the outer coating of the eye), cataracts, and possibly macular degeneration.

Medications – Check both your prescription and over-the-counter medications concerning whether the medication creates sensitivity to sunlight, and discuss options with your physician.

Diseases – Sun exposure can be problematic for people with certain types of diseases or health conditions. Discuss your medical condition and sun exposure with your physician.

Use the following format to cite this article:

Sun exposure and agriculture. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63042/sun-exposure-and-agriculture.

Citations

Jepsen, S. D. & Suchey, J. (2015) Sun exposure (Protect your skin). Ohio State University Extension. Retrieved from http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79018.

Schwab, C. & Stone, J. (2002) Remember sun safety in the field. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Retrieved from https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=4993.

UV radiation. (2010). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/uvradiation/.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Karen Funkenbusch – University of Missouri – funkenbuschk@missouri.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019January 26, 2021

Use of Hand Signals in Production Agriculture

Use the following format to cite this article:

Use of hand signals in production agriculture. (2012) Agricultural Safety and Health eXtension Community of Practice. Retrieved from https://ag-safety.extension.org/use-of-hand-signals-in-production-agriculture/.

Hand signals are an important means of communication on farms and ranches when noise levels are too loud or the distance is too far between workers to effectively use verbal communication. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) developed a standardized set of 11 hand signals for use in production agriculture to enhance communication and promote safety (ASABE, 2011). With the exception of one hand signal, all of the signals can be completed with the use of one arm.

Hand signals can be used to effectively communicate instructions, save time, and lower the risk of an injury or death. As a farmer or rancher, you need to understand the hand signals and teach the hand signals to those involved in your operation. The ASAE hand signals are shown below: