Safety/Fire Prevention - Case IH Axial-Flow Series User Manual

SAFETY/FIRE PREVENTION

Safety
Harvest is the culmination of a full year of hard work and
great investment. We know harvest "windows of opportunity"
are not always as wide as you would like, with weather and
crop conditions having the final say on when the crop gets into
the bin. Make sure you spend every available day harvesting,
instead of recuperating because poor judgment resulted in
an accident. Observe all Safety Instructions in the combine
Operators Manual, and these specific safety rules, for a safe
and profitable harvest season.
General Safety Rules
• Be sure you re-read the Operator's Manual to review all
safety instructions
• Be sure you read and understand the safety messages on
all decals on your combine
• Never start or move the combine until you are sure
everyone is out of the way
• Never start the combine until the operator is familiar with
all controls. This rule applies even if an experienced operator
or trainer is present. Waiting until a quick decision is required
to prevent an accident is not a good learning experience.
• Always put the shift lever in neutral before starting
the engine
• Do not allow riders (except during training)
• Set the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove
the key before leaving the cab for cleaning, adjusting,
or lubricating
• Never enter the grain tank or engine compartment when
the engine is running
• Many of the combine systems are electrically actuated.
Unlike mechanical linkages that have a distinct and
visible outcome when shifted or adjusted, activity such
as unplugging an actuator may result in unexpected
component movement. This accents the need to stop the
combine engine before performing any service operation.
• Always stop your combine engine when refueling. Do not
smoke while refilling the fuel tank.
• Solidly block or lower the feeder cylinder safety stand
before working on or under the header. Keep ladders
steps, and platforms free of trash and mud accumulations.
• Always keep all guards and shields in place
4
• Drive at moderate speeds in the field and on the road.
Keep the combine in gear when going down hill.
• Use extreme caution when removing the radiator cap to
avoid contact with hot pressurized coolant. Allow the
engine to cool before opening the system. If the cap must
be removed while the system is hot, protect hands with a
thick layer of rags to absorb spilled coolant. Do not wear
gloves that can become soaked with hot fluid and will burn
skin before gloves can be removed.
• Be sure everyone is clear of the area before unloading grain
– flowing grain can trap an adult in 10-seconds or less
• Dress appropriately when performing service work. Do not
wear loose clothing that can become entangled with
the machine.
• Always engage feeder cylinder safety stand before working
under feeder or header
• When transporting on the highway, double check bridge and
overhead power line clearances. Remove and transport wide
headers lengthwise to promote the safest possible conditions
• Take frequent breaks to maintain maximum attention
• Be alert. If you're constantly alert, you'll be in a better position
to handle emergencies.
Think safe ... Work safe ... Be safe.
Fire Prevention
Few things could ruin an otherwise rewarding harvest more
than a devastating combine fire. Spending some time each
day keeping the combine clean and well-maintained is the
best way to preserve harvest as a good memory, instead of
something you would rather forget.
By nature, mature crops are dry and dirty, and are sources
of considerable debris that can accumulate on harvesting
equipment. During busy harvest-time, operators may not like
taking the time to clean the combine daily. The most appropriate
cleaning time is at the end of the day. Any debris that may be near
a hot surface, or is possibly already a smoldering pile, is removed
before it becomes a problem.
• Attempts to perform only major, time-consuming cleanings
on a less-frequent basis will likely require MORE TIME in
the course of the harvest season, than to make a proactive
commitment to devote a few minutes to cleaning on a daily
basis. Cleaning time is also a good time to perform a basic
visual machine inspection.