Safety Tips on Preparing the Farm for Winter – Ag Matters

Safety Tips on Preparing the Farm for Winter – Ag Matters

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It seems like there is always something else to do on the farm.  With yesterday's first taste of winter, comes the reminder that preparing for colder weather is the current "something else to do."   Cornell Cooperative Extension has some tips on "things to remember to do."

Winter creates special hazards on the farm. Liquids inside machinery or containers can freeze, causing ruptured pipes and containers. Ice can cause slips and falls. Fumes from heaters and pressure washers can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Early fall is good time to do a farm safety inspection, fix items in disrepair, clean and service farm equipment, and make sure your pesticides are stored properly.  Here are some tips on preparing your farm for winter:

#1 Conduct an all-farm inspection in the late summer/early fall which includes machinery and equipment, buildings, walkways, gates, wiring, and pesticides (see links below). Clean, service, and repair items where needed.

#2 Inform workers they must never use pressure washers indoors.

#3 Install carbon monoxide alarms in shops and other buildings where non-electric heaters are used.

#4 Analyze hydraulic fluid and antifreeze and replace as recommended.

#5 Clean and drain pesticide application equipment. Use lightweight oil to prepare for storage (see link below).

#6 Take an inventory of your pesticides. Read the label. Note any expiration dates and storage temperatures. Make sure dry pesticides are stored above liquid pesticides.

#7 Determine if unused pesticides can be stored or need to be disposed of (contact the State Department of Environmental Conservation for info on disposal options).

There are several online resources that provide more information:

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension - Mary Wrege

Filed Under: ag matters
Categories: Agriculture

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