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Safety in Machine Operations. Guidelines for the Safe Use of Rolmako Tillage Machines

The farming profession is one of the most hazardous. Therefore, it is essential that workers in this sector undergo comprehensive training on accident prevention. Such training is provided by KRUS (Agricultural Social Insurance Fund) and PIP (National Labor Inspectorate). For those interested in basic health and safety guidelines for operating Rolmako tillage machines, this publication offers critical information. Operating devices like Rolmako tillage machines involves certain risks if proper safety measures are not observed. Below are tips for the safe use of Rolmako cultivation machines and other equipment to consider during daily operations.

Basic Hazards of Work in Agriculture

A culture of respect for safety on farms is essential, with every employee feeling responsible for themselves and others. Regular health and safety training is crucial to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to work safely. Farming carries numerous risks, including work involving farm machinery, chemicals, farm animals, working at heights, and exposure to weather conditions. Agricultural Machinery: Accidents often result from improper operation or maintenance of machinery. Training users, using safeguards, regularly inspecting machines, and adhering to operating instructions and health and safety rules are vital. Chemicals: Farmers frequently come into contact with various chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. These should be stored safely, and appropriate personal protective equipment must be used when handling them. Animals: Farm animals can be unpredictable. Caution is necessary, especially during feeding, milking, or transporting. Work at Height: Tasks such as roof repairs or silo cleaning pose fall risks. Appropriate safeguards and protective equipment are essential. Atmospheric Factors: Agricultural work often occurs outdoors, exposing farmers to extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and rain. Suitable clothing and skin protection are crucial.

Adhere to the following guidelines for safe cultivation work

Read the User Manual: Prior to operating the Rolmako machine, thoroughly read the user manual. It contains essential information on safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Tractor Compatibility: Ensure the tractor meets stability conditions before coupling it with the agricultural machine. If necessary, attach front axle weights to maintain steerability, especially with heavy mounted machines. Confirm technical requirements with the manufacturer.
Coupling the Machine: Avoid standing between the tractor and the machine without stopping the engine, applying the handbrake, and placing anti-roll locks under the wheels. No one should be in the area between the reversing tractor and the tillage machine.

Establish a Safe Zone: Create safety zones around machines during folding and unfolding of hydraulic systems and field operations. Ensure the area is free of obstacles and other people, particularly children.

Regular Inspections: Conduct thorough visual inspections before each use to ensure all parts are in proper condition and the machine is ready for operation.

Wear Protective Equipment: Always use personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, safety glasses, and work shoes when operating tillage machinery.

Hydraulic System Safety: Do not operate the machine with a faulty external hydraulics system. Replace hydraulic hoses every five years with certified ones. Regularly check for leaks and ensure no pressure in the system before starting repairs.

Caution Around Moving Parts: Keep hands and body parts away from moving parts when the machine is on.

Adhere to Limits: Follow recommended limits for speed, loads, and other operational parameters.

Turn Off for Adjustments: Always turn off the machine and disconnect from the power source before making adjustments or repairs.






Travel on public roads: Prior to driving on public roads, inspect the technical condition of the machine, specifically the components coupling the machine with the tractor, screw connections, pins and cotter pins, drawbar, trolley, tire condition, mounting and bearing housings of tillage rollers. Additionally, verify the functioning of traffic lights as mandated by the Highway Code. For hydraulically folding machines, ensure the proper installation of mechanical or hydraulic protection for the arms against falling.





Prohibition on Public Road Movement: Machines that do not comply with approval requirements for transport on public roads must be transported to the field on designated platforms. All liability for using a machine not approved for public road use due to non-regulatory dimensions, lack of brakes, inadequate lighting, marking, or registration obligation rests with the user.

Exercise Caution on Uneven Terrain: Use caution when operating on uneven terrain to prevent machine tipping.

Avoid Operating in Adverse Weather: Refrain from working in challenging weather conditions such as strong wind, rain, or storms.

Store Equipment Safely: When not in use, store machines in a dry and secure location, away from children.

Promote Safety Culture: Share safety knowledge with colleagues, participate in training, and encourage best practices on the farm.

In addition to adhering to the operating instructions for agricultural tractors and tillage machines, follow road traffic regulations and general occupational health and safety guidelines. Safety should always be a priority. Regular training, risk awareness, and proper conduct can significantly reduce the risk of accidents when working with agricultural machinery.

Heavy tillage machines require an appropriate counterweight on the front axle of the tractor

The required mass of the weights can be determined by calculation using the static stability condition. It is strictly required that the load on the front axle is at least 20% of the tractor's own weight. Using the formula below allows you to calculate the minimum weight of the weights suspended at the front of the tractor.

The calculated actual loads on the front and rear axles of the tractor should not exceed the permissible load capacities for the tires used in the tractor. If the front axle load is not equal to at least 20% of the tractor's own weight or the load capacity of the front or rear tires is exceeded, operation of the machine with this tractor is not permitted.

The stability of agricultural machines is a key aspect of ensuring safety during their operation. The instability of machines, especially tractors, can lead to serious accidents such as the device tipping over. The front load of an agricultural tractor plays an important role in maintaining its stability and proper functioning, especially when working with various implements.

Increased front axle traction: when working with heavy rear-mounted implements such as cultivators or harrows, the front weight helps keep the front of the tractor on the ground, improving traction and vehicle control.

Improved stability: additional load on the front axle increases the stability of the tractor, which is especially important when working on inclined surfaces or when transporting heavy loads.






Increased traction: Balanced weight distribution between front and rear axles enhances traction, facilitating effective operation of the working tool in the soil.

Protection against damage: Overloading the tractor's rear axle with heavy tools without adequate front load can damage the suspension or tractor frame.

Improved driving comfort: A properly balanced tractor exhibits better driving characteristics, contributing to greater operator comfort, particularly on uneven surfaces.

Reduced fuel consumption: Enhanced traction and even load distribution reduce fuel consumption by allowing the tractor to operate under more optimal conditions.

If utilizing front weights on your tractor, adjust their weight according to current needs. Excessive load can unduly strain the front axle, while insufficient load may compromise stability. Regularly check the attachment of the weights to ensure they are secure and stable during operation. Maintaining safety when working with agricultural machinery requires attention, caution, and knowledge of the equipment.

Approval of Machinery for Transport on Public Roads

It is crucial to note that agricultural machinery is significantly larger and heavier than typical road vehicles, necessitating additional caution and attentiveness from the operator. Adhere strictly to road traffic regulations to ensure the safety of all road users. Transport of agricultural machinery on public roads is permissible only for models whose construction meets the conditions for public road use. In Poland, seasonal agricultural machinery may be used on public roads without registration, provided that:
- The width does not exceed 3 m
- The height does not exceed 4 m
- The total weight of the tractor, combined with the tillage machine, does not exceed the permissible total weight for the specific tractor model
- Trailed machinery with its own axle, exceeding 3 t in weight, must have an optional braking system. Machines over 3 t without brakes are not approved for public road use
- The machinery is equipped with a sign identifying it as a low-speed vehicle
- If the machinery obscures the tractor's lights, it must be equipped with equivalent lighting in a visible location, in compliance with the Highway Code.

Before operating on public roads, users must inspect the general condition of the machinery, ensuring no components are damaged, and check all bolted and welded connections. Operating damaged machinery is prohibited; contact the manufacturer immediately if damage is identified. The machinery must be positioned such that no elements, like tillage rollers or scrapers, protrude beyond its outline. If the machinery exceeds a width of 3 m, it is banned from public road use. Prior to transport, place the machinery in the transport position and install the required lighting and warning signs as mandated by the Highway Code. Verify the correct installation of the safety devices for the transport position. Fold any protruding elements to ensure the machinery dimensions do not exceed the permissible width of 3 m.

Summary

Occupational health and safety in agriculture is crucial due to the unique nature of the work. Appropriate practices, training, and equipment are essential to minimize the risk of accidents and protect farmers' health. A farm poses numerous threats related to machines, devices, vehicles, and fieldwork. The farming profession is distinctive in terms of the dangers faced during daily duties or routine activities. Ensuring farm safety protects ourselves, our families, and employees. Therefore, it is vital to understand and adhere to health and safety regulations and rules.