Pre - Operational Procedure What is it? Comprehensive Pre-Operational Check in order to ensure that your machine is operating safely and efficiently, a proper pre-operational check is important. The pre-operational check covers a number of key components of the machine and helps to identify maintenance issues and repairs that may be required https://beamersdozer.weebly.com/pre-operational-check.html Unlocking Difficulties Engine – a machine with moving parts that converts power into motion Radiator – an engine-cooling device in a motor vehicle or aircraft consisting of a bank of thin tubes in which circulating fluid is cooled by the surrounding air. Combustible Material – is something that can combust (burn) in air. Flammable materials are combustible materials that ignite easily at ambient temperatures. In other words, a combustible material ignites with some effort and a flammable material catches fire immediately on exposure to flame Ignition – the process of starting the combustion of fuel in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine; the mechanism for bringing about ignition in an internal combustion engine, typically activated by a key or switch Occupational Safety – Occupational safety and health (OSH), also commonly referred to as health and safety, occupational health and safety (OHS), occupational health;] or occupational safety, is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people at work. Lubricant – a substance, such as oil or grease, used for minimizing friction, especially in an engine or component. Hydraulic – denoting, relating to, or operated by a liquid moving in a confined space under pressure LO 1.2. Check the materials tools, and equipment for sufficient quantity faults/defects based on manufacturers list and pre operating procedure; LO1.3. Demonstrate correct manual handling procedures for sufficient quantity faults/defects based on manufacturers list and pre-operating procedure Always check materials, tools and equipment for sufficient quantity, faults/defects based on manufacturer’s lists and pre-operating procedures. Agriculture is one of the primary source of income in our country, since the demand for food is increasing we adopt technologies from other countries including machineries and equipment. As a result, our farmers should be skilled in using and maintaining the equipment. It is important that the manufacturer’s list and pre-operating procedure will be followed thoroughly to use it properly and attain the maximum usage. It is important that the skilled farmer should do the following: 1. Always remember to check Equipment before Operating Pre-operational check of materials and equipment will ensure the safety of the workers. It is important to check the tires if there is any defect, check if the reserve tire is in good condition, check the side mirrors, seat position, seat belt, brakes for adjustment, steering response, windows for visibility, slow moving vehicle emblem, reflectors and running light for day and night use. 2. Safety check Make a habit of walking around the four-wheel tractor, small tractor/hand tractor and any attach implement to check the equipment itself. Check if there is any obstacles under or near the tractor i,e, stones, boards, stumps, children’s toy etc. Check whether the wheels are free or stuck in the ground. Also check if there are any loose part or objects such as tools on the platform or around breaks and control. 3. Inspect around Walk around and this time look at the tires for wear and inflation; power-take-off shaft (pto) for shielding and guarding (rotate the shield to ensure that it moves freely), check the hitch for proper hitch and safety clip, and check of there is any leak that you can see visibly on the ground. 4. Check the oil of all engines Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and check the oil level. If oil is required remember to wife off the filler cap, before you remove it to prevent dirt falling to the engine. Use a clean funnel, and clean the top of the oil can to avoid rust and other foreign objects going in with the oil. 5. Check the radiator Remove the red cap and check the liquid level if it’s sufficient. 6. Check the fuel gauge Fuel Gauge is very important to every machines that we used, it should be a habit to ensure that the fuel will be replaced before the work day is over. This will ensure that it can be used properly on the next day. 7. Fire Extinguisher Flammable materials are around the corner. Having a fire extinguisher inside the tractor is important to ensure safety during operation and refuel and in area of storage and milling. The fire extinguisher should have passed the standard and ensure that is charge and accessible. Smooth operations of all machines are ensured if periodic maintenance is done. These can affect performance and your safety. During the maintenance of agricultural machinery, there are many activities which are potentially hazardous. Always observe the safety procedures in doing the maintenance of the equipment and tools. Hazardous Activities Lubricating Checking hydraulic systems Things to be done to ensure safety ü If you need to remove the guard to lubricate the machine, never lubricate while the machine is in motion ü Remember that hydraulic oil is under high pressure. The external signs of oil injection may be slight, but the internal damage is not and may lead to surgery or amputation. ü If checking for leaks, use something (eg. a piece of card run along the hose) to show where the leak is. Do not use your hands. ü Release the pressure before working on the system ü When working on, for example a forage harvester, only the actual sharpening should be take place with the machine in motion. All activities before and after, like guard removal should be done with the machine stationary, even if rundown takes a long time. Sharpening ü Beware of flying particle when sharpening machinery. Use protective equipment such as goggles Working machines under ü When working under raised machines, jacks should be used and correctly located, and additional support (eg axle stands) provided. ü When working on hydraulically-raised equipment (eg. trailers) use props. ü N ever rely on the hydraulics. Hammering Cleaning ü Beware of flying particles. Always use the appropriate personal protective equipment. It offers protection not only against flying particles, but also from against many risks. ü Be aware of the danger of falling off or into a machinery, particularly in wet or muddy conditions. Make sure you know how to access machines safely, especially large machines such as combines. ü D on’t clean with machines running and with guards removed. Blockages ü Many accidents happen while cleaning machine blockages – often because operators attempt to clear a blockage while the machine is still powered. ü Again, the key question to ask is: “Have I been trained to do this job properly?” If the answer is “no”, do not attempt it.
