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September
1, 2005
Use Your Head
When Changing Combine Headers
Changing combine headers
can be dangerous for those who aren’t used to doing it, a North
Dakota State University safety expert warns.
“Jobs that are
done infrequently usually have a higher probability of accidents and injuries,”
says George Maher, NDSU Extension Service agricultural safety specialist.
That is especially
true in seasonal work such as harvesting, he notes. Harvest workers may
change combine headers several times a season or only once or twice, depending
on the crops they’re harvesting. Combine headers are heavy and attached
with few connections, so the chances are high that the workers could suffer
from crushing injuries.
Maher has this advice
for anyone changing headers:
- Be sure both headers
are resting securely on well-placed blocks or stands. Correctly blocking
the header being removed will leave it in a safe position for being
reattached. Simply backing the combine away from it and letting it fall
is unsafe and hard on the machinery.
- The header to
be attached should be well-supported because attempting to attach a
header that is wobbly and not aligned correctly isn’t easy or
safe. Workers may get by with sliding it into position, but the chance
of an accident is too great to make the effort worthwhile.
- After driving
the combine carefully into position for attaching the header, shut off
the engine and remove the ignition key so no one can start the machine
while anyone is working on or under it.
- Locate the pinch
and crush points before inserting connecting pins and bolts and avoid
putting fingers or hands into those areas. Never stick a finger through
the holes to check the alignment before putting in the pin.
- Workers should
use the longest pry bar possible if they need to do any prying. A longer
pry bar will provide more leverage and keep workers farther from pinch
and crush points.
- Be sure all connections
are secure before moving the combine. Do not move the combine and a
partially attached header to try getting a better alignment. The worker
who stays under the machinery to insert the final pin or bolt as the
holes line up can get hurt.
- Remove the header
stands, blocking and jacks after putting the last pin in place securely
and checking that hydraulic connections are good. Store the blocking
materials neatly because this creates a safer work environment the next
time anyone removes a header. Tossing blocks, stands and jacks in the
weeds means doing a safe job the next time will be harder.
- Changing headers
may require a change in the combine’s ballasting. For example,
changing a header for a heavier one may require adding weight to the
rear of the combine. Front heavy combines tip easily and may dig into
the soil when traveling downhill or stopping quickly. This can cause
injury to the operator, even in the cab.
- Always wear a
seat belt when in the combine cab.
- Replace all missing
shields on the combine after changing headers.
“The safe worker
is one who is completely aware of his immediate environment and the dangers
present,” Maher says.
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Source:
George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Ellen Crawford, (701) 231-5391, ecrawfor@ndsuext.nodak.edu
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