Operator`s manual

MOWER 04/13

Safety Section 1 -

SAFETY SECTION

Federal Laws and Regulations

This section is intended to explain in broad terms the concept and effect of federal laws and regulations concerning employer and

employee equipment operators. This section is not intended as a legal interpretation of the law and should not be considered as such.

Employer-Employee Operator Regulations

U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA

This Act Seeks:

“...to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and to

preserve our human resources...”

DUTIES

Sec. 5 (a) Each employer-

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards

that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.

(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations and orders issued

pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.

OSHA Training Requirements

Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations Part 1928.57(a)(6). www.osha.gov

Operator instructions. At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the employer shall instruct every em-

ployee who operates an agricultural tractor and implements in the safe operating practices and servicing of equipment with

which they are or will be involved, and of any other practices dictated by the work environment.

Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operation;

Permit no riders on equipment

Stop engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement to stop before servicing, adjusting, cleaning or

unclogging the equipment, except where the machine must be running to be properly serviced or maintained, in which case

the employer shall instruct employees as to all steps and procedures which are necessary to safely service or maintain the

equipment.

Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating the machine.

Employer Responsibilities:

To ensure employee safety during Tractor and Implement operation, it is the employer’s responsibility to:

1. Train the employee in the proper and safe operation of the Tractor and Implement.

2. Require that the employee read and fully understand the Tractor and Implement Operator’s manual.

3. Permit only qualied and properly trained employees to operate the Tractor and Implement.

4. Maintain the Tractor and Implement in a safe operational condition and maintain all shields and guards on the equipment.

5. Ensure the Tractor is equipped with a functional ROPS and seat belt and require that the employee operator securely fasten the

safety belt and operate with the ROPS in the raised position at all times.

6. Forbid the employee operator to carry additional riders on the Tractor or Implement.

7. Provide the required tools to maintain the Tractor and Implement in a good safe working condition and provide the necessary sup-

port devices to secure the equipment safely while performing repairs and service.

8. Require that the employee operator stop operation if bystanders or passersby come within 300 feet.

Child Labor Under 16 Years of Age

Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power machinery. It is your responsibility to know what these

regulations are in your own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Divi-

sion, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)