Safety in Agriculture Education: Protecting Everyone in the Ag Lab

1. General Safety in Agriculture Education Keeping Everyone Safe in the Ag Lab AFNR-BAS-5: Determine and illustrate safety in agriculture lab and agriculture worksites.

2. The Importance of Safety in Agricultural Occupations • What are dangerous agricultural occupations? • welder • logger • electrician • livestock producer • farm equipment operator • lab assistant • landscaper

3. The Importance of Safety in Agricultural Occupations • Why are agricultural occupations dangerous? • equipment is large, loud, and has many moving parts • work with electricity, hot metal, power tools • handle animals that can be aggressive, unruly, skittish • applying and using chemicals in liquid, dust, and granular form • the work environment can be loud, dusty, hot, slippery • often people work alone or far away from emergency services (hospitals, fire departments)

4. Hazards in Agriculture Education Labs and Work Areas • hazard: a potential source of danger • accident: an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury • Ag Shop: power tools, sharp edges, loud equipment, dust, chemical exposure, compressed gas cylinders • Greenhouse: water and electricity, chemicals, slippery floors, sharp-edged benches • Lab Stations: chemicals, glassware, open flames (burners), fumes • Animal Science Facilities: animals (heavy with hooves, teeth, claws), dust, heavy feed and bedding, chemicals, sharp edges, large equipment • Forestry Plot: insects, snakes, poisonous plants, tripping hazards (logs, limbs, vines)

5. Safety Equipment and Practices in Agriculture Activities • protect what you want to keep (sight, hearing, use of extremities) • do not fear dangers, instead develop a healthy respect for them

6. Types of Safety Equipment • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): wear what is appropriate for the situation • safety glasses • hearing protection • lab coat or apron • gloves • hard hat • respirator or dust mask • welding helmet • steel-toed boots • spray suit

7. Safety Equipment in the Lab • know the location of and how to use all safety equipment • fire extinguisher • first-aid kit • eye wash station • safety shower

8. Safety Equipment and Practices in Agriculture Activities • Protective Devices on Equipment • guards • safety switches (a.k.a. kill switches) • safety color paint

9. Safety Equipment and Practices in Agriculture Activities • Color Coding for safety • Red = Danger • Orange = Warning • Yellow = Caution • Green = Safety

10. Safe Practices in the Ag Lab • wear proper attire with no loose fitting clothing • tie back hair • use appropriate protective equipment for each situation • know the location and use of all safety equipment • only use tools and equipment that you have been instructed on and given permission for • keep guards and other safety features in place when operating power tools • use tools only for their specified purpose

11. Safe Practices in the Ag Lab • put tools back in designated places • keep work areas clean and free of hazards • never use equipment that is damaged, working incorrectly, or making strange sounds • keep fingers away from moving parts and cutting edges • do not interrupt or distract someone operating equipment • always turn power off before making adjustments to tools or power equipment • double-check each chemical before using it and never sniff or put your nose near the opening of a chemical container

12. Safety Rules and Guidelines • Proper attire is required and loose hair must be pulled back. • Approved eye protection (safety glasses) must be worn at all times. • Do not use equipment without prior instruction and permission or without supervision. • No running or horseplay. Ever. • No throwing.

13. Safety Rules and Guidelines • Food and drink are not allowed in the lab. • Guards and safety devices must be in place at all times when equipment is in use. • Never leave or adjust a power tool until it has come to a complete stop and the power is off. • Floors and work areas must be kept clean and clear of hazards. • Tools must be returned to their proper location after use.

14. Safety Rules and Guidelines • Focus on your task and do not interrupt or distract anyone using power equipment. • Report strange noises, faulty operation, or broken equipment immediately. • All accidents (even small ones) must be reported to your instructor. • Follow any and all instructions from your teacher. • When in doubt, ask.

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