Agriculture Safety

Pesticide Chemical Safety

      This section discusses agricultural chemical safety for pesticides, including rodenticides,
      insecticides, herbicides, etc. Pesticides are chemicals that protect crops and livestock from
      rodents, insects, disease, or weeds. They also control pests that endanger human health.
      Because pesticides are poisonous, they can be extremely dangerous to humans. Before
      applying commercial pesticides, always ensure your safety, the safety of others, and the
      safety of the environment.

      There are several government agencies that govern the use of commercial pesticides. For
      more information on pesticide usage, contact one or more of the following groups: Texas
      Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Health, Structural Pest Control Board,
      Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), Environmental Protection
      Agency (EPA).

General Pesticide Safety

      The following sections provide general or specific guidelines for handling pesticides. To help
      reduce the hazards associated with pesticides:

• Do not transport, mix, or use agricultural chemicals unless you can summon help, if needed.
• Keep an ample supply of water nearby to flush exposed areas, if a spill occurs.
• Check all pesticide equipment before you use it to ensure proper working condition.
• Read pesticide labels carefully. Follow the label directions when mixing, applying, storing, or disposing of pesticides.
• Wear personal protective equipment to prevent dermal, inhalation, and mucous membrane exposure.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling pesticides.
• Launder clothing and bathe after working with pesticides to ensure that all chemicals are removed from clothing and skin.
• Do not use agricultural pesticides around the home or office.
• Observe assigned reentry intervals. Always wear the appropriate protective clothing when entering fields before the reentry date.
• Always handle pesticides downhill from wells, cisterns, sink holes, ditches, or standing water.
• Do not apply pesticides when rain is imminent or if wind could affect the spraying area.
• Triple-rinse spray equipment and empty containers. Apply the rinse water to the treated field.
• Properly dispose of empty containers.

Preparing to Apply Pesticides

      Preparation is essential for chemical safety. Follow these steps to properly prepare for
      pesticide application:

      1. Plan Ahead.
          Always read chemical labels before attempting to work with pesticides. Prepare for a
          possible emergency by maintaining a personal decontamination site, a chemical spill kit,
          and by knowing the proper first aid procedures associated with your pesticide.

      2. Move Pesticides Safely.
          Careless chemical transportation can cause spills and contamination. Do not carry
          pesticides in an enclosed area, such as a car. Be sure to secure the pesticides to prevent
          shifting or bouncing. In addition, never leave your vehicle unattended when transporting
          chemicals.

      3. Select Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
          Regardless of the pesticide's toxicity, always wear a long-sleeve shirt and pants when
          working with pesticides. Wear additional protective equipment, as necessary.

      4. Select Application Equipment.
          Choose suitable equipment to properly apply pesticides. Before using the equipment,
          inspect it for good working order.

      5. Provide Prior Notification.
          Before applying pesticides, inform all people in or around the application area. Notification
          allows people to protect themselves from harmful chemicals.

Mixing Pesticides

      Always read and carefully follow label directions when mixing pesticides. Even if you are
      familiar with a particular chemical, reread the label to ensure that you have the latest safety
      information. In addition, follow these guidelines for mixing pesticides:

      1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment.
          Always wear protective gear when handling hazardous chemicals.

      2. Work in a Safe Area.
          The pesticide mixing and loading area should be well ventilated, well lighted, and downhill
          from any water sources. Concrete slabs are ideal for mixing chemicals since they allow for
          easy cleanup.

      3. Measure Chemicals Correctly.
          Measure and mix pesticides carefully. Never mix different pesticides except as directed by
          the label or chemical manufacturer. Do not use more chemical than prescribed by the
          pesticide label. The overuse of pesticides is illegal, and may result in the following

          - Higher pest control costs
          - Pesticide residue in food
          - Groundwater pollution
          - Pesticide resistance
 
      4. Pour Pesticides Carefully.
          Always wear a face shield and take care not to splash chemicals when pouring pesticides.
          Never use your mouth to siphon pesticides.

Applying Pesticides

      When you apply pesticides, you are responsible for protecting yourself, other people, and
      the environment. Follow these guidelines when applying pesticides:

      1. Minimize Exposure.
          Even mildly toxic chemicals can harm you if you use them daily. Take care to minimize
          your exposure to any chemical. Avoid working in pesticide spray, mist, or runoff. Always
          work with another person when working with hazardous chemicals.

      2. Avoid Applying Pesticides in Sensitive Areas.
          Avoid spraying pesticides near beehives or areas that humans normally occupy (e.g.,
          schools, playgrounds, hospitals, etc.). If you must apply pesticides in sensitive areas, do so
          when the weather is calm and when people are not around.

      3. Avoid Pesticide Drift, Runoff, and Spills.
          Pesticides that fall outside the targeted application area can be very hazardous. Choose
          weather conditions, equipment, and chemicals that do not lend themselves to these
          hazards.

      4. Avoid Equipment Accidents.
          Equipment accidents are often caused by poor maintenance and improper work habits.
          Avoid equipment accidents by following all operating instructions. 

Pesticide Storage and Disposal

      Always try to use all the pesticide in your application tank. If pesticides remain, use them on
      other target locations. After emptying the tank, clean and store the equipment.

      The following summary of EPA storage criteria should be followed for pesticides labelled
      with the signal words DANGER, POISON, or WARNING, or the skull and crossbones
      symbol. These procedures and criteria are not necessary for the storage of pesticides classed
      as less toxic (CAUTION word on the label) or for those registered for use in the home or
      garden.

Site Storage:

• Locate where flooding is unlikely.
• Locate where runoff will not contaminate any water system.

Storage Facility:

• Dry, well ventilated, separate room, building, or covered area with fire protection (e.g., dry chemical fire extinguisher).
• Secured by fence and/or locked doors.
• Signs on rooms/buildings to provide hazard warning (e.g., DANGER, POISON, PESTICIDE STORAGE).
• Movable pesticide equipment is labeled as contaminated and not removed from the site until decontaminated.
• Provision is available for the decontamination of personnel and equipment; contaminated water disposed of as excess pesticide; contaminated runoff collected and treated as excess pesticide.

Operational Procedures:

• Store pesticide containers in rows with the labels plainly visible.
• Place contents from damaged containers in sound containers.
• If relevant, segregate pesticides by formulation.
• Store rigid containers in an upright position, with tight lids/bungs, off the ground, in a manner to permit access and inspection.
• Maintain a complete inventory indicating the number and identity of containers.
• Check containers regularly for corrosion and leaks.
• Keep suitable absorbent (e.g., vermiculite) on hand in case of spills.

Safety Precautions:

• Inspect pesticide containers for leaks before handling them.
• Do not allow unauthorized personnel in the storage area.
• Do not store pesticides next to items intended for consumption by animals or humans.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew tobacco where pesticides are present.
• Do not store beverages, food, eating utensils, or smoking material in the storage or loading areas.
• Wear rubber gloves while handling containers of pesticides.
• Wash hands immediately after handling pesticides. Remove contaminated protective clothing immediately; extra sets of clean clothing should be nearby.

Fire Control:

• Where large quantities are stored, inform the fire department.
• Furnish the fire chief with home telephone numbers of responsible persons.

Disposal:

• Unused or outdated pesticides must be disposed as hazardous chemicals.
• See the Hazardous Waste Disposal chapter for more information.

          IMPORTANT:
          Never leave pesticide containers at a field site. Be sure to account for every
          container used, and safely dispose of empty containers.

          NOTE:
          Store herbicides separately from other pesticides. Some herbicides may volatilize
          and contaminate the pesticides.

Pesticide Cleanup

      Always thoroughly clean all pesticide equipment as soon as you are through with it. Leaving
      pesticide residue in mixing, loading, or application equipment can result in accidental injury or
      death to livestock or people or unwanted contamination of plants or soil.

      Clean the inside and outside of pesticide equipment, including nozzles. Dispose of
      contaminated rinse water as directed on the chemical label.

          IMPORTANT:
          Do not allow pesticide rinse water to contaminate water supplies.

Antidotes

      Time is of the essence when pesticide overexposure occurs. However, using an antidote kit
      may not be the best course of action. Unless a physician has stated that an antidote is
      needed, it should not be administered. Some antidotes such as atropine can be poisonous if
      misused. A prescription may even be necessary to acquire the antidote. You may be able to
      get a local physician to write the prescription, prepare a written protocol regarding the use of
      the antidote, and train pertinent employees about how and when to administer the antidote.

      If medical assistance is available locally through a hospital, physician, or ambulance service,
      you should call 911 (or 9-911, from a campus phone) or take the individual directly to the
      nearest emergency treatment center instead of maintaining an antidote kit on site.

Fertilizer Chemical Safety

      Ammonia fertilizers are widely used because of their effectiveness in getting large amounts of
      nitrogen into the soil. Anhydrous ammonia fertilizer is essentially dry ammonia gas
      compressed into liquid form. This material is very harmful if accidentally spilled or sprayed
      onto body surfaces. It can cause blindness if it gets into the eyes. Also, high concentrations of
      ammonia gas in the air are very irritating to the lungs. Always use appropriate personal
      protective equipment and exercise rigorous care when handling, applying, and storing such
      toxic or irritating materials.

Safety Precautions

      Most ammonia fertilizer accidents occur when the material is being transferred from one tank
      to another. One of the major causes of accidents is hoses coming loose or bursting.

      Exercise care in the handling and use of ammonia fertilizer by doing the following:

• Always wear chemical goggles and adequate skin cover.
• Inspect equipment before each day's work and correct any abnormal conditions.
• Water is the first aid treatment of choice when ammonia gets into the eyes or on the skin. In case of mishap, flush affected areas for 15 minutes and get medical help as soon as possible.
• Make sure all valves, lines, and connections are secure in order to reduce the chance of either leaks or being doused during transfer.

      Observe these precautions when working with anhydrous ammonia:

• Use good equipment specially designed for handling anhydrous ammonia.
• Keep your equipment in good repair. Worn hoses, loose connections, and other defects can cause accidents.
• Follow the prescribed sequence of operations for connecting to, filling, and disconnecting from the applicator tank.
• Never leave the equipment during the transfer operation.
• After filling the applicator tank, close all valves.

Storing Ammonium Nitrate

      The guidelines listed below must be followed when storing ammonium nitrate fertilizer:

• Not more than 60 tons of ammonium nitrate shall be stored.
• Storage buildings shall have adequate ventilation.
• All flooring in storage and handling areas shall be of noncombustible material, without open drains or traps.
• Buildings and structures shall be dry and free from water seepage through the roof, walls, and floors.
• Bags of ammonium nitrate shall not be stored within 30 inches of the storage building walls and partitions.
• The height of piles shall not exceed 20 feet. The width of piles shall not exceed 20 feet nor the length 50 feet.
• Aisles shall be provided to separate piles by a clear space of not less than 3 feet in width.
• Ammonium nitrate shall be stored separately from flammable or combustible materials (e.g. paper, rags, hay, oils).
• Broken bags, spilled material, and discarded containers shall be promptly gathered and disposed.
• Prohibit smoking where ammonium nitrate is stored.
• Fire control devices such as a water hose or portable fire extinguishers must be available in the storage area.

Farm Equipment Safety

      New farm equipment is specifically designed for safe handling and operation. Older farm
      equipment is outdated and missing some of the latest standard safety features.

      The following sections discuss general guidelines for farm equipment safety, including
      farmstead equipment, farm field equipment, guards, shields, and power take-off equipment
      (PTOs).

General Equipment Safety

      Keeping equipment in good working condition is half the formula for being safe. The other
      half is the ability and awareness of the person operating the equipment. Safety = Good Working Equipment + Able and Aware Operator

      Equipment failure causes some farm accidents; however, most farm accidents are caused by
      tired, stressed, rushed, distracted, or incompetent operators.

      In addition to the specific safe handling rules for each type of farm equipment, there are ten
      basic guidelines for equipment safety:

      1.  Read and comply with the operator's safety manual for each piece of farm equipment.
      2.  Prepare for safety by wearing appropriate clothing, having enough rest, not drinking
           alcohol, and ensuring that all workers have been trained and are capable of safely using
           the farm equipment.
      3.  Keep all guards, shields, and access doors in place when the equipment is in operation.
      4.  Be aware of what you are doing and where you are going.
      5.  Adjust equipment speed to fit operating conditions.
      6.  Keep children and other people away from the working area.
      7.  Take breaks from work, as necessary.
      8.  Always stop the engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all moving parts to
           stop, before servicing, adjusting, cleaning, or unclogging equipment.
      9.  Display the slow moving vehicle emblem on equipment driven on public roadways
    10.  Allow the engine to cool before refueling.

Farmstead Equipment

      Farmstead equipment is agricultural machinery that is normally stationary. This includes
      materials handling equipment and accessories for such equipment whether or not the
      equipment is an integral part of a building. Examples of farmstead equipment include cotton
      gins, grain augers, crushers, sorters, and miscellaneous belt-driven equipment.

      Farmstead equipment should have an audible warning device to indicate that the machine is
      about to be started. Refer to Electrical Lockout/Tagout procedures (Chapter 5) to safely
      perform repairs or maintenance on electrical equipment. Farmstead equipment that is not
      properly guarded and shielded may pinch, crush, electrocute, or otherwise harm humans.
      Refer to the operator's manual for specific safety instructions for each piece of equipment.

Farm Field Equipment

      Farm field equipment is agricultural machinery that is normally mobile. Examples of farm field
      equipment include combines, tractors and their implements, including self-propelled
      implements. Because tractor accidents account for 500 to 600 fatalities each year, this
      section will focus primarily on tractor safety.

GENERAL TRACTOR SAFETY

      Tractor accidents are the leading cause of fatalities and accidents on Texas farms and
      ranches. Approximately 42% of these accidents are the result of operators being run over by
      tractors, 36% are due to tractor roll-overs, and 5% involve riders who fall off the tractor and
      are then run over by the attached trailing equipment.

      The following guidelines offer general safety tips for operating tractors:

• Know your tractor and how to use it safely. Regularly review the safety precautions in your operator's manual.
• Prepare for tractor work by inspecting the vehicle and wearing appropriate clothing.
• Ensure that new and inexperienced workers are properly trained in tractor operation.
• Never allow riders. A tractor should have only one person on board.
• Teach children to use tractors only after they have developed the strength, size, and maturity to operate a tractor safely.
• Install an approved roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt on any tractor that is not equipped with these features. ROPS prevent tractor turnover injuries, but only if the seat belt is worn.
• Always wear a seat belt, when driving a tractor equipped with a ROPS.
• Disengage drives and turn the engine off before leaving the tractor unattended.
• Keep yourself and others away from moving parts.
• Hitch loads only to the drawbar. When using three-point rear hitches, add front end weights to maintain stability and control steering.
• Never bypass start the engine.

TRACTOR DRIVING SAFETY

      The following guidelines provide tips for tractor driving safety:

• Watch where you are going at all times. Be sure everyone is out of the way before moving.
• Watch for and avoid obstacles, ditches, embankments, and holes.
• Slow down when turning, crossing slopes, or driving on rough, slick, or muddy surfaces.
• It is safer to back up an incline.
• Apply power slowly when pulling a heavy load.
• Lock the brake pedals together for single action braking.

      Tractor operators can help prevent back roll-overs as follows:

• Only hitch loads to the drawbar.
• Limit the height of three-point hitches.
• Use front-end weights to stabilize heavy hauling loads.
• Start slowly.
• Change gears carefully.

      Tractor operators can help prevent side roll-overs as follows:

• Increase tractor width, if possible.
• Lock brakes together for road travel.
• Operate tractors only as recommended.
• Avoid steep slopes and ditches.
• Be careful when pulling heavy loads or working with a front-end loader.
• Turn corners slowly.

ROLL-OVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES
      ROPS consist of cabs or frames that protect tractor operators. They are designed to prevent
      tractor roll-over injuries. All tractors manufactured after October 25, 1976 must have
      ROPS. Older tractors may be retrofitted with a ROPS obtained from the tractor
      manufacturer. Installing a makeshift metal bar is not sufficient to protect people from the
      dangers of a tractor rollover. An OSHA-approved ROPS that meets durability tests is the
      only real protection against rollover injuries.

          NOTE:
          The only types of tractors that do not require ROPS include the following:

• Low profile tractors used for work that would interfere with a ROPS (e.g., picking orchards, vineyards, hopyards, etc.).
• Tractors with mounted equipment that is incompatible with a ROPS (e.g., cornpickers, cottonstrippers, fruit harvesters, etc.)

BYPASS STARTING
      Bypass starting occurs when an operator "bypasses" normal safety procedures and the
      normal starting system. A typical bypass occurs when someone standing on the ground
      touches a screwdriver or other metal object to the starter contacts and activates the engine.
      This action avoids standard safety devices that keep the engine from starting without
      someone in the driver's seat. Another method of bypass starting occurs when someone uses
      the starting button to start a tractor from the ground.

          IMPORTANT:
          Any method of bypass starting is extremely dangerous. If the tractor is in gear when
          the bypass occurs, the machine will start and can injure or kill anyone in its path.
          This situation is even more serious if the tractor is equipped with a hydraulic clutch.
          If a tractor with a hydraulic clutch is bypass started, it will not move immediately,
          but it will lurch suddenly with the buildup of hydraulic pressure.

      All tractor operators should follow these safe starting rules:

• Never start a tractor by shorting across the starter terminals.
• Keep tractors in good working order so they will start normally.
• If a tractor has a neutral start switch, but it starts in gear with the key or starter button, something is wrong. Fix the tractor immediately.
• Never wire around or defeat the neutral start switch.
• Always place a tractor in neutral or park before starting it.
• Never start a tractor from the ground.

GRAIN AUGERS

      A grain auger is a piece of farm equipment that helps transfer grain from one location to
      another. Tractor operators that move grain augers should take special precautions when
      working with this equipment.

          IMPORTANT:

          Moving grain augers in their elevated position may result in electrocution if the
          equipment contacts overhead power lines.

      Farm owners, managers, and operators should ensure that augers are in the lowered position
      before moving them. In addition, all augers should have warning signs that indicate the
      potential electrical hazards associated with moving the auger upright. Functional components
      of augers must be guarded to the fullest extent possible.

Hydraulic Equipment Safety

      Farm equipment operators must be extremely careful when working around hydraulic
      equipment. Hydraulic pressure is often strong enough to knock a person out if a leak or
      explosion occurs.

      Follow these guidelines when working with hydraulic equipment:

• Inspect hydraulic equipment regularly for leaks. Report and fix any leaks immediately.
• Ensure that all couplings are properly installed and in good working condition.
• Ensure that all lines and fittings are in good condition. Repair or replace any equipment that is not in good condition.
• Lock transport wheels and support jacks on implements in place before disconnecting hydraulic cylinders. This action will prevent sudden shocks to the machine or personal injury.
• Keep couplings and hoses in good repair so that the hydraulic system can safely sustain maximum pressure.

Guards, Shields, and PTOs

      Guards and shields are extremely important because they keep operators from inadvertently
      contacting, or being caught, by moving machinery parts. Ensure that moving parts are
      guarded or shielded whenever possible. In addition, to prevent burns or fires, shield
      heat-producing components (e.g., exhaust pipes).

      Since all moving parts cannot be guarded due to their function, stay clear of these machines
      when they are in operation. In addition, turn these machines off if they need service,
      maintenance, or repair.

          IMPORTANT:

          If you take guards or shields off, put them back on the machine. Replace them if
          they are lost or damaged.

      Guards and shields are absolutely essential for PTO farm equipment. Leave the master shield
      in place when the implement is unhitched. Replace missing or damaged shields immediately.

Fuel Storage

      Fuel storage is an important safety concern in agriculture. The following sections discuss
      general safety guidelines for stationary fuel storage tanks, portable fuel tanks, and liquefied
      petroleum gas.

Stationary Fuel Storage Tanks

      Petroleum products for agricultural use, including gasoline and diesel fuel, are stored in
      Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST) or Underground Storage Tanks (UST). The TNRCC
      regulates ASTs and USTs. Fuel tanks with volumes less than or equal to 1100 gallons are
      exempt from TNRCC requirements. Fuel tanks with volumes greater than 1100 gallons must
      meet these requirements:

• Notification
• Registration
• Annual fees
• Recordkeeping

Portable Fuel Tanks

      Even small quantities of fuel, such as gasoline, kerosene, or diesel
      fuel must be properly labelled and stored. Always use DOT approved metal tanks or UL or
      FM labeled containers to store small amounts of fuel. Store small portable fuel tanks in
      well-ventilated areas, away from other flammable materials or ignition sources. Do not use
      containers such as empty plastic milk jugs to store fuels. Please refer to the Chemical Safety
      chapter for more information on flammable materials.

          IMPORTANT:

          Clearly label fuel containers to indicate contents.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

      The Texas Railroad Commission regulates the sale and use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
      (LPG). There are several safety considerations associated with LPG. All LPG tanks must
      comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) standards for storage and use.

      Paint LPG tanks either white or aluminum. Locate LPG tanks away from flammable materials
      and possible ignition sources. In addition, ensure that ASTs have noncombustible structural
      supports and a firm masonry foundation so that the bottom of the tank does not touch the
      ground.

      LPG tanks cannot be downhill from flammable liquid tanks such as gasoline or diesel.

      Stationary LPG tanks cannot be placed in any area beneath an electric transmission or
      distribution line.

      LPG tanks must be equipped with hydrostatic relief valves, excess flow valves, etc, as
      required by the Texas Railroad Commission.

          IMPORTANT:

          Portable LPG containers may be used within a building; however, they must be
          stored in a separate location outside of the building. Refer to the Fire/Life Safety
          chapter for more information.

      The following table provides minimum safe distance requirements for the location of
      stationary LPG containers.
 

Grain Storage

      Grain storage bins and hoppers pose severe hazards, including entrapment and suffocation.
      Each year, numerous people suffocate and die while working on or under the unstable
      materials contained in grain silos. Grain materials are unpredictable and they move quickly —
      entrapment, burial, and suffocation can occur within seconds.

      In some cases, the surface material in a grain bin acts like quicksand. When a storage bin is
      emptied from the bottom, the grain material forms a funnel. The flow rate of this funnel can be
      strong enough to trap a worker and make rescue virtually impossible.

      In other cases, a condition known as bridging can create serious hazards. A bridge occurs
      when grain or other loose material sticks to the side of a bin that is being emptied from
      below. The bridge is highly unstable and dangerous. If it collapses, it can trap any worker
      either on or below it.

      Follow these guidelines to reduce the risks associated with grain storage:

• Assume that all stored materials are bridges and that the potential for entrapment and suffocation is constant.
• Do not enter a storage area from the bottom if material is adhering to the sides.
• If you must enter a storage area, use a safety belt or harness with a lifeline. Always stay above the highest level of material. Never stand on top of stored material.
• Lock out supply and discharge equipment whenever a worker enters the storage area.
• Post signs that indicate the hazards of working with stored materials.
• Ensure that storage areas are equipped with mechanical devices so that workers are not required to enter the area.

Livestock Safety

      Farm animals are responsible for many disabling injuries. Although animal-related injuries are
      generally less severe than injuries caused by farm machinery, such accidents cost time,
      money, and productivity.
 
      The following guidelines offer general safety instructions for working with any animals:

• Take good care of animals and treat them kindly.
• Use adequate restraining and handling facilities when working with animals.
• Always leave yourself an escape route when working with animals (i.e., do not work in small, confined areas or back yourself into a corner).
• Do not put your hands, legs, or feet in gate or chute closures where you may become pinned or crushed by a large animal.
• Reduce the chance for slips and falls by keeping handling areas free from debris. Attach "no slip" safety strips to slick areas.
• Stay away from frightened, sick, or hurt animals whenever possible. Take care around animals with young offspring.
• Wear protective clothing around animals, as appropriate.
• Do not handle livestock when you are alone.
• Keep children away from unfamiliar or unfriendly animals.
• Treat manure pits as confined space. Exercise caution as appropriate. Refer to the Manure Pits section in this chapter for more information.

      The following sections provide specific instructions for working with certain animals.

BEEF CATTLE

      Ordinary beef cattle generally have a calm disposition; however, they are easily spooked.
      Because cattle can see almost 360 degrees without moving their heads, a quick movement
      from behind can scare them just as easily as a sudden movement from the front. Loud,
      sudden noises, and small dogs tend to upset cattle.

      Although cattle are not likely to attack humans, their size and weight can make them
      dangerous. Always leave yourself an escape route when working with cattle. Keep small
      children and strangers away from cattle.

      Remember, cattle tend to kick forward and then backward with their back legs. If you
      working near the udder or flank area of a cow, consider pulling the back leg forward to
      prevent a kick.

DAIRY CATTLE

      Dairy cattle tend to be more nervous than other domestic animals. Always announce your
      presence to a cow by speaking calmly or touching the animal gently. When moving cows into
      a constraining place, such as a milk parlor, always give them time to adjust before beginning
      work. If a dairy cow tends to kick, consider using a hobble.

SWINE

      Hogs can be dangerous because they can bite with enough force to cause serious injury.
      Likewise, a hog's size and weight can easily harm a person if the animal steps on, lays on, or
      charges a person. Guiding hogs for sorting or movement to a new pen requires lots of
      patience and adequate facilities. An easy way to guide a hog backwards is to place a box or
      basket over the hog's head. The hog will then back away to avoid the box. As with cattle,
      you should announce your presence to a hog by speaking calmly.

HORSES

      Take care not to spook horses with loud noise. If you intend to work with a horse, you
      should know how to ride properly, saddle, and handle a horse. Ride with extra care around
      trees, water, or rough terrain.

SHEEP

      Take care when working around sheep to avoid being butted by a ram. To safely immobilize
      a sheep for handling, place the animal on his rump and tilt him far enough back to keep the
      rear hooves off the ground.

POULTRY

      Chickens are fairly harmless, although geese, gobblers, and roosters can harm children and
      the elderly. Most hazards associated with poultry concern improper equipment usage, dust,
      and slippery surfaces within poultry facilities.

Manure Pits

      Manure pit systems are often used to store large amounts of raw manure under animal
      confinement buildings. Manure pits make cleanup easier for farm employees; however, these
      pits may contain hazardous atmoshperes. Due to the nature of these pits, workers should
      always treat manure pits as confined spaces.

      Manure pits may contain one or more of the following gases in dangerous concentrations:

• Methane
• Hydrogen sulfide
• Carbon dioxide
• Ammonia

      Within the confined space of a manure pit, these gases can create an oxygen deficient, toxic,
      and/or explosive atmosphere.

      Treat manure pits like any other type of confined space. For example:

• Ensure that manure pits are properly ventilated.
• Test the pit atmosphere before entering the pit.
• Have a safety attendant ready to lift workers within the manure pit to safety, if necessary.
• Always wear a safety belt or harness with a lifeline when working within a manure pit.

      Please refer to the Confined Space chapter for more information.

Towing Safety

      When towing a trailer or farm equipment, follow these guidelines to ensure driving safety:

• Ensure that the trailer and hitching attachments meet local and state requirements. The trailer must have a current tag and registration.
• Inspect the trailer's wheels and the towing vehicle's wheels to ensure they are in good working order.
• Ensure that the trailer hitch is sufficiently strong and properly mounted.
• Make sure that the towing ball is the correct size for the trailer hitch.
• Always secure a safety chain between the trailer and the towing vehicle.
• Inspect all indicator lights to ensure they are working.
• Adjust mirrors as necessary to view the roadway behind the trailer.
• Adjust your speed and apply brakes evenly to allow for increased stopping distances.
• When backing a trailer, it is helpful to have another person behind the trailer to guide you. Put your hand on the bottom section of the steering wheel and turn the wheel in the direction that you want the trailer to move.