Repairing farm equipment safely

Maintenance and repairs are routine tasks on farms. Equipment breaks down and machinery requires regular upkeep, it’s just a regular part of farming. Proper knowledge, information and tools are crucial for carrying out maintenance and repairs effectively and safely.

Bill C-244 is an amendment to the Copyright Act that allows Canadians access to vehicle, machinery and equipment data for diagnostics, maintenance and repairs. This change enables qualified individuals to conduct on-farm repairs, which provides cost savings related to equipment transfer to a dealership, labour and operational downtime.

Of course, it’s crucial to remember the hazards linked to farm machinery, whether it’s during operation in the fields or while carrying out maintenance. According to Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting data, between 2011 and 2020, 66% of agriculture-related fatalities involved machinery, including rollovers, runovers, and entanglements.

Before undertaking any maintenance or repair, consider these essential safety points:

1. Competence

• Are you familiar with the machine or equipment?
• Do you have previous experience fixing it?
• Are you trained and do you have the correct tools and parts for the job?

2. Supervision

• Does the maintenance process require supervision to ensure the correct use of tools and parts?
• Is the owner's manual being followed?

3. Owner’s Manual

• Are you using the owner's manual to learn what oil and filters are needed to change the oil, and when?
• Are you referring to it for all repairs and upkeep?

4. Inspections

• Do you have a daily checklist to inspect the equipment for damages, fluid leaks, burnt-out lights and other necessary repairs? Remember! Checklists serve as reminders of what to look for.

5. Record Keeping

• Have you gathered service records for reference?
• Are the records up to date with details of on-farm repairs, maintenance and recurring issues?

6. Stored Energy

• Have you controlled stored energy such as hydraulic fluid, electricity and springs?
• Are you using a lockout system for stored hydraulic energy, like the red block on raised skid steer lift arms?
• Have you unplugged battery cables to release electrical energy and release pressure in springs before starting repairs?

7. Professional Help

• Do you know when it’s time to seek professional assistance? Hint: It’s when you don't know how to fix it, don't have the right tools or parts, haven't been trained, or if you haven't done it before.

Final word: Always consult your provincial Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation to understand specific maintenance and repair requirements for your equipment and machinery.

About the BeGrainSafe Program

The BeGrainSafe program is a grain safety initiative of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association. It is supported by sponsors and donors, including the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (a federal, provincial, and territorial initiative), G3, Corteva Agriscience, CN, Farm Credit Canada, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Grains, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, SaskCanola, Sask Wheat, Viterra, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Manitoba Canola Growers and Prairie Oat Growers Association. For more information about BeGrainSafe, visit BeGrainSafe.