USE SAFETY GADGETS AND FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR THRESHER USE: PAU EXPERTS

LUDHIANA, APRIL 23:-----

The farm mechanization, on one hand, has enhanced the productivity and production in agriculture; while on the other hand, it has increased the number of causalities through agricultural accidents. Expressing these views, the experts of the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering (FMPE) of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) said that presently, threshing operations of wheat crop are in progress all over the Punjab state. Improper handling of threshing machine can lead to serious injuries like amputation, fracture, etc. they cautioned. Dr J.S. Mahal, Head of FMPE, said that due to negligence of operators, use of liquor/drugs, continuous working for long hours, tiredness, sleeplessness and lack or removal of safety features on threshers, multiple injuries take place. Dr Mahal impressed upon the farmers to use safety gadgets/features and follow safety guidelines to reduce the accidents during threshing operation.



Referring to safety gadgets for threshers, Dr Naresh Kumar Chhuneja said that BIS has recommended dimensions for safe feeding systems for various types of threshers which reduce the chance of accidents and the severity of injury. For example, the length and cover of safe feeding chute must be at least 90 cm and 45 cm, respectively. The feed reversal mechanism is an important safety device to reduce injury, he told, adding that its function is to reverse the direction of rotation of feeding rollers, through a gear lever, in case of accident. Dr Chhuneja informed that covers on moving parts including flywheel, belts, pulleys, gears, feeding rollers and shaft lessen the chances of accident due to contact during operation. The high capacity thresher can be fitted with a belt and chain type or bulk feeding type conveyor system to improve safety, comfort and to reduce accidents, he added.



Providing safety guidelines for the thresher use, Dr Brajesh Nare advised the farmers to keep the workplace and surroundings of thresher free from obstruction. Keep easy access to electric mains and protect wires with damp proof material. Use only skilled workers for crop feeding, disregarding economic considerations, he emphasised, suggesting that not to wear loose clothes, wrist watch, etc. while working on thresher. Dr Nare stressed, "Don't operate threshers during night, especially without proper lighting arrangement and under the influence of intoxicants like opium, liquor, etc. Do not cross over the belt or move near it." He asked farmers to feed ear heads (without stalk) with the help of pusher stick to avoid accidents. Use personal dust protective device (mask or cloth) to check inhalation of suspended dust particles. No person should be allowed to work for more than eight hours a day on threshers to avoid drowsiness and fatigue, he advised, while stressing to avoid feeding wet crop or crop with high moisture content. Don't smoke or light fire near the threshing yard. Keep ready sand/powdered soil, fire extinguisher and first aid box to meet any emergency, emphasised Dr Nare.



Discussing about the rehabilitation scheme for agricultural accident victims, the PAU experts told, "Punjab State Government through Punjab State Marketing Board (Mandi Board) is providing financial help to all the farmers, their family members, agricultural laborers and Mandi workers involved in agricultural accidents while working on agricultural machinery and implements including threshers. Rates of monetary aid to accident victims are according to the injury level." Besides, the government is also providing financial assistance in case of permanent disability, they added.
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