Safe Operating Procedures for Irrigation Hose Reels

Purpose To define the safe operating procedures in a manner that informs and instructs employees of [Employer/Organization Name] on the key health and safety hazards and controls to remember when using the irrigation hose reel. Hazards The following hazards may occur when using the irrigation hose reel: Critical injury or fatality Crushing injury Equipment or property damage Personal Protective Equipment Safety footwear Eye protection Hearing protection No loose clothing, jewelry or hair Safe Operating Procedure Complete a pre-use inspection. If any defects are noted, the equipment must be removed from service and the supervisor must be notified immediately to ensure equipment is repaired. Operators must have read and understood the operator’s manual. Ensure operator’s manual for equipment is available to operators. Ensure guards and shields are firmly in place and in good condition. Do not operate the equipment without appropriate guards, shields, plates and other safety protective devices in place. Ensure safety decals are legible, order replacements if they are not. Ensure the equipment is used properly as per manufacturer’s directions. Complete a walkaround of the immediate work area prior to starting. Look for obstacles that may need to be removed. Ensure clearance of overhead hazards. Use the appropriate size and type of tractor. A tractor with an enclosed cab roll-over protection system (ROPS) and a seatbelt is recommended when operating the irrigation hose reel. Confirm all controls are in proper working order. Ensure all control levers are in neutral or off position before starting. Keep all bystanders away from the equipment during operation. Do not allow passengers on the equipment. Do not climb on the equipment when during operation. Equipment must be attached to the tractor using means provided and in accordance with current safety standards. Securely tighten all hardware. Always plan out the driving route to know the potential hazards you may encounter while completing the work. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. If the tractor or irrigation hose reel has struck a foreign object, stop and inspect the tractor and equipment for damage. Repair the damage before resuming equipment operation. Never make an adjustment or repair with the irrigation hose reel running. Shut off the engine, disengage the transmission for the irrigation hose reel, set the parking brake and remove the key. When leaving the tractor unattended, turn off the engine, disengage the transmission for the irrigation hose reel, set the parking brake and remove the key. Repairs to the equipment must be performed by qualified personnel, using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or equivalent. Additional Resources SOP for Tractors SOP for Hitching Implements Ministry of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for Farming Operations in Ontario Document Management Effective Date: Revision Date: