Harvester safety reminder

By Alice Dell (3rd Yr Latrobe Uni)

The CFA wants to remind farmers of harvester safety precautions in the lead up to warmer and drier conditions.

Hot, dry conditions and high fuel loads aren’t an ideal pairing. Because of this, agricultural events for this year will begin sooner with an elevated risk of fire ignition and spread.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan wants to remind farmers, once again, to take extra caution this harvest season.

“We are entering a more standard summer fire season this year, so we know there will be a large amount of dry fine fuel ready to burn as the vegetation continues to dry out,” CO Heffernan said.

Each year, the CFA encounters a large number of fires igniting from farm machinery in Victoria. Volunteers responded to 41 between July 1 2022 and June 30 2023.

“Many of our volunteers are farmers themselves so we understand the pressure that harvesting related fires pose to them and the community in regard to both their safety and profits.” CO Heffernan said.

Awareness is the key to avoiding harvester fires and it is highly recommended that farmers clean down and inspect equipment thoroughly before each use.

Even the smallest of fires spread extremely quickly to nearby paddocks, so a proactive approach to safety is vital.

CO Heffernan also recommends that farmers check machinery for faults and mechanical defects, grass build-up and hot bearings, making this a part of their routine.

The most common cause of harvester fires is material collecting on hot engine components in the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger.

“Where possible, take regular breaks when operating machinery so it doesn’t get too hot and have adequate firefighting resources available in paddocks where you are conducting harvesting. We also strongly recommend you avoid driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass as the hot exhaust system is a major fire risk,” he says.

Farmers are reminded that harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing in hot, windy conditions can cause harm in a matter of minutes. More information can be found on the CFA website.

“Being fire safe on your farm should be part of any fire plan you have,” CO Heffernan says.

More information can be found on the CFA website.