Improving the safe use of portable grain augers through technological innovation
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(Published version)
Date
2007
Authors
Desbiolles, J.M.A.
Raz, J.
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Conference paper
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Electronic-only Proceedings of the International Conference on Crop Harvesting and Processing, 2007, pp.136-150
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(11 Feb 1907 - 14 Feb 1907
Abstract
This paper explores the role of technological innovation in improving the safe use of portable screw augers inform environments, dealing with the safety aspects of the auger intake where significant risks of entanglement exist. Current auger safety standards (eg. ASABE S361.3) strictly require for conformance the fitting of an auger intake guardas a deterrent from accidental contact with the operator. Investigations of auger related injuries show a large number of injuries continue to occur and highlighted key actions by operators increasing the risks of on-farm accidents. The safety purpose of the intake guard often conflicts with auger throughput expectations, which promotes situations where the user may make unsafe decisions. In practice, studies show that operators often remove an existing intake guard to facilitate auger inspection, improve auger capacity or to solve a size incompatibility with field bin openings, and take unsafe actions in operation despite the clear presence of warning signs. As a result of design limitations, much control over the operating safety environment of portable grain augers is shifted onto the on-farm operator, undermining the objectives and the philosophy of associated safety standards. Innovative approaches to improving auger intake safety can take away control from the user and may reduce the risks of on-farm injuries. Examples are highlighted as improved technological solutions, including the concept of a replacement intake kit with soft polyurethane flighting and flexible sleeve, fitted with overload release clutch, with the potential to significantly reduce risks to the user. Incentives for improved designs of guards are required to ensure their use is maintained on-farm. In concluding, the paper proposes that technological innovations able to better fulfill - in practice - the safety purpose of safety standards such as ASABE S361.3 need to be recognized and adopted as "essential specification" to encourage and achieve safer on-farm operations.
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Copyright 2007 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers