UNIT

Basic Principles of Agricultural/Horticultural

Science

PROBLEM AREA

Identifying Basic Agricultural Mechanics

Principles

LESSON

Describing Basic Skills Used in Agricultural

Mechanization

What skills are needed in agricultural mechanics?

Interest Approach

Student Learning Objectives

1. Identify the safety skills used in agricultural mechanics.

2. Identify the science skills used in agricultural mechanics.

3. Identify the mathematical skills used in agricultural mechanics.

Terms Algebra Arithmetic Calculus Chemistry Earth Science Energy Geometry Logic

Mathematics Matter Physical Science Physics Safety Triangulation Trigonometry

What safety skills are used in agricultural mechanics?

Objective: 1

Safety Skills When students sign up for an

agricultural mechanics course they usually just want to “pound nails” and “turn wrenches.”

They often get frustrated when the instructor starts talking about safety.

But safety is the most important skill a student can learn.

Safety Safety is defined as freedom from

accidents. In agricultural mechanics, both

hand tools and power tools are used.

Whenever any type of machine is used or any type of work is done there is the possibility of accidents.

Safety

Carelessness is the cause of many of these accidents.

With proper safety skills training in the agricultural mechanics lab, many of these accidents can be prevented.

Agricultural mechanics safety skills - three categories.

1) how to create a safe working environment

2) identifying safety colors and their meanings

3) identifying appropriate protective clothing.

Safety

One of the most important things a person involved in agricultural mechanics can learn is how to create a safe place to work.

By doing so, many accidents can be prevented.

By observing the following precautions, a person can be

productive and safe.

Install all machinery according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Keep all tools and equipment adjusted to specifications.

Use tools and equipment only for their intended purpose.

Provide proper storage for tools, materials, fuels, chemicals, and waste materials.

By observing the following precautions, a person can be

productive and safe. Keep all moving parts properly

shielded. Protect eyes, face, feet, and other parts

of the body with proper protective clothing and devices.

Avoid running and other horseplay that create hazards.

Read and follow all precautions. Use common sense

Color Code

Several national organizations have worked together to develop a safety coding system to be used in the agricultural mechanics lab.

The purpose of this system is to alert people to danger or hazards.

Color Code

Each color or combination of colors conveys a specific message.

It is imperative that students learn this system and that the school’s agricultural mechanics lab has this system in place.

The following descriptions show how each safety color is used to convey a

message.

Red = Danger – Red is used to identify areas or items of danger or emergency such as safety switches and fire equipment.

The following descriptions show how each safety color is used to convey a

message.

Orange = Warning – Orange is used to designate machine hazards such as edges and openings.

Orange is also used as background for electrical switches, levers, and controls.

The following descriptions show how each safety color is used to convey a

message.

Yellow = Caution – Yellow is used to identify parts of machines, such as wheels, levers, and knobs that control or adjust the machine.

Yellow and black stripes are used in combination to mark stairs, protruding objects, and other stationary hazards.

The following descriptions show how each safety color is used to convey a

message.

Blue = Information – Blue is used for signs if a warning or caution is intended.

Such signs are made of white letters on blue background and carry messages such as “OUT OF ORDER” or “DO NOT OPERATE.”

The following descriptions show how each safety color is used to convey a

message.

Green = Safety – Safety green is a special shade of green and indicates the presence of safety equipment, safety areas and first aid.

Protective Clothing

It is very important, while working in the agricultural mechanics lab, to wear some type of protective clothing.

The type of equipment being used by the person determines the type and amount of protective clothing.

Protective Clothing

There are three basic areas of the body when it comes to protective clothing.

They are face and eyes, body feet

The face and eyes

Regarded as the most critical parts of the body to be protected.

This is because the eyes are so easily damaged.

Safety glasses or goggles provide a minimum amount of eye protection.

The face and eyes

This should be the minimum amount of protective equipment worn by students while doing any type of work in the agricultural mechanics lab.

Body

No part of the body is safe from injury in lab accidents.

Suitable protective clothing that fits properly helps to prevent and reduce injuries.

There should be no cuffs, strings, or ties for machinery to catch.

Body

The protective equipment used to protect a worker’s body can include coveralls, aprons, or shop coats.

Respirators may also be necessary if dealing with agricultural chemicals or paints

Feet Leather shoes with steel toes are

recommended when working in the agricultural mechanics lab.

Shoes should also have a minimum top of 6-inches.

This is to reduce the chance of any material falling down the shoe while working.

Feet

Leather is the preferred material because of its strength, durability, and comfort.

Rubber boots should be worn when it becomes necessary to work in locations covered in water or when using pesticides.