Strength Test for Pre-ROPS Tractor Axle Housings

SUMMARY

Tractor rollovers are a major cause of farm-related deaths. A rollover protective structure (ROPS) dramatically reduces fatalities during tractor overturns. However, pre-ROPS (before ROPS were available) tractor axle housings were not designed to support the ROPS. This paper presents the strength test investigating pre-ROPS tractor axle housings, evaluating their suitability for accepting reliable ROPS. The factor of safety between longitudinal yield torque of the axle housing and the maximum torque subjected during ASAE S519 longitudinal static test is determined. The relationship between twisting angle and torque of the axle housing is established. The results show that a particular pre-ROPS axle housing can successfully support the ROPS with a safety factor of about two. The test was conducted in accordance to ASAE Standard S519 on a single axle housing.     

Prevalence of Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS)-Equipped Tractors on Hispanic-Operated Farms in the United States

ABSTRACT

Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) are known to prevent tractor overturn deaths, but not enough tractors are equipped with them in the United States to reduce the rate of these deaths to levels seen in several European countries. Recent literature has defined the use of ROPS on US farms in general, but little is known about ROPS use on Hispanic farm operations. Data from a national survey for the calendar year 2003 were used to assess the prevalence of ROPS use on Hispanic-operated farms. Farm characteristics previously identified to be associated with low ROPS prevalence rates on other farming operations were examined for these Hispanic farming operations. The overall ROPS prevalence rate on Hispanic farms was 52.2%. Adjusted odds ratios of potential risk factors found that the region where the farm was located and the acreage of the farm appeared to be the most significant indicators of the prevalence of ROPS on Hispanic farms. In addition, the age of the farm operator, the farm status as a full- or part-time operation, and the type of farm operation were also important factors. These findings were similar to those seen for racial minority farms and the general farming population. These results can be used to target ROPS promotion programs for Hispanic farmers across the United States.     

Effect of Dynamics on the Stability Index of Tractors

SUMMARY

Acceleration can decrease the stability of a tractor and result in a tractor rollover on a moderate slope. This report examines an example of an agricultural tractor rollover on a moderate slope and determines a stability index. Based on stability data and the kinematic analysis of a tractor turning on a slop, the paper modifies the index of static stability based on the steady-state operation of a tractor by introducing a dynamic factor.

A tractor rollover was recorded on a video and stability parameters (pitch and roll angles and their rate, as well as yaw rate) were measured by stability sensors. The analysis of the video and stability data in real time showed that the index of tractor stability on a slope is significantly affected by its dynamics (e.g., angle rates and vehicle acceleration). The strong cornering of a tractor wheel and high yaw rate increase the possibility of rollover.     

Action Learning: A New Method to Increase Tractor Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Adoption

ABSTRACT

Action Learning is a problem-solving process that is used in various industries to address difficult problems. This project applied Action Learning to a leading problem in agricultural safety. Tractor overturns are the leading cause of fatal injury to farmworkers. This cause of injury is preventable using rollover protective structures (ROPS), protective equipment that functions as a roll bar structure to protect the operator in the event of an overturn. For agricultural tractors manufactured after 1976 and employee operated, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation requires employers to equip them with ROPS and seat belts. By the mid-1980s, US tractor manufacturers began adding ROPS on all farm tractors over 20 horsepower sold in the United States (http://www.nasdonline.org/document/113/d001656/rollover-protection-for-farm-tractor-operators.html). However, many older tractors remain in use without ROPS, putting tractor operators at continued risk for traumatic injury and fatality. For many older tractor models ROPS are available for retrofit, but for a variety of reasons, tractor owners have not chosen to retrofit those ROPS. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) attempted various means to ameliorate this occupational safety risk, including the manufacture of a low-cost ROPS for self-assembly. Other approaches address barriers to adoption. An Action Learning approach to increasing adoption of ROPS was followed in Virginia and New York, with mixed results. Virginia took action to increase the manufacturing and adoption of ROPS, but New York saw problems that would be insurmountable. Increased focus on team composition might be needed to establish effective Action Learning teams to address this problem.     

Implementing a National Tractor Safety Program: Using “Whole System in a Room” to Mobilize Partners and Implement Solutions

Fatalities due to tractor overturns have long plagued the US farm community. Constituting 20% of agricultural fatalities, tractor overturns contribute significantly to high rates of fatal injuries. In the past, many efforts have been directed toward reducing tractor overturns, with one successful US-based program offering rebates to farmers who retrofit their tractors with rollover protective structures (ROPS). In an effort to expand the program, the National Tractor Safety Coalition was formed. This coalition hosted a “Whole System in the Room” workshop to bring 50 stakeholders together. During this workshop, participants worked together to identify a common vision for the future of tractor safety and ROPS programs and commit to action. At the close of the workshop, coalition members set out to begin work on 100 short- and long-term commitments to begin implementing a National ROPS Rebate Program.     

头面部医用防护用品一体化的设计与应用

目的:设计一体化头面部医用防护用品,以解决个人防护用品存在舒适度不高、穿脱时间过长以及穿脱步骤过多等问题.方法:将面屏、护目镜、医用防护口罩及防护服头部部分设计为一体,并与防护服无缝连接,口罩边缘采用气囊结构使密封更加完好,面屏采用阔视野,高清晰,防雾效果好的材料.结果:经检测,一体化头面部医用防护用品增强了防护效果和...     

Respirator and Hearing Protection Use in the Certified Safe Farm Program

ABSTRACT

An evaluation was conducted on the results of the Certified Safe Farm controlled intervention program on a wide range of occupational health and safety outcomes. This report focuses on the outcomes of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage among one cohort of 438 Iowa (owner-operator) farmers in the Certified Safe Farm study during a 5-year period from 2004 to 2008. Intervention farmers reported an 11% increase in regular respirator usage and a 23% increase in regular use of hearing protection relative to comparison groups. Furthermore, it was revealed that personal factors such as smoking and low self-assessment of health status are associated with lower usage of PPE. The authors provide evidence that multiple modalities of intervention are more likely to affect safe behavior changes in the owner-operator farming population compared with single modality interventions. Further, farmers reported that personal factors such as smoking history and low self-assessment of health status are associated with lower usage of PPE.     

深圳市某街道中小型企业个体防护用品管理及使用知识情况调查

目的调查深圳市某街道中小型企业个体防护用品(PPE)的管理情况及劳动者相关知识的知晓情况。方法应用自行设计的调查问卷,对中小型企业管理者PPE管理情况及劳动者PPE使用知识情况进行调查。结果在PPE使用管理情况方面,中型企业口罩、耳塞正确配置率均为100%,而小型企业正确配置率分别为72.8%及85.8%,两种企业差异有统计学意义(均P0.01);中型企业较小型企业在PPE管理制度、维护培训、督促指导方面肯定率稍高,但两者之间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。劳动者PPE使用知识知晓率情况方面,相关的法律知晓、危害告知知晓率分别为62.6%及68.3%;而在正确发放及该佩戴何种口罩的问题上,知晓率均不超过30%;工龄长的劳动者在法律知晓调查中具有较高的知晓率,但是在危害告知、正确发放、PPE选择等方面,工龄的增加并未表现出相关知识知晓率的升高。结论该街道中小型企业PPE管理需要进一步完善,劳动者PPE防护知识严重缺乏,职业卫生培训中要注意加强宣传PPE选择使用知识。     

出入境人员体检系统的设计与开发

随着检验检疫信息化建设的逐步深入,全面数字化检验检疫工作的建设已经成为目前检验检疫信息化建设的主题。然而,涉及到出入境人员的体检尚未建立一套较为完整的体检系统,本系统的成功开发弥补了该项空白。本文从网络拓扑结构、系统体系结构、系统的总体设计与功能模块划分三个方面较为详细的介绍了该体检系统。     

Exploring respiratory protection practices for prominent hazards in healthcare settings

The use of respiratory protection, an important component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare, is dependent on the hazard and environmental conditions in the workplace. This requires the employer and healthcare worker (HCW) to be knowledgeable about potential exposures and their respective protective measures. However, the use of respirators is inconsistent in healthcare settings, potentially putting HCWs at risk for illness or injury. To better understand respirator use, barriers, and influences, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health and Safety Practices Survey of Healthcare Workers provided an opportunity to examine self-reported use of respirators and surgical masks for targeted hazards. The hazards of interest included aerosolized medications, antineoplastic drugs, chemical sterilants, high-level disinfectants, influenza-like illness (ILI), and surgical smoke. Of the 10,383 HCWs who reported respiratory protection behaviors, 1,904 (18%) reported wearing a respirator for at least one hazard. Hazard type, job duties, site characteristics, and organizational factors played a greater role in the likelihood of respirator use than individual factors. The proportion of respirator users was highest for aerosolized medications and lowest for chemical sterilants. Most respondents reported using a surgical mask for at least one of the hazards, with highest use for surgical smoke generated by electrosurgical techniques and ILI. The high proportion of respirator non-users who used surgical masks is concerning because HCWs may be using a surgical mask in situations that require a respirator, specifically for surgical smoke. Improved guidance on hazard recognition, risk evaluation, and appropriate respirator selection could potentially help HCWs better understand how to protect themselves at work.     

Occupational electromagnetic spectrum hazards and the significance of artificial optical radiation: country report for Greece

Background:The electromagnetic spectrum spans over an enormous range from 0 up to more than 10²⁰ Hz in the deep ionizing region, significant exposures exist in specific occupational environments. Between the ionizing and the electromagnetic fields (EMF) part of the spectrum, the ‘optical radiation’ (OR) region has specific properties. Comparative and concise evaluation enables action prioritization.Methods:Following the transposition and implementation periods of the artificial optical radiation (AOR) and EMF European Directives, the Hellenic Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE) and the National Technical University of Athens, conducted thorough occupational exposure investigation in Greece. Using dedicated measuring equipment and procedures, the majority of EMF emitting installations in Greece and also AOR emitting installations including arc welding, lasers and PC monitors has been assessed.Results:Measurement results from occupational settings reveal that it is the non-coherent metal arc welding AOR that can pose even sub-second overexposures. Rare EMF overexposures are manageable and EMF concern is not justified. Maintenance procedures demand proper attention. Preliminary laser safety assessment reveals OHS gaps and potential eye and skin hazards. Blue light exposure from computer monitors is well below safety limits.Conclusions:This electromagnetic spectrum risk assessment conducted in Greece enables the justification of the real occupational hazards, in this sense: i) EMF exposure assessment has to be concentrated to maintenance procedures; ii) AOR measuring setups are challenging and standardized measurement procedures are missing, and iii) AOR overexposures from arc welding pose significant eye and skin hazards.     

我国实验室生物安全防护装备发展现状及展望

实验室生物安全防护装备是高等级生物安全实验室的硬件基础和关键防护屏障。本文较详细介绍了实验室生物安全防护装备的分类、防护功能及应用,概述了发达国家和我国实验室生物安全防护装备的发展历程和发展现状,分析了我国目前存在的主要问题,并针对性地提出了发展建议,以供相关政府部门、研发机构和企业参考。     

心率监测系统设计

阐述了单兵便携式心率监测系统的总体设计方案，介绍了系统的硬件和软件设计。系统基于AVR系列单片机ATmega64（L），用于心率监测系统的MCU，实时性好，体积小，功耗低，携带方便，适用于单兵训练强度的心率监测。     

某企业工作场所有害因素防护效果评价

对某企业工作场所有害因素进行检测,根据检测结果对工人个体防护用品的防护效果和车间工程防护效果进行评价。检测与评价结果表明:工人个体防护服、防护面罩以及车间工程防护的防护效果比较明显,能够起到保护工人身体健康的作用,企业车间整体职业卫生状况良好。     

Involving Fathers in Teaching Youth About Farm Tractor Seatbelt Safety—A Randomized Control Study

PurposeFarm youth continue to experience high rates of injury and deaths as a result of agricultural activities. Farm machinery, especially tractors, is the most common cause of casualties to youth. A Roll-Over Protection Structure (ROPS) along with a fastened seatbelt can prevent almost all injuries and fatalities from tractor overturns. Despite this knowledge, the use of seatbelts by farmers on ROPS tractors remains low. This study treats farm safety as a family issue and builds on the central role of parents as teachers and role models of farm safety for youth.MethodsThis research study used a longitudinal, repeated-measures, randomized-control design in which youth 10–19 years of age were randomly assigned to either of two intervention groups (parent-led group and staff-led group) or the control group.ResultsFathers in the parent-led group were less likely to operate ROPS tractors without a seatbelt compared with other groups. They were more likely to have communicated with youth about the importance of wearing seatbelts on ROPS tractors. Consequently, youth in the parent-led group were less likely to operate a ROPS tractor without a seatbelt than the control group at post-test.ConclusionsThis randomized control trial supports the effectiveness of a home-based, father-led farm safety intervention as a promising strategy for reducing youth as well as father-unsafe behaviors (related to tractor seatbelts) on the farm. This intervention appealed to fathers' strong motivation to practice tractor safety for the sake of their youth. Involving fathers helped change both father as well as youth unsafe tractor-seatbelt behaviors.     

浅析一次性医疗器械包装的平面设计

本文基于实际应用中出现的问题,通过对印刷机械设备、包装材料和印刷油墨的分析详细讨论了一次性医疗器械包装的平面设计中应注意的问题,并提出了具有操作性的解决方案。     

火箭推进剂应急抢险个体防护装备的设计与研究

目的:研制一种用于液体火箭推进剂应急救援的个体防护装备。方法:防护服采取全包覆隔绝式结构,主要材料采用丁基胶或丁基胶涂覆聚乙烯胶布,内部安装温度、压力监测传感器。大眼窗全闭合头罩,内部安装量程为(0~20)×10-6(V/V)、精度为±1%的推进剂毒气监测传感器,内置头戴式有线耳麦和具备有线/无线2种传输方式的通信模块,无线和有线传输距离不小于150 m和1 000 m。采用空气压缩机作为主供气源,出口含油量不大于2 mg/m3,露点1~3℃。长管正压供气,气路安装涡流降温阀。结果:个体防护装备系统防护因数不小于100,呼吸防护因数不小于10 000,推进剂"气-液"防护时间不小于150 min。结论:该防护装备适用于保护操作人员在遂行推进剂突发事件应急抢险任务时免受推进剂伤害,防护性能好,并显著改善人体生理负荷,可满足发射场推进剂安全防护保障的需要。     

Compliance with required pesticide-specific protective equipment use.

BACKGROUND: This study measured compliance with pesticide-specific protective gear use requirements practiced by farmers applying pesticides to field crops. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty randomly selected dairy farmers were interviewed 1 week after pesticide application to determine use of personal protective equipment while applying at least 1 of 15 possible restricted use pesticides (response rate = 82.4%). RESULTS: Among the three most common pesticides used (dicamba, atrazine, and cyanazine), the proportions of farmers fully complying with gear use requirements were 8.8, 8.6, and 2.5%, respectively. For those same pesticides, the proportions (and 95% CI) using none of the required gear were 56.9% (47.3-66.5%), 38.6% (27.2-50.0%), and 47.5%(32.0-63.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both full and partial compliance with required personal protective equipment was low for each of the 15 chemicals applied by the applicators in this sample.