Chocking Wheels for Agriculture Meeting Kit

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Choking wheels in agriculture refers to the practice of immobilizing or securing the wheels of agricultural equipment to prevent unintended movement. Choking the wheels involves placing chocks or wedges in front of or behind the wheels to keep the equipment stationary.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

AGRICULTURE CHOKING DANGERS

• Placing chocks in the wrong position or using the wrong size can lead to ineffective wheel choking. If the chocks are not appropriately placed, the equipment may still move, causing accidents and injuries.
• If chocks are not sturdy enough or not appropriately designed for the weight and size of the equipment, they may shift or fail under pressure, leading to unexpected movement of the agricultural machinery.
• In situations where additional stability is required, failure to use wheel blocks, when necessary, can increase the risk of equipment rolling or tipping over.
• On uneven or sloped terrain, miscalculating the slope angle or not using enough chocks can result in equipment rolling downhill, posing a severe safety hazard.
• Poorly stored chocks and wheel blocks or leaving them scattered on the ground can create tripping hazards for workers and other personnel in the area.
• Forgetting to remove chocks before attempting to move the equipment can cause damage to the machinery.
• Using damaged or worn-out chocks can compromise their effectiveness, leading to unexpected equipment movement and accidents.
• Insufficient communication between workers during choking procedures can lead to misunderstandings as someone inadvertently starts the equipment while chocks are still in place.
• Workers who are not properly trained in choking procedures and safety guidelines may be unaware of potential risks or may not know how to handle choking tools correctly.
• During emergencies or urgent situations, quick and efficient chock removal is essential.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

BEST AGRICULTURAL CHOKING PRACTICES

• Select suitable chocks: Choose chocks that are appropriate for the size and weight of equipment. Ensure they are made of durable materials and have sufficient grip on the ground and the tire surface.
• Park on level ground: Whenever possible, park the equipment on level ground to minimize the risk of rolling. If you must park on a slope, take extra precautions to secure the wheels properly.
• Set parking brake: Get the parking brake before choking the wheels. This provides additional safety.
• Place chocks properly: Position the chocks on the uphill side of the wheels to prevent the equipment from rolling downhill.
• Chock both sides if needed: For large equipment with multiple axles, chock both sides of each set of wheels to prevent any unintended movement.
• Test the stability: After placing the chocks, gently rock the equipment back and forth to confirm that it’s stable and won’t move.
• Inspect chocks regularly: Routinely inspect the chocks for signs of wear, damage, or deformation. Replace any damaged chocks immediately.
• Educate personnel: Ensure that all operators and workers are familiar with the choking procedures and understand the importance of using chocks whenever required.
• Use additional safety measures: In high-risk situations, consider using wheel blocks in addition to chocks to provide extra stability. Wheel blocks are typically longer and cover more of the tire surface.
• Remove chocks before operation: Always remember to remove the chocks before starting the equipment. Attempting to operate machinery with chocks in place can cause serious damage.
• Train for emergencies: In case of an emergency, make sure everyone knows how to quickly remove the chocks to move the equipment to safety.
• Keep chocks in designated areas: Have a designated storage location for chocks to ensure they are easily accessible and not lost or misplaced.

MORE PROTECTION FROM HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CHOKING

• Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as sturdy work boots, gloves, and eye protection, when handling chocks and working around agricultural equipment.
• Before choking the wheels, ensure all moving parts of the agricultural equipment.
• Communicate with other workers around you to ensure everyone is aware of the choking process and knows to stay clear of the equipment during this procedure.
• When choking the wheels, keep a safe distance from the tires and the equipment itself to avoid getting caught or injured in case of any unexpected movement.
• Ensure you are standing on stable ground while placing the chocks.
• Use the correct size and type of chocks for the equipment you are dealing with. Position the chocks correctly, following the guidelines mentioned earlier, to prevent rolling.
• After placing the chocks, double-check their positioning and stability before starting any work or maintenance.
• When not in use, store chocks in a designated location away from high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.
• Inspect chocks regularly for signs of wear and damage. Replace worn-out or damaged chocks immediately.
• Ensure that all workers are properly trained in choking procedures and are aware of the potential risks.
• Know the emergency procedures for removing chocks quickly during unexpected situations.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for choking wheels.

FINAL WORD

Choking wheels is a simple yet crucial safety practice in agriculture that helps prevent accidents, safeguard equipment, protect personnel, and maintain a secure working environment.