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30/05/2003
Wise-up on new tractor law say HSE
SOME people do not seem to be aware of the changes in regulations concerning tractors says the Health and Safety Executive.
From December 5, 2002, all tractors above 560 kg in weight when used at work, should in most circumstances have a safety cab or roll bar.
The new ruling is part of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) which removed a previous exemption allowing tractors to be used without cab or bar if they were driven solely by the farm owner and never driven by an employed worker.
Since 1974, in fact, it has been perfectly legal to operate something like a Fergie 35 without cab, as long as an employed worker never drove it. But that has all changed and although a specific warning has been issued by HSE inspector Ian Daniells' team in Cheshire, there is no
reason to suppose that the recent legislation has been better absorbed elsewhere.
"The only exception to this rule is that when farmers are working in an orchard or hop field, or where the tractor is being used around low buildings, then the roll bar may be lowered temporarily while that work is being performed," says Mr Daniells.
He says a number of companies still make roll bars for a wide range of tractors.
"Safety cabs and roll bars do save lives. Before 1974 there were approximately 45 deaths a year from overturning tractors. This has now reduced dramatically but still there are fatalities from tractors overturning that have no cabs or roll bar protection.
The requirements do not apply to vintage tractors only kept for rallies.
From December 5, 2002, all tractors above 560 kg in weight when used at work, should in most circumstances have a safety cab or roll bar.
The new ruling is part of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) which removed a previous exemption allowing tractors to be used without cab or bar if they were driven solely by the farm owner and never driven by an employed worker.
Since 1974, in fact, it has been perfectly legal to operate something like a Fergie 35 without cab, as long as an employed worker never drove it. But that has all changed and although a specific warning has been issued by HSE inspector Ian Daniells' team in Cheshire, there is no
reason to suppose that the recent legislation has been better absorbed elsewhere.
"The only exception to this rule is that when farmers are working in an orchard or hop field, or where the tractor is being used around low buildings, then the roll bar may be lowered temporarily while that work is being performed," says Mr Daniells.
He says a number of companies still make roll bars for a wide range of tractors.
"Safety cabs and roll bars do save lives. Before 1974 there were approximately 45 deaths a year from overturning tractors. This has now reduced dramatically but still there are fatalities from tractors overturning that have no cabs or roll bar protection.
The requirements do not apply to vintage tractors only kept for rallies.
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