Greenhouse SafetyUnit 1

Greenhouse Safety

•The nature of the work in a greenhouse can lead to personal injury.

•Workers should be made aware of the hazards so that proper measures can be taken to prevent or be cautious of the problems that can occur.

Common Hazards include:

•Wet Areas•Cluttered Aisles•Faulty Electrical Wiring•Use of Chemicals•Power Equipment

Wet Area

•Greenhouses cause wet and humid conditions.

•Watering of plants and the increased humidity causes water puddles and algae build-up on walkways.

•Results in slippery conditions that can lead to falls and injuries.

Recommended Safety Practices

•Post warning signs indicating slick areas.

•Treat the slick surfaces to reduce algae growth.

•Periodically inspect and clean the walkways.

Cluttered Aisles

•Hoses, plants, carts, and other items can clutter up the aisle ways and create a tripping hazard.

Recommended Safety Practices

•Check the aisles regularly to see that they are free of obstacles.

•Make sure hanging plants are secure and provide safe passage.

Faulty Electrical Wiring

•Poor electrical wiring is a major cause of fire and electrical shock.

•The most common electrical problems in greenhouses include:▫Temporary wiring▫Improper splicing▫Excessive use of extension cords

Recommended Safety Practices

•Have the fire department of a professional electrician inspect the greenhouse wiring.

•Use standard twist connectors to join wires.

•Only use extension cords with adequate capacity to carry the current.

Recommended Safety Practices

• Never place extension cords under carpets where they can be damaged from traffic.

• See that all electrical joints are secure within a junction or receptacle box.

• Locate breakers and service boxes away from areas that will be wet.

Use of Chemicals

•Care must be taken when mixing and applying chemicals.

•Poisoning can occur through contact with the skin and by inhaling fumes.

Recommended Safety Practices• Schedule the application of chemicals when

temperatures are cool.

• Always read and follow instructions on the chemical label.

• Only allow employees trained in the use of chemicals to handle them.

• Wear safety gear when mixing and applying chemicals.

Power Equipment• Both experienced workers and workers new to

the industry are at risk of injury from pieces of power equipment.

• Inexperienced workers often are not aware of the dangers and must be trained on the safety procedures.

• Experienced workers become familiar with the procedures and can become careless and often require re-training.

Common Danger Zones

•Fan Blades, Flywheels and Pulley Systems•Potting Machines•Soil Mixers•Conveyors•Tractors•Forklifts

Fans, Flywheels and Pulley Systems

•Should be guarded.

•Guards should prevent openings that prevent entry of fingers and hands.

Potting Machines

•Drill heads on potting machines are dangerous and should be guarded.

Soil Mixers

•Should have safeguards that prevent workers from falling into the hopper.

Conveyors

•Automated conveyor systems have become increasingly popular.

•These systems offer a particular danger where the conveyor belt and end roller meet.

•These points need to be guarded so the machinery cannot grab clothing and fingers.

Tractors

•The power take off (PTO) must be guarded as it can grab limbs and clothing and cause serious injury.

•Also, tractors are to be ridden only by the operator of the vehicle.

•Additional riders prohibited.

Forklifts

•Forklift trucks are among the most dangerous pieces of power equipment used in the greenhouse industry.

•Employers must provide forklift training to employees regarding the operation of the vehicle.