Greenhouse Safety

1. Greenhouse Safety Unit 1

2. 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.

3. Common Hazards include: • Wet Areas • Cluttered Aisles • Faulty Electrical Wiring • Use of Chemicals • Power Equipment

4. 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.

5. Recommended Safety Practices • Post warning signs indicating slick areas. • Treat the slick surfaces to reduce algae growth. • Periodically inspect and clean the walkways.

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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Use of Chemicals • Care must be taken when mixing and applying chemicals. • Poisoning can occur through contact with the skin and by inhaling fumes.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Common Danger Zones • Fan Blades, Flywheels and Pulley Systems • Potting Machines • Soil Mixers • Conveyors • Tractors • Forklifts

15. Fans, Flywheels and Pulley Systems • Should be guarded. • Guards should prevent openings that prevent entry of fingers and hands.

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

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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.