Special Hazards
(reprinted with permission from Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, I-80 & Hwy 146, Grinnell, Iowa 50112)

  1. Motor vehicles or tractors should be stored in buildings specifically designed for such storage.

  2. Engines on tractors or combines should be shut off and allowed to cool before filling them with fuel.

  3. The electrical wiring on tractors and combines should be checked twice yearly for cracks or worn spots in the insulation.  Loose or sagging wires should be put back in their original position with plastic tie straps.

  4. Vehicles should be kept clean of grease and debris to prevent a possible fire.

  5. Install one ten pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher on self-propelled agricultural equipment.

  6. A routine maintenance program should be established for buildings a equipment.

  7. Before occupying a new or remodeled building, operate the electrical system, heating system, ventilation system, and power generating equipment under constant surveillance for 24-48 hours and check for proper operation, and observe for malfunction.

  8. Crop dryers should be checked before each drying season by a qualified serviceman to make sure the unit is operating properly and all safety devices are functional.

  9. Building construction should be kept a minimum distance of 50 feet from existing structures.

  10. There should be a minimum of two separate and remote exits form each building.

  11. As a minimum, one ten pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher should be installed in each building.

  12. Consideration should be given to installing fire stops every 75 to 100 feet in buildings.

  13. The fire department should be invited to the farmstead annually to visually inspect the operation and to implement a plan of attack in the event of a fire.

  14. In the best interest of theft prevention, lock all buildings, install security lights and avoid leaving implements or vehicles near public roads.

  15. Weeds should be kept mown or sprayed a minimum distance of 10 feet around buildings, equipment, flammable liquid storage tanks, etc.

  16. Keep incinerators at least 50 feet from buildings or important structures and open burning 100 feet from buildings or important structures.

  17. Haystacks, large round bales, biomass fuels, and other combustible products should be kept 40 feet from biomass heating systems.

  18. Use the ten digit operation I.D. number available  from local law enforcement officials on all removable items, equipment, and machinery for theft prevention.