Harvest Preventive Maintenance

Remember the following when preparing for harvest:

• Anticipate equipment problems before they arise and make sure a plan is in place to address them.

• Check maintenance records to ensure that equipment is in proper working order and that critical maintenance activities are performed. Critical items may include belts, lagging, buckets, bearings, dryers, and grain stream processing equipment.

• Make sure that hazard monitoring equipment (belt alignment, motion detection, bearing temperature) is connected and operational.

• Stock critical parts in preparation for breakdowns.

• Allow adequate time for preventive maintenance activities during busy periods. 

• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of safety equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preventive maintenance is a critical component of a safe harvest. Invest the time to make sure that your facility is ready.

Have a safe and bountiful harvest!

Source: Joe Mlynek is president of Progressive Safety Services LLC, Gates Mills OH: joe.mlynek@progressivesafety.us, and content creation expert for Safety Made Simple Inc., Olathe, KS; joe@safetymadesimple.com