Session 4:
Ways to minimize environmental impact of land-based machinery
Introduction
At the end of this session you will be able to:
- operate a minimum of three powered machines appropriate to your area of study in a realistic industrial environment where possible.
- state the ways land-based machinery can damage the environment.
- suggest ways that could be used to limit the damage.
Task:
- Select 3 machines from your area of study.
- Locate the operating manuals.
- Carry out a risk assessment on the machine and the work in hand.
- Set up and operate the machine at regular intervals to become proficient.
- Take images (still or video) of your activity.
Checklist – Make sure you are familiar with the following before you attempt to drive a new machine:
- the specific risk assessment
- the industry safety guidance and operator’s manual
- how to safely start and stop
- how to monitor the machine’s performance and output
- effective communications kept whilst on task
- how to safely clear blockages
- conversion between work and transport positions
- how to operate the machine economically
- how to operate safely and efficiently.
Environmental damage from land-based machinery
The environment could be considered in three distinct areas:
- air
- soil
- water
Machinery, e.g. tractors, muck spreaders, chemical sprayers, can directly damage the environment, either by pollution of the environment with toxic waste or directly through physical damage to the land and the soil.
Soil, Air and Water
The Government produces Codes of Practice which farmers should follow to avoid damaging the environment.
Responsibilities of farm staff and contractors
To avoid pollution and damage to the environment all staff should:
- receive appropriate training for what they have to do.
- know how to operate and maintain the equipment they use.
- know what to do in an emergency.
- be able to follow any emergency plan for the farm.
- comply with any risk assessments, e.g. manure, nutrient, soil or crop protection management plans.
- be aware of the presence of areas which they might damage in the course of their work, e.g. springs, wells and boreholes, or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Soil damage
- Preparing a soil management plan will help you to manage and protect soils on a field-by-field basis. It can also help identify any areas where specialisation may be needed.
- Take soil conditions into account whenever travelling over or cultivating the soil.
- Select management systems and approaches that will enable you to protect the structure of the soil and manage it to minimise run-off and erosion from both water and wind.
Air pollution
- Fumes from the machines when the engine burns fuel can release dangerous chemicals in to the atmosphere.
- Poorly maintained engines give out black smoke.
- Noise from machines can cause noise pollution.
Water pollution
- Cultivated land can leave soils exposed and the soil can run off into streams.
- Eroded soil may remain suspended in the water and reduce the quality of drinking water. Larger particles may settle (sedimentation) in river gravels, causing serious damage to fisheries by smothering spawning grounds and reducing food supply.
- Fuels and oils if they are not correctly stored can cause water pollution as they seeps through the soil into the groundwater.
Tractor damage
Heavy machinery can cause soil structure damage which stops the roots of plants accessing nutrients.
Assessment of Learning
Discuss what damage machinery could cause to the environment.
Conclusion
At the end of this session and through various practical sessions in fieldwork, and by operating a variety of machines, you should be able to:
- operate a minimum of three powered machines appropriate to your area of study in a realistic industrial environment where possible.
- state the ways land-based machinery can damage the environment.
- suggest ways that could be used to limit the damage.