Fire Prevention

Equip the mower-conditioner with a water-type fire extinguisher. Extinguisher should be properly charged and easily accessible in an emergency. Large capacity water fire extinguishers are recommended because application of water can cool hot parts to prevent a fire. If a fire does occur, water will help drown the flame and cool off hot parts, to prevent the fire from rekindling. Train operators on proper use of the extinguisher and the need to keep it charged at all times. If mower-conditioner is subject to cold weather, use an approved nonflammable anti-freeze solution to prevent damage.

If noticeable changes in machine performance occur which might indicate a part is beginning to fail, stop cutting/conditioning immediately and investigate the cause of any sounds, smells, or sights which are unusual. Stopping quickly can limit the damage done, and help to keep part temperatures below the point where a fire will start.

Use extreme care if it is necessary to park a mower-conditioner in a field of dry crop or stubble. Whenever possible, park mower-conditioner on bare ground or in an area surrounded by bare ground. Before leaving a mower-conditioner which has been operating, verify there are no areas which are hot enough to start a fire.

Use extreme care when smoking around the mower-conditioner.

For further information, refer to FIRE PREVENTION in the Safety section.