Fire Prevention

Equip the baler 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 baler is subject to cold weather, use an approved nonflammable antifreeze solution to prevent damage.

If noticeable changes in machine performance occur which might indicate a part is beginning to fail, stop baling 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.

Promptly eject bales after they have been tied or wrapped. Do not use the baler to transport bales from the field. Do not bring a baler, with a bale inside it, into a building. Never leave a baler unattended with a bale inside the chamber.

Use extreme care if it is necessary to park a baler in a field of dry crop or stubble. Whenever possible, park baler on bare ground or in an area surrounded by bare ground. Before leaving a baler which has been operating, verify there are no areas which are hot enough to start a fire. Do not leave the baler unattended near bales which have been baled wet, because spontaneous combustion can occur.

Use extreme care when smoking around the baler.

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