Written by: Stuart Lombard, Health & Safety Advisor at CXCS
With much of the UK experiencing prolonged hot, dry weather and drought conditions, the risk of combine and crop fires is significantly higher than usual. Dry crops, dust, chaff and high operating temperatures can quickly create the conditions for a fire to start and spread. Taking a proactive approach to maintenance and fire prevention can help protect your people, your machinery and your harvest.
Every year, combine fires destroy valuable machinery, damage standing crops and bring harvest to an abrupt halt. They can also put farm employees, family members and emergency services at serious risk.
While it’s impossible to remove the risk entirely, regular maintenance, good housekeeping and careful planning can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a fire.
Before you start harvest
Before heading into the field each day, take time to inspect your combine thoroughly.
Check:
- Belts, hoses and fuel lines for signs of wear, cracks or leaks.
- Bearings and moving parts for excessive heat or unusual noises.
- Electrical wiring, switches and battery terminals for damage or loose connections.
- The cooling system is clean and free from crop residue to prevent the engine from overheating.
Never ignore warning signs such as overheating engines, hot-running bearings or hydraulic leaks. Investigate and repair any faults before continuing work.
Keep your combine clean
Dust, chaff and crop debris can build up quickly around hot engine components and moving parts, creating an ideal fuel source for a fire.
To reduce the risk:
- Regularly blow out dust and chaff using compressed air.
- Remove built-up grease, oil and hydraulic fluid using a pressure washer where appropriate.
- Clean the machine throughout the day during busy periods, not just at the end of each shift.
- Clean up any fuel or oil spills immediately before restarting the engine.
Keep up with routine maintenance
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance and lubrication schedules throughout harvest.
Vibration, friction and worn components can generate enough heat to ignite dry material, particularly during prolonged periods of operation.
Never bypass overload protection such as fuses or circuit breakers, and consider fitting an ISOBUS adaptor to older machines where appropriate.
Stay safe during maintenance
Always:
- Switch off the engine before carrying out maintenance.
- Wait until all moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages.
- Replace damaged parts rather than attempting temporary repairs.
Taking shortcuts can increase both the risk of fire and the likelihood of serious injury.
Be prepared if a fire starts
Every combine should carry a regularly serviced multipurpose fire extinguisher suitable for:
- Class A – crop residue and combustible materials.
- Class B – fuel and oils.
- Class C – electrical fires.
Many businesses also choose to install automatic fire suppression systems, providing an additional level of protection.
Where possible, have a water bowser available in the field and be prepared to create a fire break if a crop fire develops.
Have an emergency plan
Preparation doesn’t stop with the machine.
Make sure:
- Lone workers have a reliable means of communication.
- Mobile phones are carried at all times, not left in another vehicle.
- Staff know who to contact and what to do in the event of a fire.
- The what3words app is installed to help emergency services locate your exact position quickly.
Drivers should also be aware of overhead power lines and ensure there is sufficient clearance before moving machinery between fields.
Look after your team
Harvest is physically demanding, particularly during periods of hot weather.
Encourage everyone to:
- Stay well hydrated.
- Take regular rest breaks.
- Monitor fatigue, particularly during long working days.
- Look out for colleagues who may be struggling with heat, stress or tiredness.
A well-rested operator is far less likely to make mistakes that could lead to an accident or fire.
Reduce the risk this harvest
Hot, dry conditions mean it only takes a small spark to cause a serious incident. By carrying out regular maintenance, keeping machinery clean and ensuring everyone knows what to do in an emergency, you can significantly reduce the risk of a combine fire and help keep your harvest running safely.
If you would like advice on managing health and safety on your farm, our experienced team is here to help. Contact CXCS on 01981 590514 to find out how we can support your business.