At full speed, a power take-off (PTO) operates at 1,000 RPM. That’s 16.6 rotations a second. And each one of those rotations has enough torque to remove a limb in 1/16 of a second. Clearly, there is no room for error. 

Since PTOs can be a risk to worker safety, you may consider not using them at all, but we know that is not practical. PTOs have many uses on farms and provide valuable efficiency when used safely. “When you’re hooking up an implement and you are hunched over standing between two tractor wheels, there’s not a lot of room, which is why it’s important to understand the risks and to follow a safe work procedure," says Ryan Dick, Health and Safety Consultant with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS).

Stationary guards are a must

“I still see people operating a PTO shaft without a stationary guard and that’s a problem,” says Ryan. “The PTO shaft guard should not turn with the PTO shaft. The guard should be chained securely to an anchor point and there should be no slack in that chain.” He explains that having a guard in place is a good start, but if it’s rotating with the shaft, it won't protect you from becoming caught in the equipment. In order to do its job, the guard or safety shield must be secured in place.

Ryan also emphasizes the importance of training. If a worker hasn't been trained to work with PTOs, they should not be working around them. “This includes truck drivers,” says Ryan. “I often see drivers get out of the truck to help load or unload, and they will step over or around the PTO shaft. If they have not been trained on the hazards of working near a PTO, they should not be there.” Remember that as the farm owner or operator, you are responsible for the safety of everyone on your farm. 

7 tips to prevent entanglements

Having the PTO safety shield secured in a stationary position along with the implement guard and master guard is the most effective way to control entanglement hazards when working with PTOs. In addition to that, Ryan has a few more suggestions for farm operators to protect themselves and their workers from entanglements. 

1. Provide training and review hazards regularly. Understanding the risks and how to control them are critical to working safely with PTOs. Develop safe work procedures and train your workers on them.
2. Inspect guards before using equipment. PTO guards are usually plastic and can be damaged over time. Train workers on how to recognize damage and ensure that they inspect the guard before using the equipment.
3. Always shut off the power when hooking up equipment. “I’m not going to trust my life to an electronic clutch that could burn out unexpectedly,” says Ryan. He recommends having the power completely shut off when someone is handling or hooking up equipment. Never handle a PTO shaft that is hooked up to running equipment.
4. Avoid loose hair, clothing, and shoes. Never wear loose or flowing clothing near the PTO shaft. “Even an open jacket can be problematic if a gust of wind blows it in the right direction and it becomes caught,” notes Ryan. Make sure workers always have their hair tied back. They should never wear jewellery when working near PTOs or hoodies with dangling ties.
5. Wear gloves. Protect your hands from cuts and abrasions by wearing good work gloves whenever you are handling the equipment.
6. Perform regular maintenance. To keep the equipment in good working order, stay on top of regular maintenance, which includes lubricating the PTO shaft.
7. Always have a check-in schedule. When someone is working alone with a PTO, always know where they are and establish a regular check-in schedule.

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.