Pitchforks (Download)
Pitch Forks / Garden Forks Images from Microsoft Clip Art General Description Pitchforks and Garden forks are tools that have a long handle attached to long, thin, widely separated tines which are used to lift loose material and “ pitch ” it. They generally have wooden handles with steel heads and tines. The number of, and spacing between tines, can vary depending on the purpose. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_fork http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitchfork#cite_note-0 Historical Origins Pitchforks were first used in Europe in the early Middle Ages. They have often been seen by stereotypical “ angry mobs ” carrying flaming torches, pitchforks and clubs. A pitchforks is also pictured in the famous painting “ American Gothic. ” http:// en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Pitchfork#cite_note-0 http:// smithmeadows.com /kitchen/farm-raised-local- valentin /attachment/ american -gothic/ Differences Pitchfork vs. Garden Fork Garden forks have much shorter handles and usually have only 4 tines , they are most commonly used for disturbing the soil in gardening or farming applications. Pitchforks have longer handles and have anywhere between 3 to 10 tines (usually 5 ) , and are used to move loose materials such as leaves, hay and compost. Pitchfork Garden Fork http:// en.wikipedia.org /wiki/ Garden_fork http:// en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Pitchfork#cite_note-0 Images from Microsoft Clip Art Standard Usage Both pitchforks and garden forks are generally used in the agricultural industry, but are occasionally used for landscaping and/or site work in the construction sector. Discussion with Professor Jimmie Hinze Picture: http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/starting-a-garden/index.html Potential Hazards Punctures The most common and most dangerous hazard. This usually happens when one person stabs their own foot. It can also happen if one person punctures another person due to carelessness. Discussion with Professor Jimmie Hinze Pictures from Microsoft Clip Art Potential Hazards (Cont.) Dehydration: Becoming dehydrated while working outdoors is always a safety hazard; be sure to drink plenty of water. Back strain: P roper technique should be used to avoid straining the back . Blisters: Proper measures must be taken to avoid blistering while using these tools; wear gloves . Discussion with Professor Jimmie Hinze How to Avoid Back Problems Workers should keep their feet well separated for good balance, always keeping their knees flexed. When using a pitchfork for mulch relocation/spreading, workers should load their pitchfork sparingly on their first load and gradually increase their next load size until they reach the capacity , which they can handle in a safe and efficient manner . Workers should bend their knees but not their backs while using a pitchfork. Their knees should be flexed so that their leg muscles take most of the load. Workers should be keeping their arms and elbows close to their body while handling loads. This move will set worker ’ s body in balance and in a power position. http:// www.ehow.com /how_6055655_dig-hole-injuring-yourself.html Fatality Data There were no pitchfork-related or garden fork-related fatalities investigated by OSHA from 1990 to 2009. Source: Extracted from OSHA Accident Investigation Data 1990-2009 OSHA Regulations Pitchforks and Garden forks are not specifically mentioned in the OSHA Regulations. Source: OSHA Regulations http://windowguysflorida.com/page_view.php?id=4&id_version=1&id_page=3 Best Practices Steel toe shoes must be worn because foot injuries are the most common way to be hurt with a pitchfork or garden fork. Also wear the typical PPE; (gloves, glasses, and hats) Keep a minimum of 8 ft from others while pitching to avoid injury. Discussion with Professor Jimmie Hinze Pictures from Microsoft Clip Art Best Practices Cont. Always load the pitchfork/garden fork with foot pressure. Always lift loaded pitchfork/garden fork with your legs (not your back ). Always inspect the handle to make sure it is not cracked. Also make sure that the handles attachment to the head is solid. Discussion with Professor Jimmie Hinze Think Safety Work Safely Pictures from Microsoft Clip Art