R614-3-17. Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural Tractors

Agricultural tractors manufactured after October 25, 1976, shall meet the following requirements:

A. Roll over protective structure. Unless exempted under 51.4 a roll over protective structure (ROPS) shall be provided by the employer for each tractor operated by an employee. ROPS used on wheel type tractors shall meet the test and performance requirements of SAE J 1194 "Roll over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Wheeled Agricultural Tractors and SAE J 208d" Safety for Agricultural Equipment and ROPS used on track type tractors shall meet the test and performance requirements of UOSH Construction Standards Part 1000.

B. Exempted uses:

1. "Low profile" tractors while they are used in orchards, vineyards or hop yards where the vertical clearance requirements would substantially interfere with normal operations, and while their use is incidental to the work performed therein.

2. "Low profile" tractors while used inside a farm building or greenhouse in which the vertical clearance is insufficient to allow a ROPS equipped tractor to operate, and while their use is incidental to the work performed therein.

3. Tractors while used with mounted equipment which is incompatible with ROPS (e.g. cornpickers, cotton strippers, vegetable pickers and fruit harvesters.)

C. Seatbelts. Where the ROPS are required by this section, the employer shall:

1. Provide each tractor with a seatbelt which meets the requirements of 51.5.

2. Instruct each employee in the use of seatbelts to ensure use while the tractor is moving.

D. ROPS equipped tractors shall be fitted with seat belt assemblies (Type 1) conforming to the following: SAEJ114, J117, J140a, J141, J339a, and J800c, except as noted hereafter.

1. Where a suspended seat is used, the seat belt shall be fastened to the movable portion of the seat to accommodate the ride motion of the operator.

2. The seat belt anchorage shall be capable of withstanding a static tensile force of 4448N (1000 lbf) at 45 degrees to the horizontal equally divided between the anchorages. The seat mounting shall be capable of withstanding this force plus a force equal to four times the force of gravity on the mass of all applicable seat components applied 45 degrees to the horizontal in a forward and upward direction. In addition, the seat mounting shall be capable of withstanding 2224N (500 lbf) belt force plus two times the force of gravity on the mass of all applicable seat components both applied at 45 degrees to the horizontal in an upward and rearward direction. Floor and seat deformation is acceptable provided there is no structural failure or release of the seat adjuster mechanism or other locking device. The seat adjuster or locking device need not be operable after application of the test load.

E. Protection from spillage. Batteries, fuel tanks, oil reservoirs, and coolant systems shall be constructed and located or sealed to assure that spillage will not occur which may come in contact with the operator in the event of an upset.

F. Protection from sharp surfaces. All sharp edges and corners at the operator's station shall be designed to minimize operator injury in the event of an upset.

G. Remounting. Where ROPS are removed for any reason, they shall be remounted so as to meet the requirements of this paragraph.

H. Labeling. Each ROPS shall have a label, permanently affixed to the structure, which states:

1. Manufacturer's or fabricator's name and address;

2. ROPS model number, if any;

3. Tractor makes, models, or series numbers that the structure is designed to fit; and

4. That the ROPS model was tested in accordance with the requirements of this rule.

I. Operating Instructions. Every employee who operates an agricultural tractor shall be informed of the operating practices listed below and of any other practices dictated by the work environment. Such information shall be provided at the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter.

TABLE 2

EMPLOYEE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

          1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the

         tractor has a ROPS.

          2. Where possible, avoid operating the tractor

         near ditches, embankments, and holes.

          3. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes,

         and on rough, slick, or muddy surfaces.

          4. Stay off slopes too steep for safe

         operation.

          5. Watch where you are going, especially at row

         ends, on roads, and around trees.

          6. Do not permit others to ride.

          7. Operate the tractor smoothly, no jerky turns,

         starts, or stops.

          8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points

         recommended by tractor manufacturers.

          9. When tractor is stopped, set brakes

         securely and use park lock if available.