Bill Starkey, who is known to many of our subscribers and to
engine collectors in general, is one individual who is concerned
about safety at engine shows. Bill sent us some material he thought
we should share with our readers. The first piece is an article on
show safety with guidelines which is the work of the Port Phillip
Historical Machinery Society of 71 Davey St., Parkdale, Vic. 3195,
Australia. The article is reprinted with permission from The Olde
Machinery Mart, an Australian publication. The article appeared in
the form of a letter from Mr. A. Bebee, Secretary of the
Society.
By resolution of the Committee of the Port Phillip Historical
Machinery Society, I am enclosing a copy of this Society’s
‘Safety Guidelines’ which you may choose to publish.
While public indemnity insurance is a pre-requisite to staging
an exhibition, it still behooves the exhibitors to take due care
that the public is reasonably protected from its own vulnerability
to injury, caused in the main from a complete lack of understanding
of the potential dangers inherent with working machinery.
These guidelines were devised after lengthy deliberation to
provide the exhibitor with a code of conduct at rallies which will
go a long way toward safe operations without imposing
claustrophobic restrictions. Scrutiny will disclose that in the
main they are based on plain common sense.
We have noticed that these guidelines have come to the attention
of several other Victorian clubs who have adopted them or very
similar ones for their own use. If these guidelines ultimately lead
to some sort of unified code of exhibiting, then the whole antique
machinery movement must benefit.
Reference is made to the D.L.I. This is the State
Government’s Department of Labour and Industry, which includes
in its responsibilities, inspection and testing of all boiler and
pressure vessels as well as conducting examinations of intending
operators of such equipment. There will be similar Government
Departments in other States but may be known locally by other
names. An appropriate notation may be in order to avoid confusion
amongst your readers.
Our Society is considering the probability of including another
recommendation in these guidelines. This concerns the expanding
interest shown in Victoria in the field of lawnmowers. It may be
appropriate to insert this in your publication.
‘Powered lawn mowers may only be exhibited running with
blades removed, adjusted to maximum height and standing on a dust
free surface e.g., a sheet of hardboard’.
We’re looking for more contributions on the issue of safety,
so if you have information you feel would help other collectors and
other clubs, do send it along for inclusion in a future issue.
Port Phillip Historical Machinery Society Inc. SAFETY
GUIDELINES
These guidelines have been established to help and assist you as
members in the interest of safety.
The Club has arranged protection for members by means of
Incorporation and Public Liability insurance cover.
However we must pay particular attention to safety.
Working with these guidelines will ensure the greater enjoyment
of all concerned.
1. RALLY COMPOUND
The compound should be fenced on all sides with STAR PICKETS
carrying an approved type of mesh standing 3 feet in height.
All engines should, where possible, be spaced at least 6 feet
from the fence with a space of 3 feet between engines.
A C/02 fire extinguisher is to be present. Engines should be
placed in the compound with flywheels running parallel to the
fence. However, some engines may be better observed by placing the
engine in front view with the fence line. In this event, the engine
should be placed so that the rotation of the flywheel is away from
public at the fence.
2. ENGINE SAFETY GENERAL
Engines must be in a safe working condition.Special attention
should be given to items such as
A. FLYWHEEL KEYS
B. FUEL LINES
C. SPARK PLUGS
D. FUEL TANKS
E. MAGNETO DRIVES
F. LOCKNUTS
Engines may be checked by a committee member at any time. In the
case of a dispute, the exhibitor has the right of appeal to another
member of the committee.
STORAGE OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION FUELSThe storage
of fuel must be in an approved type of metal container with a screw
cap or self locking flap type cap.
ENGINE REFUELINGAll engines should be stopped
for refuelling operations. No smoking applies and a fire
extinguisher should be close by.
UNATTENDED ENGINESMembers who wish to leave
engines unattended must advise another member within the compound
of their absence. They must also ensure that nominated attendant is
familiar with shut down procedure of that engine. A member has the
right to turn an engine off if, in his opinion, the engine is
considered to be unsafe.
3. GENERAL EXHIBITION GUIDELINES
DRIVEN EXHIBITSAll engines and driven exhibits
and driven exhibits should be securely fastened to the ground with
both vee section and flat section belts in good condition.
CHAFFCUTTERS and ENGINE POWERED SAWS
A. CHAFFCUTTERS must be operated with a protective cover over
the knives.
B. DRAGSAWS and CHAINSAWS are only powered type of sawing
implement to be demonstrated.
C. ALL CHAFFCUTTERS AND SAWS MUST HAVE APPROVAL FROM THE
COMMITTEE BEFORE OPERATING.
RADIAL ENGINESRadial engines must not be
operated with propeller attached.
STEAM ENGINES AND PRESSURE VESSELSSteam engines
and pressure vessels must have a current D.L.I. (State Machinery
Inspection Dept.) Certificate of Approval before operating.
Steam plant may only be operated by persons holding an
appropriate D.L.I. Certificate (See note on this above).
SELF PROPELLED VEHICLESThe speed of a self
propelled vehicle must not be greater than walking pace.
DRIVING OF SELF PROPELLED VEHICLESAll operators
must hold a current driver’s or tractor license carrying
appropriate endorsements where necessary.
TRACTION ENGINES AND ROLLERSPassengers allowed
only at the discretion of the driver.
RIDING ON TRACTORSAdditional passengers are not
to be carried unless tractor has additional seating as standard
attachment.
No standing passengers allowed.
RIDING ON TRAILERS Totally prohibited.
POWER TAKE OFF SHAFTSIf a P.T.O. shaft is
operating it must have a protective covering for the full length of
the driving shaft.
TOTAL FIRE BAN DAYRestrictions must be totally
observed.
LOADING AND UNLOADING EQUIPMENTMembers who are
loading or unloading equipment with winches and ramps must ensure
that these items are of adequate strength.
4. CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
No open toe footwear to be worn and clothing must not be
excessively loose.