Getting ahead: How to minimise the risks posed by headers

As a farmer it’s up to you to know where any potential risks can occur on your property, and there’s no better time than before the start of bushfire season to check up on your own safety measures and risk management plans.

Ignition machinery, such as headers, pose a significant risk, specifically in times of high heat and wind. Annually 7% of combine harvesters – or headers – operating in Australian paddocks are likely to catch fire, and of those 10% will cause significant machinery destruction and crop damage.

The financial impact can be devastating. In Summer 2016/17, NSW alone recorded an estimated loss of $30 million in relation to header fires – and that didn’t include the loss of crops.

While you already know your land and machines like the back of your hand, taking some time to review the safety precautions and insurance coverage you have in place, will save you time, money and heartache in the long run.

New technology could dampen threats

Research, carried out by agriculture group the Kondinin group, suggests that small changes could prevent many header-caused fires.

Research engineer Ben White turned to motorsports for ideas, and tools – such as heat-shield paints or fire-retardant fibrous coatings, exhaust bandages or jackets and insulative double ceramic skins on exhaust systems – are now being trialled on grain harvesters.

“It is important growers check first whether modifications [such as heat shields] will impact their warranties, but they are just some of the tools coming into play to help us reduce the risk of harvester fires,” White told NSW Farmers.

Dust and weather: staying on top of the greatest threats

Knowing your enemy is vital in fire risk reduction, and when it comes to headers it’s all about stopping them from getting too dirty and too hot.

Research shows that dust or organic material build-up is the primary cause of header fires. Regularly cleaning machinery not only eliminates build-up but also lessens fuel load, and reduces fire risk. Refer to machine manuals to ensure you’re maintaining your equipment in the appropriate ways.

Any farmer knows that weather can make or break the business, and this is also true when it comes to header fires. Monitoring temperatures, humidity and wind speed can give farmers important information about when using headers can be particularly risky.

In Australia, each state has its own guides and alerts in relation to harvesting operations, which farmers can use to estimate and minimise risk. Check your local rural fire service websites for updates and guidance.

Get it covered

As your broker/advisor we can help ensure you have the right insurance in place to protect your business. 

There are a range of products that can cater directly to what you need, for both personal and business cover. Farm machinery cover is vital if you have expensive headers on your property, as is loss of income and business interruption insurance if you’re at risk of fire or severe weather threats.

Let us assist you in getting you and your business the right insurance cover.

Some useful links:

WA – https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/ruralfarmfire/

NSW – https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/farm-fire-safety/grain-harvesting-guide

SA – https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/prepare_for_a_fire/cfs_codes_of_practice.jsp

TAS – http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/

VIC – https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fire-safety-on-the-farm

QLD – https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx

ACT – https://esa.act.gov.au/cbr-be-emergency-ready/bushfires

NT – https://nt.gov.au/emergency/emergencies/about-emergency-services/bushfires-nt