LEARNERS’ ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY

TLE 8 - HORTICULTURE
WEEK 1-2

I. Learning Competency
Lesson 1 –Use Farm Tools and Equipment
LO1. Select and use farm tools
LO 2. Select and operate farm equipment

II. Background Information for Learners

In this lesson, you will learn the different tools, equipment and its
uses in the farm. You will also operate simple farm equipment which will be
a great opportunity to develop life skills for future business and possible
employment.

lll. Information
Definition of terms

Equipment - powered tool machine used in farming

Farm implements - accessories pulled by animals or mounted on a
machinery to make the work easier
Hand tools - objects that are usually light and are used without the help
of animals and machines
Preventive maintenance - an activity or operation done to prevent
malfunction of tools and equipment and prolong the useful life of tools and
equipment Repair - to restore to good condition something broken or
damaged
FARM TOOLS IN HORTICULTURAL OPERATION

Farm tools, implements, and equipment play very important role in

horticultural operations. Their availability makes the work much easier and
faster. However, even if one may have the most sophisticated tools and
implements, but does not know how to use them, they are useless. In order to
do horticultural operations successfully, one must have a good working
knowledge of the tools, implements and equipment before using them.

Hand Tools

Hand tools are usually light and are used without the help of animals or
machines. They are being used in performing farm activities which involve small
areas like school garden and home garden.
Examples:

BOLO is used for cutting tall grasses and

weeds and chopping branches of trees.

1
CROWBAR is used for digging big holes and
For digging out stones and stumps

PICK-MATTOCK is used for digging canals,

breaking hard topsoil and for digging up
stones and tree stumps.

GRAB-HOE is used for breaking hard topsoil

and pulverizing soil.

SPADE is used for removing trash or soil,

digging canals or ditches, and mixing soil
media.

2
SHOVEL is used for transferring soil and other
materials from one place to another and for mixing soil media.

RAKE is used for cleaning the ground and

leveling the topsoil.

SPADING FORK is used for loosening the soil,

digging out root crops and turning over the
materials in a compost heap

LIGHT HOE is used for loosening and leveling

soil and digging out furrows for planting

HAND TROWEL is used for loosening the soil

around the growing plants and putting small
amount of manure fertilizer in the soil

3
HAND CULTIVATOR is used for cultivating garden plot by loosening the soil and
removing weeds around the plant.

HAND FORK is used for inter row cultivation.

PRUNING SHEARS is for cutting branches of

planting materials and unnecessary branches
of plants.

AXE is for cutting bigger size post.

KNIFE is for cutting planting materials

and for performing other operations in
horticulture

SPRINKLERS are used for watering seedlings

4
and young plants

WATER PAILS are used for hauling water,

manure and fertilizers

SPRAYERS it is for spraying insecticides,

foliar fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides

WHEEL BARROW is used for hauling trash,

manures, fertilizers, planting materials and
other equipment.

SICKLE is a hand-held agricultural tool with

a variously curved blade typically used for
cutting weeds.

5
Farm Implements

These are accessories which are being pulled by working animals or

mounted to machineries (hand tractor, tractor) which are usually used in the
preparation of land. These are usually made of a special kind of metal.

Examples are:

1. Plows. These are farm implements used in horticultural operations either

pulled by a working animal or a tractor. The plow is specifically used for tilling
large areas, making furrows and inter-row cultivation. Plows pulled by working
animals are made of either a combination of metal and wood or pure metal.
They are used to till areas with a shallower depth than that of the disc plows
which are pulled by tractors.

Native plow Disc plow

2. Harrow. The native wooden harrow is made of wood with a metal teeth and
pulled by a carabao while the disc harrow is made of metal mounted to a
tractor. Harrows are used for tilling and pulverizing the soil.

Native wooden harrow disc harrow

3. Rotavator. The rotavator is an implement attached to a tractor and used for

tilling and pulverizing the soil

6
COMMON FARM EQUIPMENT
These are machineries used in horticultural operations especially in
vegetable production. They are used in land preparation and in transporting farm
inputs and products. This equipment needs a highly skilled operator to use.

Hand tractor is used to pull a plow and harrow

in preparing a large area of land.

Four wheel tractor is used to pull disc plow and

disc
harrow in preparing much bigger area of land.

Water pumps are used to draw irrigation water

from a source.

IV. Activities/Exercises
Activity No. 1

7
Matching Type: Match column A to Column B

______1. Sprinkler A. used for spraying insecticides, foliar

fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides
B. used for hauling water, manure and
______2. Knife fertilizers
______3. Hand Fork C. used for watering seedlings
______4. Bolo D. used for cutting planting materials
______5. Rake E. used for leveling the top soil
______6. Shovel F. used for removing trash, digging
loose soil, moving soil from one
place to another and for mixing soil
media
______7. Pruning Shear G. used for cutting bigger size post
______8. Sprayer H. used for cutting branches of planting
materials and unnecessary
branches of plants
______9. Pail I. used for inter-row cultivation
______10. Axe J. used for cutting tall grasses and
weeds and chopping branches of
trees

Guide Questions:
1. What are the basic tools and materials used for horticultural
operation?
2. What will happen if the tools and materials mentioned are not used
according to its function?

Activity No.2
SCRAPBOOK ON FARM EQUIPMENT
After learning about the different farm equipment, you will be compiling
pictures of farm equipment which includes an instructional manual.

1. Collect pictures of various farm equipment and instructional manual. You

may clip pictures from the internet.
2. For the pictures taken from online sites, copy the URL and paste below
the pictures.
3. Cut the pictures and paste them to a short bond paper
4. Search the uses or functions of these equipment and write them below
or beside the pictures.
5. If the instructional manuals are available paste it in another bond paper.
6. Compile the sheets in one folder and submit to your teacher.

While performing the activity it is important that you to assess your

performance following the criteria below:
Criteria Score
20 15 10 5
Content of the scrapbook (includes
8
 number of example given)
Coordination of design, colors and
pictures
Over-all appeal of the finished
product
Practice good housekeeping

V. Reflection

1. As a student, is it necessary to learn skills using different horticultural tools?

Explain briefly.
2. What are your realizations while performing the activities?
3. Are you proud of the result of your output? Will you share these skills to your
siblings or other people in your community?

Reference

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum

Technology and Livelihood Education
Learning Module
Horticulture
(Exploratory Course)
Grade 7 and 8

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

I. Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following is an example of a digging tool?
A. Bolo B. Crowbar C. Grub hoe D.Pruning shear
2. Which tool is used for cutting grass?
A. Shovel B. Bolo C. Crowbar D. Mattock
3. What tool does NOT belong to the group?
A. Crowbar B. Mattock C. Shovel D. Pruning shear
4. Farm tools are very important in pre-horticultural operations because they
__________
A. make work easier
B. make work faster

9
 C. save time and effort
D. all of the above
5. A tool with one end of its blade flattened and the other pointed at right
angles to its handle is a ________________.
A. mattock B. crowbar C. bolo D. spade
6. Which tool resembles the appearance of a spoon and is used for transferring
soil?
A. Spade B. Shovel C. Spading fork D. Grub hoe
7. What implement is being pulled by a working animal to till the land?
A. Harrow B. Native plow C. Disc plow D. Disc harrow
8. An implement attached to a tractor that is used to pulverize the newly
plowed soil is a_____________.
A. trailer B. disc harrow C. native plow D. disc plow
9. An open container with a single wheel at the front and two handles at the
back used to transport things is a____________.
A. hand tractor B. tractor C. basket D. wheel barrow
10. Which of the following tools is used to harvest crops?
A. Knife B. Plow C. Spade D. Shovel
II. Identify the following horticultural tools as to different uses. Write CT if it is a
cutting tool, DT for digging tool, PT for pulverizing tool and HT for hauling tool.

_____ 1. Spade _____ 6. Sprinklers

_____ 2. Shovel _____ 7. Hand fork
_____ 3. Pruning Shears _____ 8. Axe
_____ 4. Pail _____ 9. Wheel Barrow
_____ 5. Spading fork _____ 10. Crow bar

III. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

1. What is an equipment? (4 points)

2. Give the specific uses and function of the following equipment:
A. Hand tractor (3 points)
B. Four-wheel tractor (3 points)
C. Water pump (3 points)
LEARNERS’ ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY
TLE 8 - Horticulture
WEEK 3-4

I. Learning Competency
L.O. 1: Perform estimation; and
L.O. 2: Perform basic workplace calculations

II. Background Information for Learners

In this lesson, you will focus on the estimation and basic workplace
calculations. You are also to observed good working habits while performing the
task. The skills acquired will be beneficial doing simple estimations and
calculations which you can apply to your daily lives.
10
lll. Information
Definition of terms

Area - refers to the size of the surface

Fertilizer - any material added to the soil to support nutrient

Germination- the development of the seed into a young plant

Graph- a drawing in which the relationship between two (or more) items
of information (e.g. Time and plant growth) is shown in a symbolic way.

Gross Income/Sales - the equivalent value of the product sold.

Interest- is the corresponding value that will be added to the principal as

payment for using money of the lender.

Labor- refers to the work performed by farm workers in exchange for

salary.

Net Income- is the value remains after all the expenses have been
deducted from the gross income or sales.

Principal –refers to the amount you owed.

Volume- is the content of a body or object

Acronyms

MAD( Man Animal Day) refers to the number of day/s the work will be
completed by 1 person and 1 animal.

MD-(Manday) refers to the number of day/s the work will be completed

by 1 person.

FARM INPUTS

SEEDS SEEDLINGS

11
 FERTILIZER INSECTICIDES

FARM LABOR LABOR REQUIREMENT FOR LAND PREPARATION

12
 Plowing using tractor Clearing of the land using hoe

Plowing using animal Harrowing using hand tractor

Preparation of furrow Trellis Preparation (for cucurbit crops)

Mulching Digging Holes (for orchard)

LABOR REQUIREMENT IN PLANTING

13
 PRODUCTION OF SEEDLINGS TRANSPLANTING

LABOR REQUIREMENT FOR PLANT CARE

FERTILIZER APPLICATION PEST CONTROL

IRRIGATION

WEEDING HARVESTING

Basic Calculation

Mensuration

1 foot (ft) ------------ 12 inches (in)

1 inch (in) ------------ 2.54 centimeters (cm)

14
 1 meter (m) ---------- 100 centimeter (cm)
1 kilometer (km) ----- 1000 meter (m)

Example:
1 ft = 12 in 4 km = __4000__ m
where in 1 ft is equal to 12 in where in 1 km is equal to 1000 m

1 ft x 12 in = 5 km x 1000 m = 4000 m
12 in

3 in = __7.62__ cm 8 m = __800__ cm
where in 1 in is equal to 2.54 cm where in 1 m is equal to 100 cm

3 in x 2.54 cm = 7.62 cm 8 m x 100 cm = 800 cm

IV. Activities/Exercises

Activity No.1
Direction: Supply what is being asked in every number.
I. Give three (3) examples of farm inputs
II. Enumerate seven (7) farm activities that require labor force
III. Solve and show the process. Use the mensuration table a guide. 2
points each, one point foe the correct answer and one point for the
correct process.

1. 5 ft = ______ in
2. 5 km = ______ m
3. 5 in = ______ cm
4. 5 m = ______ cm
5. 12 in = ______ cm

Activity No.2
Estimating Farm Inputs and Labor Requirements

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Visit vegetable farm near your school or home
2. Get the following data using this table

15
 Needed data Answer
Area
Crop
Age of crop
(days/month)
Number of plants
Number of workers
who prepared the area
Amount of salary given
to every worker
Estimated irrigation
expenses
Estimated cost of
insecticides used for
spraying
No stain or dirt
Starting and closing
stitches not noticeable,
no ravels or hanging
threads
General appearance
15%
Beautiful finished
article
V. Worthy of time, effort Reflection
and material used
1. What are your realizations while performing the activities?
2. As a student, how can good working habits help you in dealing with task and
challenges?

Reference

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum

Technology and Livelihood Education
Learning Module
Handicraft Production
(Exploratory Course)
Grade 7 and 8

16
 LEARNERS’ ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY
TLE 8 - HORTICULTURE
WEEK 5-6

I. Learning Competency
LO1. Interpret farm plans and layouts
LO2. Interpret irrigation plan and design

II. Background Information for Learners

In this lesson, you will learn the basics of interpreting farm plans and
layouts. The skills acquired from this lesson will be beneficial in developing your
potential in identifying possible opportunities in innovation. You are task of
making a plan and design for irrigation.

lll. Information

Definition of terms

Filler-a temporary plant usually small and early bearing one which planted
in between permanent plants
Planting board- a device used in lay-outing the area for the crops
Lay-outing-locating the position of plant in the orchard

17
 Staking-the placing of the pole to mark the position of the plant to be set

Orchard-an establishment where fruit bearing crops are grown.

Irrigation- the application of water to the soil by any other means than
rainfall

INTERPRET FARM PLANS AND LAYOUTS

Site assessment

An on-site assessment of a farm is necessary so that a map can be drawn

according to the property ‘s topography, boundaries, soil, water resources, and
so on, and a farm business plan can be formulated.

Government plans

Acquaint yourself with the Regional Environmental Plans (REPs), Local

Environmental Plans (LEPs), and Development Control Plans (DCPs) and their
short and long-term effects on your proposed or existing farm enterprise. This
will help to reduce unforeseen risks and enhance your farm business. Council ‘s
building approval or development consent (DAs) may be needed for siting
greenhouses, siting and constructing dams, or erecting hail and windbreak
netting. Council approval to clear land or a no burning of crop debris or waste
materials on farm may apply. Consent will be required if odor or noise is a
nuisance likely to be generated from the development.

Site selection
Site selection is important. Slopes to the north east are preferred for
maximum sunlight, warmth, and protection from wind. Slopes are prone to
erosion and need to be farmed with care. To prevent soil erosion and the silting
of waterways, do not grow vegetables on slopes greater than seven degrees
(7°).

Buffer zones

Buffer zones are areas of vegetated land need to be established or left in

place to protect sensitive environmental areas and provide a habitat/sanctuary
for wildlife. They should be located between the area of farm activity and any

18
areas of possible water quality impairment or contamination. Water environs or
features to be protected are:

• Riparian areas include flood plains, adjacent to rivers and streams and other
watercourses.

• Wetlands (the areas of land that are either temporarily or permanently

covered with shallow water, and which play a crucial role in nutrient recycling).
Wetlands have a high ecological productivity and should not be drained, filled or
used as storages.

• Drainage lines. Care for your creek. Leave a strip of uncleared native
vegetation between the top of the bank and your farming activities for at least
20 m for small streams and 50–100 m for rivers like the Hawkesbury–Nepean.
This buffer zone will intercept and filter farm chemical and nutrient run-off.

Soil types

Soil types need to be suitable for the crop being grown. The better soil
types are deep, well-drained sands, sandy loams and loams. Heavy clays are
much less suitable as they drain poorly and waterlog easily. If in doubt have a
physical test of the soil type.

Groundwater contamination

Water management strategies require pre-cropping assessment. Water

supplies must be able to meet the needs of crops in periods of drought when
water demand is the highest. Inadequately designed water supplies will limit crop
production and profitability.

19
Water quality is also important. Poor water quality reduces the growth and yield
of crops. Using poor quality water can damage both the physical and chemical
properties of the soil. Avoid high-volume sprinkler and flood irrigation in areas of
high soil and/or water salinity or where the water table is rising. In such
situations use low volume mini sprinklers or drip irrigation and irrigate at night.

Windbreaks

Wind protection and screening of the whole farm and of individual large
paddocks is recommended. Screening of the property, especially with trees,
prevents many complaints about farm activities. Windbreaks also prevent drift
and movement of sprays, dust, pests, and noise to adjoining areas.

Soil management

You need to plan your soil management strategies. It is important to

provide good drainage and install grassed drainage/ waterways in
conjunction with fields designed to prevent erosion from irrigation and
heavy rain. To prevent soil erosion on a 3° slope on Hawkesbury sandstone
derived soils (sandy clay loam), you will need contour banks at intervals of
50 m. The Soil and Vegetation Management Directorate of DLWC offers
expert advice in this area.

Irrigation System Plan and Design

Water required by crops is supplied by nature in the form of precipitation,
but when it becomes scarce or its distribution does not coincide with demand
peaks, it is then necessary to supply it artificially, by irrigation. Several irrigation
methods are available, and the selection of one depends on factors such as water
availability, crop, soil characteristics, land topography, and associated cost.

Proper design of an irrigation system requires that the pumping system

precisely match the irrigation distribution system so that the pressure and flow
rate required can be efficiently provided by the pumping system. The energy
required to pump water is determined by the total dynamic head (water lift, pipe
friction, system pressure, etc.), the water flow rate desired, and the pumping
system's efficiency.

Irrigation water management involves determining when to irrigate, the

amount of water to supply each irrigation event and during each stage of plant,
and operating and maintaining the irrigation system. The main management
objective is to manage the production system for profit without compromising
environment and in agreement with water availability. A major management
activity involves irrigation scheduling or determining when and how much water
to apply, considering the irrigation method and other field characteristics.

FUNCTIONS OF FARM IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

The primary function of farm irrigation systems is to supply crops with
irrigation water in the quantities and at the time it is needed. Specific functions
includes:
20
 1. Diverting water from the water source.
2. Conveying it to individual fields within the farm.
3. Distributing it within each field.
4. Providing a means for measuring and regulating flows.

Other functions of farm irrigation system include crop and soil cooling,
protecting crops from frost damage, delaying fruit and bud development, and
controlling wind erosion, providing water for seed germination, application of
chemicals, and land application of wastes.

REASONS FOR AN IRRIGATION PLAN

• A project plan enables the designer to lay out the irrigation system in the
most cost effective way. The plan is used to generate a material list and to
evaluate the anticipated project costs.
• The plan provides step by step information on system installation.
Information on crop spacing, sprinklers, pumping requirements, pipeline
sizes and lengths should be included in the plan. Pertinent obstructions
such as roads, trees, gas, oil, water, telephone, or transmission lines must
also be indicated.
• Specification, design standards, and work schedules as set out in a plan on
the basis of any contractual agreements between the installation contractor
and the farmer.
• The plan provides a record for future reference. It can be used for overall
farm planning and identifies limits of expansion potential.

ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A PLAN

• Topographic Data - The field shape must be accurately drawn showing

pertinent obstructions, features and elevation details.
• Water Source Capacity - The water supply must be clearly indicated
showing location and available capacity.
• Depending on the water source, a well log or water license must
accompany the irrigation plan. Irrigation reservoirs also require Water
Management Branch licensing.
• Soil and Crop Characteristics - Soil and crop limitations must be
accounted for to reduce runoff and deep percolation by mismanagement of
the irrigation system.
• Design Parameters - Soil water holding capacity, maximum application
rate and climatic data must be used to select the correct irrigation system
design.
• Design Data - The nozzle selected, operating pressure, discharge rate and
sprinkler spacing must all be shown on the plan. The irrigation interval, set
time, application rate and net amount applied must also be calculated.

WHERE TO OBTAIN A PLAN

A farm irrigation plan can be obtained from irrigation engineering

consultants as well as reputable irrigation equipment dealers. The features of a
farm irrigation plan are summarized in the sample ―Sprinkler Irrigation Design

21
Information‖ sheets attached. A sample of an irrigation design plan is also
included.
Check for groundwater contamination. Any contamination of the
groundwater by pollutants can affect your farm business operations. Although
well-drained soils are preferred for growing vegetables, there is a greater risk
that pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer can leach through them and contaminate
groundwater resources.

IV. Activities/Exercises

Activity No.1
TRUE OR FALSE

1. Slopes to the south-west are preferred for maximum sunlight, warmth and
protection from wind.

2. To prevent soil erosion and the silting of waterways, do not grow vegetables on
slopes greater than 7°.

3. Screening of the property, especially with trees, prevents many complaints

about farm activities

4. Windbreaks also prevent drift and movement of sprays, dust, pest, and noise
to adjoining areas.

5. Poor water quality increases the growth and yield of crops.

6. Using poor quality water can damage both the physical and chemical
properties of the soil.

7. Avoid high-volume sprinkler and flood irrigation in areas of high soil and/or
water salinity or where the water table is rising.

8. A whole farm plan considers the farm’s physical, financial and human/personal
resources for both now and the future.

9. Water management strategies require pre-cropping assessment.

10. Inadequately designed water supplies will enhance crop production and
profitability.

Guide Questions:
1. What is the importance of having farm plans and layout before having a
gardening activities?
2. Why is it important to properly assess the area for gardening beforehand?
3. How proper irrigation helps in the production and operation of agricultural
activities?

Activity No.2
Layout Garden Plots
Materials needed:

Quantity Description
2 sheets Bond paper short
22
 1 pc Pencil
1 pc Ruler

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put one inch border lines on your bond paper

2. Use the following data in making your layout
Imagine that 1 cm on your drawing is equivalent to 1m

A. Width= 16 m
B. Length=19 m
C. Planting distance
Between row=1m
Between hill=.5 m
3. Sketch inside the border lines your plot layout
4. Submit your output to your teacher

Evaluation

Your work will be evaluated by your teacher using the following criteria:

1. Accuracy 70%
2. Presentation 20%
3. Neatness 10 %

Guide Questions:
1. What is the importance of proper/correct plotting?
2. What are the things to be considered when making garden plots?
24
V. Reflection

1. As a student, how is engaging to farming activities relevant to your life?

2. Have you tried creating vegetable garden in your backyard? How was your
experience?

Reference

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum

Technology and Livelihood Education
Learning Module
Handicraft Production
(Exploratory Course)
Grade 7 and 8

23
 Summative Test

I. Multiple choice

_____ 1. A farm plan which gives idea to the farmer to choose a proper and
correct
area for agricultural activities
a. site selection b. site assessment c. gov’t plans d. buffer zones
_____ 2. This plan talks about loam, sandy loam, sandy and clay.
a. site selection b. buffer zones c. gov’t plans d. soil type
_____ 3. Any contamination of the groundwater by pollutants can affect your
farm
business operations.
a. ground water contamination c. water management
c. gov’t plans d. soil type
_____ 4. It is a type of buffer zone which the areas of land that are either
temporarily or permanently covered with shallow water.
a. wet lands b. riparian areas c. drainage lines d. buffer zones
_____ 5. This buffer zone will intercept and filter farm chemicals and nutrient
run-
off
a. wet lands b. riparian areas c. drainage lines d. buffer zones

24
II. Supply what is being ask in every number

(4) FUNCTIONS OF FARM IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________
4. _____________________________________
5.
(6) ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A PLAN

1. ______________________________________

2. ______________________________________

3. ______________________________________

4. ______________________________________

5. ______________________________________

6. ______________________________________

LEARNERS’ ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY

TLE 8 - HORTICULTURE
WEEK 7-8

I. Learning Competency
LO 1. Apply appropriate safety measures while working in the farm
LO 2 Safe keep / dispose tools, materials and outfit

II. Background Information for Learners

In this lesson, you will learn to apply safety measures while working
in the farm and how to take care of the tools, materials and equipment for
further use and to make it easily available every time we need to use it.
Skills acquired from this lesson will be beneficial in venturing
agricultural/entrepreneurial opportunities.

lll. Information

Definition of terms

25
 Safety - the physical or environmental conditions of work which comply with the prescribed
Occupational Health Safety (OHS) standards and which allow the workers
to perform their job without or within acceptable exposure to hazards.

Occupational safety- the practices related to production and work

process

Health-a sound state of the body and mind of the worker that enables him
or her to perform the job normally

Sharpening- the process of thinning the edge of the tools like knife,
pruning shears, hedge shears, etc.

Cleaning- the act or process of removing dirt from tools, containers and
farm facilities.

Disinfection chemicals- refers to the chemical used in cleaning which has

the ability to kill microorganisms especially pathogens.

APPLY APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES WHILE WORKING IN

FARM

Many hazards are present in the farm. If the farmers are not aware of these
hazards these may cause injury to their body or may cause diseases and even
death. Farmer should always apply appropriate safety measures while working in
the farm. In this lesson the students with the guidance and supervision of their
teacher should identify farm works that involve the use of chemicals and
hazardous tools and equipment; determine the uses of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) and determine farm emergency procedures regarding safety
working environment.

HAZARD, RISK AND EXPOSURE IN THE FARM

Agricultural crop production deal with a lot of activities to be done in the
different workplace. While performing these activities we expose ourselves to a
lot of risk. Workplace hazard is a major cause of accident, injury, or harm to a
worker who performs such task. These hazards should be the major concern of
all who are involved in a certain job or work.

It is important to distinguish hazard, risk and exposure when undertaking

risk management.

o Hazard is the potential for harm, or adverse effect on an employee‘s

health. Anything which may cause injury or ill health to anyone at or near a
workplace is a hazard.
o Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury or ill health to anyone
at or near a workplace. The level of risk increases with the severity of the
hazard and the duration and frequency of exposure.
o Exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with a hazard.

Classes of Hazard
Hazards are classified into five different types. They are:

26
 1. Physical - includes floors, stairs, work platforms, steps, ladders, fire,
falling objects, slippery surfaces, manual handling (lifting, pushing,
pulling), excessively loud and prolonged noise, vibration, heat and cold,
radiation, poor lighting, ventilation, air quality
2. Mechanical and/or electrical - includes electricity, machinery,
equipment, pressure vessels, dangerous goods, fork lifts, cranes, hoists
3. Chemical - includes chemical substances such as acids or poisons and
those that could lead to fire or explosion, like pesticides, herbicides,
cleaning agents, dusts and fumes from various processes such as welding
4. Biological - includes bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, insects, vermin,
animals
5. Psychosocial environment - includes workplace stressors arising from a
variety of sources.

Farm emergency procedures regarding safety working environment

1. Identify the potential emergencies.

The emergencies that may occur on a crop production farm could

include: a. fire

b. Flood
c. typhoon,
d. machinery entrapment
e. electrical shock,
f. snake or spider bite
g. chemical exposure,
h. injuries,
i. illness and
j. accidents.
2. Provide emergency facilities appropriate for the sorts of emergencies
that might occur on the farm (e.g. deluge showers, eye washes,
firefighting equipment, first aid kits).
3. Make sure that the correct equipment is available to contain and
handle any chemical or other dangerous materials spills that might
happen.
4. To help minimize the risk of personal injury or property damage in
the event of an emergency, people working on and visiting the farm
need to know and understand the emergency procedures and their
responsibilities.
5. Instruct everyone working on the farm in the emergency response
procedures
6. Everyone should know the location of fire alarms, fire extinguishers
and first aid kits; how and where to contact emergency services; and
where to safely assemble in the event of an emergency.

The following factors may increase risk of injury or illness for farm workers:

27
1. Age – Injury rates are highest among children age 15 and under and
adults over 65.
2. Equipment and Machinery – Most farm accidents and fatalities involve
machinery. Proper machine guarding and doing equipment maintenance
according to manufacturers ‘recommendations can help prevent accidents

FARM WORKS THAT INVOLVE USING CHEMICALS AND HAZARDOUS

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

1. Spraying Chemicals

Many different chemicals are used on a farm including

pesticides. These chemicals are used to fertilize and control pests
such as insects, weeds, mollusk, etc. Most of these chemicals are
applied by spraying

Examples of chemical hazards:

A. Spraying in a strong wind and the spray drifting over a dam or the
farm house.
B. Washing spray equipment and the water running into open drains,
collecting in puddles, or running into stockyards or dams.
C. Containers or chemicals left lying around. Empty containers lying

in a heap. Some ways you can reduce the risk of hazards from

chemicals are:

A. Use personal protective equipment such as respirators, waterproof

clothes, rubber gloves, and waterproof footwear.
B. Make sure chemicals are safely stored and cupboards locked.
C. Never spray chemicals on days when there is a high wind.
D. Know first aid procedures.
E. Keep a list of all hazardous substances used on the farm.

Safe use of chemicals

A. Consider if a chemical substance is really needed.

B. Eliminate a hazardous substance, or if that is not possible,
substitute it with less hazardous one.
C. Safe work practices or personal protective equipment should be
used
D. Keep records of farm chemicals.

2. Land Preparation Using Tractor

A. Victims fall off or are thrown from the tractor

B. Run over by either the tractor or an implement being towed, or
both.
28
 C. Overturn

Safety Reminders

A. Tractors are not passenger vehicles.

B. Use seat belts when driving tractors.
C. ROPS will protect the operator from serious injuries.

How to prevent run over

A. Never allow riders on tractors.

B. Discuss with family members and farm workers the potential risks of
riding tractor.
C. It's also helpful to post 'no riders' decals on all tractors to remind others
about the policy.
D. Use or provide other vehicles that allow passengers, such as trucks or
cars, when transportation is needed to fields or remote work sites.

3. Cutting Trees Using Chainsaws

A chainsaw makes light work of felling and cutting up trees but treat it
with respect! A chainsaw can easily slice through muscle or bone if it kicks
back towards you.
It's essential to get training from a qualified person before you use a
chainsaw.

Examples of chainsaw hazards:

A. Chainsaw kickback, caused when the upper part of the bar nose
contacts a solid object or is pinched. This throws the guide bar back
towards you and can cause serious injury.
B. Using a small saw and bar to fell a big tree.
C. Felling large shelterbelt trees, or trees with a heavy lean or on steep
slopes.
D. Felling trees with stem rot or a species prone to splitting.

Some ways you can reduce the risk of hazards from chainsaws are:

A. Know your saw and how to use the safety devices.

B. Wear and use the correct personal safety equipment. You need:
FOOTWEAR - boots with steel toe caps.
LEG PROTECTION - chainsaw operator's safety trousers or chaps.
SAFETY HELMET.
EARMUFFS rated Grade 4
EYE PROTECTION - goggles in dusty conditions or a helmet visor if
there's a danger of flying debris.
C. Check the work area for hazards such as branches or tree tops that
could fall.
29
 D. Check that your saw is in good order and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications.
E. Do not over-reach or cut above shoulder height

Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) can reduce the number and severity of farm
work related injuries and illnesses. Personal protective equipment not only helps
protect people but also improves productivity and profits. Farmers and ranchers
can share in these benefits by using the appropriate protective equipment for
themselves, family members and employees when the job and its potential
hazards call for it.
• Protect your head with a hard
hat when performing
construction work, trimming
trees, repairing machinery,
and doing other jobs with
head injury risks.

• Use a sun safety hat (one with

a wide brim and neck
protection) to assist in the prevention of skin cancer.

• Protect your vision with

appropriate safety eyewear
(safety glasses, goggles, face-
shields) when applying
pesticides, fertilizers, working
in the shop, or in heavy dust
conditions.

• Protect your hearing with

acoustic earmuffs or plugs
when operating noisy
equipment such as grain
dryers, feed grinders, older
tractors, chain saws, etc.

30
 Protect your lungs with the correct respiratory equipment (dust masks,
cartridge respirators, gas masks, air packs) when working in dusty or moldy
conditions, spray painting, applying chemicals, working in bins, tanks, silos,
and manure storage places.

Cleaning, Storing and Waste Management

Protect Tools from the Elements

Blades such as electric hedge trimmer blades, hoe, shovel, and other metal
surfaces can be sprayed with lubricant oil. Spray the blades then turn them on to
make sure oil works into all areas. All electrical and petrol gardening equipment
need to be covered with a blanket or sheet if kept in the shed. This will prevent
dust and dirt getting to them.

General cleaning procedures:

The farmer and/or farm workers responsible for cleaning must adhere as much
as possible to the following procedures:

• Be properly trained on the cleaning procedures.

• Develop a cleaning program and schedule according to the recommended
frequency and the cleaning program should be monitored to ensure its
effectiveness.
• Cleaning must not take place while fresh vegetables are been harvested,
packed, handled, and stored.
• Water that is used for cleaning must be safe.
• The cleaning of equipment, tools, and containers must take place in a
designated area away from field and the storage of agricultural inputs and
fresh vegetables.
• When using cleaning and disinfection chemicals, the farmer and/or farm
workers must become familiar with the instruction use of these products.
• Strictly adhere to all precautionary statements and mixing instructions.
Protect equipment, tools, containers and fresh vegetables when working with any
chemicals.

31
Cleaning equipment, tools and garbage cans:

The farmer and/or farm workers responsible for cleaning the equipment (e.g.
tables, racks, plastic sheet, etc.), tools (e.g. secateurs, knifes, brushes, etc.) and
garbage cans must adhere as much as possible to the following procedures:

• Remove as much as possible plant debris, soil, and residues of any kind.
Use a brush or another appropriate tool when necessary.
• Inspect equipment for physical damage which might injure, spoil and
contaminate fresh vegetables.
• Inspect equipment, tools, and garbage cans for any missed plant debris,
soil, and residues, if found, clean again.
• If cleaning and/or disinfection chemicals are used, follow label instructions
for mixing.
• As required, apply cleaning materials such as detergent and/or disinfection
chemicals, and ensure that no spots are missed.
• Rinse with safe water, if there are parts of the equipment that cannot be
rinsed with water, use a clean wet towel and follow the same procedures
for cleaning.
• Ensure that small equipment and tools do not touch the ground floor after
the cleaning procedures.
• When possible, place in the full sun for rapid drying.
Store equipment and tools properly to avoid contamination.

Safe Management of chemicals involves:

• correct labeling and packaging;

• provision of material safety data sheets (MSDS);
• safe transport, storage, use, and disposal of substances.

Labeling and Packaging of Chemicals

Chemicals must be supplied in packages that are correctly labeled and suitable
for the substance. Information provided on the label will depend on the type of
substance and the risks associated with it. Items to look for are:

1. Signal words such as ‗CAUTION‘, ‗POISON‘ or ‗DANGEROUS

POISON‘, used for scheduled poisons – a signal word alerts users to the
possibility of poisoning if the substance is swallowed, inhaled or absorbed
through the skin.

2. The Dangerous Goods (ADG) diamond, if there is an immediate risk

to health or safety e.g. flammable liquids.

3. Risk phrases describing the type of health effects e.g. ‗irritating the
skin‘, and safety phrases stating precautions for safe handling, storage,
spills, disposal and fire e.g. ‗keep away from combustible material‘

32
IV. Activities/Exercises

Activity No.1
CONDUCT HAZARD REPORT

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Quantity Description
2 sheets Bond paper short
1 pc Pencil/Ballpen
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Visit farm near your school or home

2. Observe the surroundings
3. List all the possible hazard observed
4. Classify these hazards
5. Identify persons who are at risk with this hazards
6. Suggest all possible solution to reduce or eliminate the risk
7. Report your findings to your teacher Evaluation
Your work will be evaluated by your teacher using the following criteria:

1. Potential hazard is properly identified

2. Report is properly made
3. Suggestions are made to reduce the risk
4. Potential victims are properly identified

Operation Sheet 1.2

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Quantity Description
1 pc Hard hat
1 pc Facemask
1 pc Footwear
1 pc Goggles
1 pc Earmuffs
2 sheets Bond paper

Guide Questions:
1. What safety measures have you observed which is very beneficial to you
as a student and to the work place you visited?

2. What is the most common hazard have you observe in your community?

33
Activity No. 2
Slogan Making Contest
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Quantity Description
2 sheets Bond paper
1 pc Pentel pen/ Marker

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the needed materials.

2. Think of a slogan on the proper way of disposing waste.
3. The slogan may be express using local dialect.
4. You will be given 20 minutes to prepare your slogan.
5. Submit your output when it is already complete
6. The teacher will select the best slogan and will receive additional points for
this activity

Evaluation

Your work will be evaluated by your teacher using the following criteria:

1. Relevance 60%
2. Rhyme 20%
3. Presentation 10%
4. Neatness 10 %

Guide Questions:
1.Why did you choose this slogan?
2. What do you think is the importance of proper disposal of our waste
products?

V. Reflection

1. What are the challenges you encountered while performing the task?
How did you resolve this task?
2. what do you think is the importance of observing safety measures in
workplace, is it important?
3. How will you encourage your fellow students to engage in the proper
ways to dispose our waste products?

Reference

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum

Technology and Livelihood Education
Learning Module
34
Handicraft Production
(Exploratory Course)
Grade 7 and 8

SUMMATIVE TEST
MULTIPLE CHOICE: Choose the best answer

1. It is the potential for harm, or adverse effect on an employee ‘s health.

a. Chemicals
b. Exposure
c. Risk
d. Hazard
2. It is the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury or ill health to anyone
at or near a workplace.
a. Risk
b. Exposure
c. Hazard
d. . Chemicals

3. This occurs when a person comes into contact with a hazard.

a. Risk
35
 b. Exposure
c.. Hazard
d. . Chemicals
4. This includes floors, stairs, work platforms, steps, ladders, fire, falling
objects, slippery surfaces, manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling),
excessively loud and prolonged noise, vibration, heat and cold,
radiation, poor lighting, ventilation, air quality.
a. Chemicals
b. Mechanical and/or electrical
c. Psychosocial environment
d. Physical
5. It includes electricity, machinery, equipment, pressure vessels,
dangerous goods, fork lifts, cranes, hoists.
a. Mechanical and/or electrical
b. Chemicals
c. Biological
d. Psychosocial environment
6. It includes chemical substances such as acids or poisons and those that
could lead to fire or explosion, like pesticides, herbicides, cleaning
agents, dusts and fumes from various processes such as welding.
a. Chemicals
b. Psychosocial environment
c. Mechanical and/or electrical
d. Biological
7. It includes bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, insects, vermin, animals
a. Biological
b. Chemicals
c. Mechanical and/or electrical
d. Psychosocial environment
8. It includes workplace stressors arising from a variety of sources.
a. Psychosocial environment
b. Biological
c. . Chemicals
d. Mechanical and/or electrical
9. It the physical or environmental conditions of work which comply with
the prescribed Occupational Health Safety (OHS) standards and which
allow the workers to perform his or her job without or within acceptable
exposure to hazards.
a. Safety
b. Biological
c. Psychosocial environment
d. Chemicals
10. The practices related to production and work process are referred to as
______.
a. occupational safety
b. safety
c. psychosocial environment
36
 d. biological

IDENTIFICATION

1. ___________________is the potential for harm, or adverse effect on an

employee‘s health. Anything which may cause injury or ill health to
anyone at or near a workplace is a hazard.
2. ___________________ is the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury
or ill health to anyone at or near a workplace. The level of risk increases
with the severity of the hazard and the duration and frequency of
exposure.
3. ___________________occurs when a person comes into contact with a
hazard.
4. ____________________hazards include floors, stairs, work platforms,
steps, ladders, fire, falling objects, slippery surfaces, manual handling
(lifting, pushing, pulling), excessively loud and prolonged noise,
vibration, heat and cold, radiation, poor lighting, ventilation, air quality
5. __________________ hazards include electricity, machinery,
equipment, pressure vessels, dangerous goods, fork lifts, cranes, hoists
6. __________________ hazards include chemical substances such as
acids or poisons and those that could lead to fire or explosion, like
pesticides, herbicides, cleaning agents, dusts and fumes from various
processes such as welding
7. __________________ hazards include bacteria, viruses, mold,
mildew, insects, vermin, animals
8. __________________ hazards include workplace stressors arising
from a variety of sources.
9. ___________________the physical or environmental conditions of
work which comply with the prescribed Occupational Health Safety
(OHS) standards and which allow the workers to perform his or her job
without or within acceptable exposure to hazards.
____________________the practices related to production and work process
Fill-in the blanks:

1. _______________ can reduce the number and severity of farm work

related injuries and illnesses. Protect your head with a hard hat
when performing 2.________, 3._________,4._________,
with head injury risks. Use a sun safety hat (one with a wide brim and
neck protection) to assist in the prevention of 5.__________. Protect your
vision with appropriate safety eyewear (6._________, 7___________,
8.___________) when applying pesticides, fertilizers, working in the shop,
or in heavy dust conditions. Protect your hearing with acoustic earmuffs or
plugs when operating noisy equipment such as 9.__________,
10.________, older tractors, chain saws, etc.

37
38