They are now recognized as Tractor Mounted Personnel Transport Carriers or PTCs (as referred to by Cal/OSHA) but have gone by many names. Whether you call it a tractor basket, personnel transport platform or any variation of these, you have probably seen one in use as they have long been assisting workers on the farm as a transportation device.
Typically used for transporting workers in field irrigation operations, these devices had safely and successfully been employed for many years without issue as there was no specific regulations governing their use. Beginning in 2010 there were varying opinions on the part of Cal/OSHA regarding the legal use of these devices. That is until 2012 when they were in violation of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3441(a)(2)(B), which prohibits "riders on agricultural equipment other than persons required for instruction or assistance in machine operation."

Regulations were later approved on August 20th, 2016 that implemented the following into Title 8 CCR 3441-

EXCEPTION: to Subsection (a)(2)(B): The operation of agricultural tractor-mounted personnel transport carriers when used, operated and maintained in accordance with subsection (i) of this section.

(i) Tractor-Mounted Personnel Transport Carriers (PTCs).

(1) Use of PTCs shall be allowed only for employees who are installing, removing or maintaining irrigation pipe for low-lying row crops. No other employees shall be allowed to board or ride on PTCs. When the term "tractor" is used in subsection (i), it means "agricultural tractor" as defined in Section 3649.

With this exciting news and hope for improved productivity comes the process of implementing the safe use of PTCs.

While their use will greatly assist in not only increased productivity, but also reducing the risk of heat related illnesses to irrigation workers in high heat environments.
Improper use, care, and process could also increase the likely hood of an injury to employees.

That is where understanding the safe use of tractors and their related implements is necessary for the safety and well being of our workers. The new regulations cover a broad range of requirements for the safe use of PTCs including and by no means limited to:

  • where in the fields can PTCs be ridden
  • seatbelt requirements
  • design and construction
  • the use of and requirements around 3-points of contact
  • daily inspections and much more…

Get started off right by having the proper tractor safety training completed for yourself and all workers who operate tractors where PTCs might be employed. Contact CSTC for questions regarding scheduling "Tractor Safety Training" or any of the many training courses we offer.

On behalf of all of us here at California Safety Training Corporation, Have a Great and Safe Day.