AEM has uploaded new safety pictorials to its safety pictorial database, which can be found here: http://pictorials.aem.org. The new pictorials are numbered 135-145. Several existing pictorials have been modified as well.

AEM has long supported free access to its extensive database of safety pictorials. Per the message on the homepage for the database, it was developed to assist designers and technical illustrators in communicating effective safety messages through the use of consistent “industry-recognized” pictorial representations.

Every safety pictorial can be downloaded either as an .eps or .dxf file. Visitors can also simply scrape the .jpg thumbnail of any image or images they would like to use.

If you have any questions regarding AEM’s safety pictorial database, contact us at shop@aem.org.

Over the past few months AEM has started to convert its safety manual library into e-books. We’re very excited by this development, because it allows us to get our safety publications into overseas markets where the cost of shipping printed materials might otherwise have been prohibitive.

The safety manuals currently converted into e-book format include the following:

Aerial Platform Safety Manual: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/aem-aerial-platform-safety/id583403512?mt=11

Agricultural Sprayer Safety Manual: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/aem-agricultural-sprayer-safety/id573894446?mt=11

Hydraulic Excavator Safety Manual: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/hydraulic-excavator-safety/id564243053?mt=11

Currently, these publications can only be found in Apple’s iBookstore, therefore to download and read them you must have an iPhone or iPad. We do have plans to expand our e-books onto other platforms as quickly as possible, a development to look for later in 2013. Sales of all published e-books have now been expanded into 50 iTunes international stores (including the U.S.), but currently they are only available in English. Again, we have plans to add additional languages as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding these developments, please contact support@aem.org.

AEM has published a new safety manual for Agricultural Sprayers (Form AS-1208). This indispensable manual takes equipment operators through a typical day of operation, outlining accepted safety procedures for each critical step. Its easy-to-follow, no-nonsense graphics and clearly stated safety warnings will help ensure operators come home safe and sound after a productive day in the field. It also provides manufacturers with effective, supplemental safety guidance to their own operator’s manuals.

Among the many safety practices discussed, the Agricultural Sprayer Safety Manual covers:

• Safe chemical handling procedures
• Safety practices specifically tailored to tow-behind and self-propelled sprayers
• Transportation best practices
• Common-sense rules for safe refilling in the field
• Maintenance hints designed to keep you safe
• And much more!

AEM has just released an updated version of its Truck-Mounted Forklift Safety Manual. The update includes more accurate information specific to different machine configurations; new guidance provided for traveling while unloaded; expanded instructions for operating on uneven terrain; expanded guidance for handling high loads, and a new section explaining load stability factors.

Here’s an excerpt from the section on load stability factors (page 34):

Before disengaging the forks from under the load, be aware of the following stability factors:

Factor 1: Loaded Boom

Use EXTREME CAUTION when working with a loaded boom or mast at its maximum extension or height. In this situation the forklift’s center of gravity is located at its most critical stability limits, so any adjustments made to the load can cause the machine to tip over. Always use the shortest boom length or mast extension possible. Use the forklift’s stabilizing outriggers, if equipped.

Factor 2: Releasing the Load

It may not seem obvious, but this action can be very dangerous! Use EXTREME CAUTION when releasing a load placed at a high elevation, especially if operating on an uphill grade. Removing the weight of the load immediately shifts the forklift’s center of gravity to the rear and increases the likelihood of tip-over. Lower the mast or boom and extend as soon as possible.

Factor 3: Traveling with Unloaded Boom

Traveling with an unloaded mast or boom that is elevated or retracted is DANGEROUS, as uneven terrain or soft ground can cause the machine to tip over. Extend the mast or boom (as specifi ed in the operator’s manual) and keep it as low as possible when traveling.

AEM’s latest safety manual publication, Log Harvester/Processor Safety Manual, covers a variety of topics, including chain shot hazards, processor head maintenance, operation in hazardous conditions, and more.

Should the chain on a log harvester/processor head break during operation, broken saw chain can be propelled from the harvester/processor head at bullet-like speed, covering hundreds of feet and potentially endangering anyone who is within 300 feet of the equipment. To better understand how to guard against injury or fatality resulting from chain shot, please pick up a copy of this safety manual today!

In its July/August/September 2011 edition, Cavedrepa ran an ad for the Spanish version of AEM’s recently updated Hydraulic Excavator Safety Manual.

Since 2007 AEM has been working with Cavedrepa to distribute AEM safety manuals in Venezuela. And they have done a fantastic job promoting our materials in that region.

I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Cavedrepa’s President, Erich Hartkopf Acevedo, at a number of industry events, including CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March of this year. Always charming, Erich is an excellent spokesperson for the industry through his publication, and his focus on and support for safety initiatives is particuarly gratifying to me.

Thanks again for your support, Erich!

Once again, an AEM safety manual has been presented in an issue of the American Society of Safety Engineers’ Professional Safety magazine. In their March 2011 issue, in the Product Pulse section, ASSE mentioned AEM’s Carrier Mounted Hydraulic Breaker Safety Manual. We’re always glad to receive press regarding our industry-consensus, cost-effective safety literature! Thanks ASSE!

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) now has available a new safety manual for knuckleboom log loaders. The 52-page AEM Knuckleboom Log Loader Safety Manual was developed under manufacturer guidance of the association’s Forestry Equipment Council, and it covers log loaders that are equipped with a grapple and either stationary or mounted on a truck, trailer, rubber-tired carrier or crawler.

The manual covers current industry practice in machine design and construction as well as up-to-date industry safety best practices for equipment preparation, operation, maintenance and transport.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has extensively updated its industrial/agricultural mower safety manual – both the English only and Spanish/English versions. Types of equipment covered include rotary, folding wing rotary, flail, boom and sickle bar mowers as well as disc mowers, disc mower conditioners and self-propelled windrowers.

The AEM Industrial/Agricultural Mower Safety Manual was developed under the direction of the association’s Industrial/Agricultural Mower Manufacturers Council. AEM safety manuals outline common sense “do’s and don’ts” in clear language and an easy-to-follow format, and they are a convenient and cost-effective way to provide in-house safety training.

The manual covers current industry practice in machine design and construction as well as up-to-date industry safety best practices for equipment preparation, operation, maintenance and transport. Enhancements include an expanded “safe maintenance” section, with a new section discussing mower blade maintenance; expanded discussion of “mower thrown objects” and “slope operation”; and use of newer safety design features and enhanced operator protection systems.

In June 2010 Compact Equipment Magazine ran an article on AEM’s promotion of consistent terminology when referencing “compact tool carriers.” Here is a link to that article:  http://www.compactequip.com/index/webapp-stories-action?id=597.