Rules and Safety

RULES FOR COMPETITORS, JUDGES AND STEWARDS

1. Plots. Each team will have a 5 acre plot measuring approximately 440 x 55 yards.

2. Headland limits will be marked before the competition starts.

3. Teams, consisting of a maximum of 5 people, with an optional sixth for stewarding purposes, will take up their plots on Saturday. They should make use of the start of that day for practice and plough setting and finish that stage by placing a marker at the headland at the point where the "competition" work starts.

4. All work beyond the mark will be judged for the Challenge whether done on Saturday or Sunday. Weather prospects may play a part in a teams planning.

5. Teams may at their own discretion plough on Saturday or on Sunday up to 2 30 pm but they must plough on both days and do their best to finish their plots apart from headlands.

6. THIS IS NOT A RACE. The winner will be the team, which, in the opinion of the judges, has adapted their equipment to the conditions to produce the best work at an acceptable work rate.

7. The amount of work done by each team will be recorded and a work rate calculated dependent on the type and size of the plough and engine. A minimum of 3 acres should be completed.

8. There will be four judges each with a steward to observe as much of the action as possible. The judges’ decision will be final.

9. A separate judgement will be made of engine handling and the best working plough.

 Guidelines on safety

1. Safety of Crew and Public is paramount at all times.  If public enter working area/Safety Cell or crew are in positions where they risk injury, work must halt immediately.

2. Safety Cell to be used when working.  (See explanation and diagram) 

3.  Steam Winching-in: driver not to be distracted by public and/or mobile phones not to be used whilst in operating engine/tackle - focus on implement and ploughman's directions.

    - Paying out engine:  driver to watch plough away until it has settled and there is no need to halt winching engine.

4. Know your engine and your implement – make sure all your crew, especially inexperienced members, are briefed on hazards (engine and implement) before work commences.
   -  Inexperienced crew remain under supervision of a competent person.
   -  Crew of engine winching the implement are familiar with the operation and limitations of both equipments.

5.  Boiler has been maintained in accordance with NTET code of practice
   -Current certificate in force issued by competent authority.
   -Safety devices (safety valves, fusible plugs, pressure gauge, water gauge etc) are correctly fitted, operating and giving true readings 
   - Seals and joints have been inspected for leakage and found steam tight

6. Rope appropriate to Steam Ploughing only to be used (Owner/operator to confirm suitability and condition of rope) and effectiveness of coiling gear.

7. Rope and eye in good order and rope monitored during pulls.
   - If rope deteriorates - appropriate action taken and/or work stopped.
   - Rope splicing only to be undertaken by a competent person.

8. If in doubt : STOP, CHECK , MAKE SAFE

Its not a race
We are here to enjoy ourselves.

Explanation Of Safety Cell Operation:

The Safety Cell created by a set of Iron posts and rope.  This is to be erected by the plough team.  The ploughman is to be responsible for the work to be carried out.
A minimum of 100yards of telecom draw line and some 15-20 road lamp pins are required for each engine (more if deemed necessary).
Allow about 20 yards of rope to run across the back of the engine and up the side land, with some 60 yards to run around the engine and along the headland, the remaining 20 yards to return onto the unploughed land.   The safety cell progressively moves forward until the plot is finished. 

 S P C - Safety Cell