Rock River Thresheree logo

Rock River Thresheree, Inc.

Since 1955

These are the operating regulations and safety rules for owners and operators of all equipment displayed at the Rock River Thresheree Reunion. As members, we are all responsible for safety and have the right to enforce the safety rules. We have been very fortunate in not having any serious accidents. Let's keep it that way. These rules are for your safety as well as the many visitors who come to our reunion. The SAFETY TEAM as full authority to make sure we have a safe and enjoyable show. If you do not follow safe practices, your equipment will be impounded until the end of the show. Be alert and be careful. SAFETY MUST ALWAYS COME FIRST. If in doubt, ask someone who knows.

  1. Everyone operating equipment must attend one safety meeting and fill out the attendance certificate. You will be issued a button at the end of the meeting, which must be worn while operating equipment. If you are seen operating equipment without a button, you will be asked to stop your equipment immediately.
  2. No alcoholic beverages while operating equipment or operating equipment under the influence of alcohol. No alcohol is allowed on the showgrounds between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
  3. You must be 16 years or older to operate any mobile equipment. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your safety meeting attendance certificate.
  4. Operate in low gear at all times. Joy riding is not allowed at any time. Pedestrians have the right of way; yield to them.
  5. All moving equipment shall have qualified operator(s) and up to one passenger and only if done safely. Obviously, some larger equipment needs to have multiple operators but not multiple riders. Please use common sense. If the moving equipment has no fends, riders are not allowed. No riders while towing equipment.
  6. Lawn tractors, ATVs and golf carts are restricted. In order to operate one, you must either have a physical handicap or be working on a Thresheree duty (such as security or maintenance). If you meet one of these requirements, you must register your vehicle at the Safety/Security station. No motorbikes, ATVs or bicycles. Only registered vehicles (no tractors or steamers) are allowed to drive through display areas, the flea market or campground and only if necessary. Lawn tractors may be displayed and paraded with daily parade.
  7. Do not leave running equipment unattended at any time. Do not make any adjustments while equipment is moving or operating. All running equipment is to be closely monitored and roped or fenced off a safe distance if necessary.
  8. When operating with belt attached, be sure everyone stays back a minimum of 20 feet. The engineer/operator is responsible to see that people are a safe distance away before starting. (Ask them politely to move back -- don't yell at them. Most people aren't aware of the dangers of belts.) Walking under a belt in operation is dangerous and prohibited.
  9. No tractor driving after dark unless entering/leaving the park or participating in a club-approved function.
  10. If your equipment has brakes, they must work properly.
  11. If you are towing, use proper hitch pins with safety clips and carry a block or wheel chock to block your equipment on a hill.
  12. Stop all engines before fueling. Fuel is to be transported in approved containers only -- positively no glass.
  13. There is a FIRE EXTINGUISHER in each building. If you use one, turn it in at the Safety Office so it can be recharged.
  14. If you are in the parade, be ready when called, keep a safe distance from others and follow the parade marshal's instructions.
  15. No transporting people on homemade shuttle wagons or trailers. Only club shuttles with an approved club member operating them are allowed at club functions.
  16. No dogs are allowed on the grounds except for medical purposes.

WE MUST ALWAYS KEEP SAFETY THE FIRST ITEM OF OUR SHOW OR WE WILL HAVE NO SHOW.

  1. Each steam engine or boiler must have a QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED operator in attendance when steam pressure is up and the engine or boiler is ready for operation. The boiler can be considered "not in operation" when ALL of the following conditions exist:
    1. The water level is at least one third of the water gauge glass
    2. The header or dome valve is closed
    3. The draft doors are closed
    4. The fire is banked or extinguished
    5. The boiler pressure is at least 40 pounds per square inch below safety valve relieving pressure.
  2. Before firing, check the water glass and valves for possible obstructions, make sure the water glass valves are open and ensure there is plenty of water in the boiler (at least 3/4 glass at startup).
  3. Check the fusible plug in the crown sheet. The plug must be removed and cleaned each year.
  4. Do not over fire your boiler. Blowing your safety valve is necessary once a day to test the valve but doing it too often scares the visitors and is a sign of incorrect firing.
  5. Maintain plenty of water in the boiler at all times. Remember: boiler explosion are most often caused by low water.
  6. Before descending a hill:
    1. Have a high water level in the boiler
    2. Don't have a hot fire in the box
    3. Close all draft doors below the gates.
  7. When doing belt work, be sure the engine is in alignment with the other machine. Belts slipping off pulleys may cause serious accidents. The engineer/operator is responsible to see that people are a safe distance away before starting.
  8. Stop engine before making any adjustments.
  9. When parking an engine leave the engine as level as possible and block the wheels.
  10. When shutting down for the day:
    1. Check water level - keep the water level at least half-glass at the end of the day
    2. Close water glass valves
    3. Close steam valves
    4. Close boiler inlet valves (don't close hot valves too tight)
    5. Close draft doors
    6. Unhook or tie down whistle cords.
  11. Blow two short blasts on the before moving or starting the engine to work. Please avoid unnecessary whistle blowing - it can be very annoying and frightening to our visitors.
  12. There must be two operators at all times when working or moving. Please watch very carefully for other people.
  13. Please use common sense. YOU are the only one who can prevent accidents. If you have any questions or concerns, or are unsure about something, please ask someone who knows.