Hedge Trimmer

Hedge Trimmer

Acronyms

• LOTO - Lockout/Tagout.

• PPE - Personal Protective Equipment.

• SOP - Safe Operating Procedure.

Hazards

What can cause harm?

• Noise

• Flying/ejected materials

• Blades/cutters

• Hazardous chemicals

• Fire

• Static electricity – fuelling

• Outdoor work

• Insects and reptiles

• Manual Handling

• Vibration

Personal protective equipment

Pre-operational inspection

Follow the pre-operational checklist in the manufacturer's operational manual

Inspect equipment:

• Blade lock operates correctly

• Stop switch for ease of operation

• Spark plug lead is secure

• Throttle trigger and interlock operate smoothly

• No dust build-up

• Cutting blades are clean, sharp and secure

• No loose bolts on the bar

• Trimmer is free from oil and dust build up

• All the safety devices are operational.

Precautions

All operators are to be trained and competent to safely operate a hedge trimmer. Operator training should include:

• Workplace induction

• Safe operating procedures

• Manufacturer's instructions

• Nature of hazards

• Fitting of PPE

• Manual handling

• Housekeeping

• First Aid

Operation