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
- Foot Protection
- Disposable Respirator
- Eye Protection
- Hand Protection
- Protective Clothing
- Hearing Protection
- Face Protection
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