General Considerations:
Refer also to hedge and brush cutting method statement: https://www.templecloud.org.uk/documents/hedge-and-brush-cutting-method-statement/
- Ensure that machinery is in good repair and working order.
- Are tools and accessories in good condition
- Ensure familiarity with site and equipment
- Do not use machinery if under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Do not use machinery if health issues or medication may impair safe working of machinery – ensure sufficient consumption of food and drink suitable for work and conditions. Inform supervisor of any health issues that may effect use of machinery.
Activity: Use of Strimmer / Brushcutter / Mower
Hazard: Personal Injury
Who might be harmed: Operatives
Controls:
- Operatives to be suitably trained in machine operation and awareness of risk assessment
- Correct PPE to be provided and worn
- Ensure guards on machinery in place and effective for protection.
- Ensure that machine safety stop switches all work correctly.
- Do not overide machine safety features, such as triggers, switches, circuit breakers.
- Ensure first aid kit is available on site
- Strimmer never to be left unattended
- Be aware of the general public
- Stop strimming if members of the public approach the working area
- Only use trained operatives
Hazard: Flying Debris
Who might be harmed: Operatives, members of the public
Controls:
- Avoid strimming in areas of loose gravel
- Avoid strimming in areas where flying stones may hit passing traffic or residents windows
- With brushcutter/strimmer, be mindful of direction of cutting and subsequent direction of flying debris. Choose direction of cutting to minimise potential harm to others
- Avoid engaging mower cutting blades over gravel areas
- Check before using strimmer / brushcutter and remove any loose debris. Check blades and moving parts are firmaly fixed in place
- Check area for stones or other material and remove
- Remain vigilant to the public at all times.
- Eye protection at all times during this operation.
- Ensure works are clearly signed for the benefit of the public.
- See note below on HSE Safety Bulletin: Use of chain flail/non standard cutting attachments on brush cutters. Do not use spinning chain cutting attachments
Hazard: Striking of hidden objects, stones, manhole covers etc
Who might be harmed: Operatives, members of the public
Controls:
- Visual check of area for any stones, raised manhole covers, old posts etc.
Hazard: Power Cables: Electric Shock, burns, fatality / Disconnection of services
Who might be harmed: Operatives
Controls:
- Visual check of area for surface laid / shallow services prior to carrying out grass cutting works.
- All exposed cables to be reported to the appropriate stats company immediately.
- Report all unburied cables immediately to the clerk for reporting to the appropriate organisation.
Hazard: Entrapment, hit by moving parts
Who might be harmed: Operatives, members of the public
Controls:
- Ensure motor is fully closed down and the engine given time to cool.
- Use only trained operatives to change blades, pull cords or plugs.
- Place machine on firm level surface.
- Do not overide machine safety switches
Hazard: Unauthorised use
Who might be harmed: Operatives, members of the public
Controls:
Do not leave tools unattended.
Hazard: Noise
Who might be harmed: Operatives, members of the public
Controls:
- Wearing of ear defenders for operatives. Foam ear plugs are provided in the lock up.
- Job rotation by trained operatives only.
- Reduce exposure.
- Reduce exposure by physical distancing if possible.
Hazard: Vibration
Who might be harmed: Operatives
Controls:
- Equipment to be properly maintained.
- Job rotation by trained operatives only.
- Reduce exposure.
- Gloves to be worn.
- Operatives to be assessed for maximum trigger time and/or full body vibration and exposure reduced as necessary.
- Only use trained operatives.
Activity: Refueling
Hazard: Fire Explosion
Who might be harmed: Operatives, members of the public
Controls:
- No smoking.
- Ensure location is well ventilated
- Fuel to be stored in a proper container and stored away from sources of ignition.
- Use funnel or proper nozzle when pouring.
- Clean up spills immediately using dry spill granules.
- Ensure Fire Extinguisher is available nearby.
- Only use trained operatives.
- No refuelling to take place in the vicinity of forms of ignition.
- Fuel to be stored in secure place away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition.
- Allow machines to cool down before refueling in accordance with operating manuals.
- Operatives to be briefed on safe fuelling of machines.
To Note – HSE Safety Bulletin: Use of chain flail/non standard cutting attachments on brush cutters
Key Issues:
The European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry) has required Member States to prohibit the placing on the market of flail-type cutting attachments consisting of several linked metal parts (eg chains) for portable hand-held brush cutters. Non-standard metal brush cutting accessories fitted to petrol driven brush cutters can fail catastrophically in-service.
There is a risk of death or serious injury to operators and others in vicinity from ejected metal components. These accessories are manufactured from more than one component and rotate at high speeds.
Suppliers of such equipment should immediately discontinue supply of flail-type cutting attachments for portable hand-held brush cutters. Anyone using them should discontinue use of any non-standard metal cutting accessory immediately and consult the brush cutter manufacturer for guidance.
