Mowing and Trimming Safety For the Landscaping and Horticultural Services Industry
Mowing and Trimming Safety Contents Introduction What’s Inside?.......................................................... 3 Lesson 1 Take Control of Your Own Safety............................... 4 Lesson 2 Prepare for Safe Operation....................................... 9 Lesson 3 Preventing Rollover Accidents................................. 15 Lesson 4 Avoid Being Caught in Moving Parts........................ 18 Lesson 5 Other Common Dangers..........................................
What’s Inside? This booklet teaches important safety practices to follow when mowing. You may use a wide range of equipment including: 4agricultural mowers 4riding lawn mowers 4walk behind mowers 4string trimmers 4brush trimmers Safety tips, along with real accident reports, have been combined to give you a better understanding of the risks associated with this type of work. Use this booklet in conjunction with hands-on safety training and the equipment operator’s manual.
Lesson 1 Objectives 1. Name the most common types of serious accidents involving mowers and trimmers. 2. Interpret the meaning of common warning signs and labels. 3. Identify appropriate protective equipment. Take Control of Your Own Safety Greatest Dangers Failure to observe safety precautions when operating mowing equipment can result in serious injury or death. The most common types of serious accidents are: 1. Rollovers Agricultural mowers and riding lawn mowers can overturn, causing injury and death.
Help Yourself Safe work habits are important. Here are three actions you can take to be safe on the job site. 1. Learn All You Can. To prevent accidents with mowers and trimmers, read and follow directions in the equipment operator’s manual. Pay attention to safety instructions in the manual and to warning labels you see on the equipment. If you have questions, stop and ask your supervisor before you continue. 2. Concentrate on Working Safely. Sometimes you may be tempted to take risky shortcuts.
Safety Messages and Signs Manufacturers put important safety messages on mowing equipment and in the operator’s manual. It is critical to read, understand and follow all safety messages. The triangle shape is the symbol for caution. The exclamation mark in the center means Pay Attention. In some instances, the triangleshaped sign will show a picture. Other times, words explain why the sign is used. Many safety messages use the words Caution, Warning and Danger to get your attention.
Protective Equipment Certain equipment is necessary to protect your body from materials ejected from the mowing equipment and from being caught in moving parts. When operating mowing equipment you should wear the following. Close-fitting clothes and no jewelry Loose shirt sleeves, pant legs or jewelry can catch in the equipment’s moving parts, resulting in injury; therefore, close-fitting clothes should be worn. Pull back long hair.
Quiz Yourself Circle the correct answer. Answers can be found on page 37. 1. What are the two most commonly reported causes of serious injury and death from operating mowers and trimmers? a. Rollovers and being caught in moving parts. b. Heat stroke and lightning strike. c. Carbon monoxide poisoning and burns. Select the correct answer for the following sentences from the list below. a. Danger b. Safety glasses c. Alcohol d. Caution 2. The triangle shape is the symbol for ___________. 3.
Prepare for Safe Operation Pre-Start Inspection Safety starts before the engine. A thorough inspection of the mower or trimmer is important before beginning work each day. Use the checklist on the next page as a guide for daily, visual inspections. Alert your supervisor if you find anything wrong during your daily pre-start inspection. Belts Lesson 2 Objectives 1. Indicate mower parts to be inspected before operation. 2. Identify steps to prepare the area for safe mowing. 3.
Pre-Start Checklist Belts o Secured? o Not cracked or separated? Blade o Secure and balanced? o Sharpened? o Free of excessive wear? Fluid Leaks o No sign of fluid leaks? Accumulated Grass or Grease o Mower, deck and chute free of debris? Guards o All guards in place? o No sign of damaged guards? Tires o Proper inflation? o No visible damage? o Lug bolts tight? Missing or Damaged Guards Guards and shields protect you from moving parts.
YES No bystanders or coworkers in the cutting area. NO Never mow or trim when others are nearby. Prepare Mowing Area Prepare the mowing area before beginning to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others. YES Mower chute pointed away from obstructions. Remove Debris Walk the area to be mowed. Pick up debris such as rocks, sticks, bottles, cans, wires, etc. Debris picked up by a mower or trimmer can be thrown from the machine at speeds as high as 200 m.p.h.
Safe Start Up and Shut Down Start Up Safety Procedures 1. Make sure all attachments are disengaged. 2. Shift into neutral before starting the engine. 4Always start string/brush trimmers on the ground. 4Start riding equipment from the operator’s seat only. 4Keep hands and feet away from the blade area when starting walk behind mowers. Safe Shut Down Procedures 1. Disengage the blade and other attachments. 2. Lower the attachments to the ground. 3. Shift the controls into neutral. 4. Set the parking brake.
Safe Fueling Procedures Gasoline and other fuels are flammable. Follow safe fueling procedures to help reduce the risk of fuel ignition. 4 Always shut off the engine and wait at least 5 minutes for the engine to cool before refueling. 4 Use only approved fuel containers and store in a well ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. 4 Never smoke or have an open flame near fuel. 4 Touch the fuel nozzle to the machine before removing the fuel cap to prevent a static spark from igniting the fuel.
Quiz Yourself Circle the correct answer. Answers can be found on page 38. 1. Loose belts, fluid leaks and accumulated grass and grease can be ________ hazards. a. Water b. Wind c. Fire 2. Check the ________________ for the location of shields and guards on your equipment. a. Operator’s manual b. Local newspaper c. OSHA Web site 3. Which illustration shows how to correctly mow beside buildings? OR 4.
Preventing Rollover Accidents Avoiding Rollovers When a mower becomes unstable or out of balance, it can roll over. A human’s reaction time is too slow to stop a rollover once it starts. Look over the area before you mow, noting all land elevation changes. Once you have assessed the area to be mowed, observe the following precautions to avoid rollover accidents. Lesson 3 Objectives 1. Recognize safe operating procedures to prevent a rollover accident. 2. Identify issues of concern when mowing on slopes.
Don’t be Confused! Agricultural Tractor/Riding Mower Mow Up and Down Slopes Walk Behind Mower Mow Across Slopes Avoid sudden moves. Abrupt starts, stops and sharp turns can make the equipment rollover. Slow down when turning and make wide, gradual turns, especially when mowing on slopes. Turning quickly and sharply can cause the mower to overturn. When mowing on slopes, don’t turn unless you have to. If turning is required, turn slowly and downhill.
Quiz Yourself Circle the correct answer. Answers can be found on page 39. 1. A ____________________should be used to cut grass in areas where a mower cannot go such as ditches, drop-offs or embankments. a. Pair of scissors b. String trimmer c. Tractor with attachments 2. When using an agricultural tractor or riding lawn mower on slopes, which picture correctly illustrates the direction to mow? Up and Down Across OR 3.
Lesson 4 Objectives 1. Recognize safe operating procedures to avoid being caught in moving parts. 2. Identify hazards associated with equipment parts. Avoid Being Caught in Moving Parts Don’t Get Caught in Moving Parts Observe these precautions to prevent being caught in the equipment’s moving parts. 1. Keep both hands and feet on the equipment at all times (if applicable). Never reach around or beneath a running mower or trimmer. YES Keep hands and feet on equipment at all times.
4. Shut off the engine before picking up debris or unclogging the chute. If the mower becomes clogged, turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug wire before attempting to clear debris from the discharge chute. String trimmers should also be turned off before removing debris. Accident Report Operator’s Finger Amputated in Blade While Clearing Grass Clippings YES Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before attempting to clear debris from mowing equipment.
6. Be cautious on wet grass. Slips on wet grass can cause you to fall into the equipment’s moving parts. Also, wet grass can cause riding mowers and agricultural tractors to slide or skid, throwing you off. Accident Report Operator Cut by Mower Blade Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 125582973 An employee was operating a riding mower without the blade guard in place. He dismounted the mower in order to move a picnic table in his path.
Quiz Yourself Circle the correct answer. Answers can be found on page 40. 1. When mowing, __________ grass can be a hazard to operators of all types of equipment. a. Cut b. Short c. Wet 2. Only blades recommended by the __________________ should be added to mowing equipment. a. Manufacturer b. Custodian c. Operator 3. Before performing maintenance or unclogging debris from the mower’s chute, turn off the engine and __________________. a. Let the air out of the tires b. Disconnect the spark plug wire c.
Lesson 5 Objectives 1. Identify steps to avoid being run over. 2. Become aware of hitching and unhitching procedures. 3. List precautions to avoid hitting obstacles. 4. Recognize how to prevent objects from being thrown during equipment operation. 5. Evaluate how to safely operate equipment in and around traffic. 6. Become aware of electrical hazards. Other Common Dangers Runovers You can be injured or killed if you are run over by mowing equipment.
Obstacles You can be seriously injured or killed if you run into obstacles while mowing. Follow these precautions to avoid obstacles. 4 Always be looking ahead for obstacles. 4 Watch for trees, buildings, overhangs and other obstructions. 4 Allow enough room to safely pass between obstructions. Be careful not to get too close. 4 Check overhead clearance before passing beneath branches, awnings and other obstructions.
When Hauling on a Trailer Check the operator’s manual for instructions before hauling the mowing equipment on a trailer. Be sure to observe these precautions: 4Keep bystanders at a safe distance. 4Select a level surface. 4Block the rear wheels of the transport vehicle. 4Attach appropriate ramps to the transport vehicle. 4Back the mower up the ramp. Drive forward down the ramp. 4Chain and block the mowing equipment so it won’t move during transport.
Electrical Safety Follow these precautions to keep you from being electrocuted while working with electric tools. 4 Never cut off the ground pin (bottom prong) of a three-prong plug to fit in a two-prong outlet. 4 Do not use electric equipment when grass is damp or wet. 4 Keep ladders away from power lines. 4 Use tools that are double insulated. 4 Do not carry any tool by its cord. 4 Ensure extension cords are in good condition and always use a cord labeled for outdoor use.
Quiz Yourself Circle the correct answer. Answers can be found on page 40. 1. Riding equipment should always be started from __________. a. Beside the mower b. The operator’s seat c. Wherever’s easiest 2. When mowing, always be looking ____________. a. At the sky b. Ahead for obstacles c. At my feet 3. To move a mower to a site 3 miles away, it is better to _______. a. Drive the mower there b. Load it on a trailer and haul it there c. Buy a new mower at the other site 4.
Environmental Hazards Treating Cuts and Burns Minor cuts and burns can be treated on-site with minimal complications. If you or a coworker sustains major cuts or burns, get professional medical help immediately. Lesson 6 Objectives 1. Identify environmental hazards. 2. Recognize treatment and first aid for exposure to environmental hazards. Treating Minor Cuts 4 Clean the area thoroughly. 4 Remove any debris from the wound.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms Heat exhaustion is a serious illness and needs to be treated immediately before a heat stroke occurs. If you or a coworker experience any of the following symptoms, cool off immediately and drink plenty of water. wDizziness wLightheadedness wHeadache wFeeling weak, fatigued wEasily Irritated wClammy and moist skin wPale or flushed skin Heat Stroke Symptoms Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can become fatal.
Heat Facts Heat Illness Treatment Tips 4You are more likely to suffer from a heat related illness on humid days. 4 If you are not used to working in the heat, you are more likely to suffer from a heat related illness. It can take your body anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks to be acclimated to working in the heat. It is recommended that you start out by working half of the normal time and workload on the first day and then build up to a complete day by the end of the week.
Cold-Induced Injury or Illness Treatment Tips w Move the person out of the cold and into an area that is warm and dry. w Remove wet and tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. w Never rub the affected area. This will cause further skin and tissue damage. w Seek medical attention immediately. Cold Induced Injuries and Illnesses Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in coldinduced injuries and illnesses that can seriously injure or kill you.
Snake Bites If you are bitten by a snake, seek medical attention immediately and try to describe the size and color of the snake to the doctor. This can help the doctor determine whether or not the snake was poisonous. Never cut, suck or apply cold packs to snake bites. Mammals Be aware of animals such as squirrels or bats that may be in trees or bushes and startle you during work. Also, be cautious of animals such as rats, skunks and raccoons that could be rabid.
~ A person that is struck by lightning DOES NOT retain an electric charge that can shock you. ~ Lightning can spread as far as 60 feet after striking the ground. ~ Lightning can travel at speeds of 100,000 mph. ~ The temperature of a bolt of lightning can be as high as 50,000° F. ~ Lightning Facts Lightning CAN strike the same place twice. Lightning Precautions Lightning strikes injure and kill hundreds of people each year.
Quiz Yourself Circle the correct answer. Answers can be found on page 41. 1. Stop a cut from bleeding by applying ______________. a. Ice b. Ointment c. Direct pressure 2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache and fatigue are all symptoms of _____________. a. Sore thumb b. Lightning strike c. Heat exhaustion 3. It is important to take frequent, short _______ when working outside. a. Phone calls b. Breaks c. Strides 4. To keep hydrated when working outside, drink __________. a.
Conclusion Developing safe work habits before, during and after machinery operation, helps you avoid accidents on the job. You have been presented with checklists, safety tips and exercises designed to help you avoid the most commonly reported causes of mower and trimmer operation injuries and deaths, as well as other important safety precautions to consider. Use this information to keep your work experience safe.
Quiz Yourself Circle the correct answer. Answers can be found on pages 42 and 43. 1. The two most commonly reported causes of serious injury and death involving mowing equipment are _________________. a. Rollovers and being caught in moving parts b. Carbon monoxide poisoning and lightning strikes c. Cuts and burns 2. A pre-start inspection should be performed __________. a. Once each week b. At the start of each work day c. Whenever the weather is nice 3.
6. Always _____________ obstacles and debris. a. Trying to ignore b. Look ahead for c. Mowing over 7. Riding mowers are NOT made for ________________. a. Mowing grass b. Highway travel 8. Never carry an electric tool by its _________. a. Cord b. Handle 9. Heat related illnesses are very ________ and should not be ignored. a. Beneficial b. Serious c. Exciting 10. If working indoors with running equipment, make sure there is adequate _________ to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. a. Lighting b. Fuel c.
Quiz Yourself Solutions Lesson 1 Circle the correct answer. 1. What are the two most commonly reported causes serious of injury and death from operating mowers and trimmers? a. Rollovers and being caught in moving parts b. Heat stroke and lightning strikes c. Carbon monoxide poisoning and burns Select the correct answer for the following sentences from the list below. a. Danger b. Safety glasses c. Alcohol d. Caution d 2. The triangle shape is the symbol for ___________. b 3.
Lesson 2 Circle the correct answer. 1. Loose belts, fluid leaks and accumulated grass and grease can be ________ hazards. a. Water b. Wind c. Fire 2. Check the _________ ________ for the location of shields and guards on your equipment. a. Operator’s manual b. Local newspaper c. OSHA Web site 3. Which illustration shows how to correctly mow beside buildings? OR 4. In order to follow proper shut-down procedures, always remove the _____ from riding equipment. a. Lights b. Key c. Belts 5.
Lesson 3 Circle the correct answer. 1. A ___________ ___________should be used to cut grass areas where a mower cannot go such as ditches, drop-offs or embankments. a. Pair of scissors b. String trimmer c. Tractor with attachments 2. When using an agricultural tractor or riding lawn mower on slopes, which pictures correctly illustrates the direction to mow? Up and Down Across OR 3.
Lesson 4 Circle the correct answer. 1. When mowing, __________ grass can be a hazard to operators of all types of equipment. a. Cut b. Short c. Wet 2. Only blades recommended by the __________________ should be added to mowing equipment. a. Manufacturer b. Custodian c. Operator 3. Before performing maintenance or unclogging debris from the mower’s chute, turn off the engine and __________________. a. Let the air out of the tires b. Disconnect the spark plug wire c.
Lesson 6 Circle the correct answer. 1. Stop a cut from bleeding by applying ______________. a. Ice b. Ointment c. Direct pressure 2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache and fatigue are all symptoms of _____________. a. Lightning strike b. Heat exhaustion 3. It is important to take frequent, short _______ when working outside. a. Phone calls b. Breaks c. Strides 4. To keep hydrated when working outside, drink __________. a. Water frequently throughout the day. b. Only when thirsty. c. Soda at lunchtime. 5.
Conclusion Circle the correct answer. 1. The two most commonly reported causes of serious injury and death involving mowing equipment are _________________. a. Rollovers and being caught in moving parts b. Carbon monoxide poisoning and lightning strikes c. Cuts and burns 2. A pre-start inspection should be performed __________. a. Once each week b. At the start of each work day c. Whenever the weather is nice 3. When operating a riding mower on a hill, I mow _____ slopes. a. Up and down b. Across 4.
6. Always _____________ obstacles and debris. a. Trying to ignore b. Look ahead for c. Mowing over 7. Riding mowers are NOT made for ________________. a. Mowing grass b. Highway travel 8. Never carry an electric tool by its _________. a. Cord b. Handle 9. Heat related illnesses are very ________ and should not be ignored. a. Beneficial b. Serious c. Exciting 10. If working indoors with running equipment, make sure there is adequate _________ to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. a. Lighting b. Fuel c.
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