Brushcutter safety document; how to use your brushcutter saf

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BRUSHCUTTER SAFETY
There are three basic types of brushcutter, each designed for a particular operation. Make sure that you use your brushcutter only for jobs it can handle.
If your brushcutter is fitted with a steel circular saw blade, it can be used for cutting shrubs and small trees (less than 150 mm diameter).
If your brushcutter has a rubber, plastic or steel cutter blade, it is suitable for clearing grass, weeds or pasture.
If you have a brushcutter with a synthetic cutting cord, or with pivot mounted thermoplastic blades, it is suitable for trimming or mowing grass and weeds. Electric brushcutters should be fitted with either an earth leakage circuit breaker or isolated transformer to protect you from electric shock.
All brushcutters must be fitted with a blade guard to protect you from flying objects.
MAINTAINING YOUR BRUSHCUTTER
Use your brushcutter only if it is in a safe operating condition. Ask the manufacturer if your brushcutter complies with safety standards. Read your owners’ manual and follow its maintenance and service instructions. Learn how to stop the engine quickly in any emergency.
Before starting work, check that:
• your brushcutter is clean and free of grass and leaves;
• the cutting blade or cord is not bent, cracked, dull or worn. Damaged cutting blades and worn mounting components are major hazards;
• the safety harness (with larger model brushcutters) fits so that your shoulders, arms and hands are relaxed and your back is straight.
PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Your clothing should be comfortable for the temperature conditions in which you are working. You must wear approved:
• safety helmet when brushcutting the bush;
• ear muffs or ear plugs to minimise the risk of permanent hearing damage;
• eye and face protection (goggles or a visor) to protect against flying objects or sawdust;
• leg protection;
• steel capped safety boots with a non-slip tread or metal spikes; and
• safety gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm and dry to prevent vibration white finger.
Make sure that a first aid kit is available and that you have a working knowledge of first aid procedures. If possible, work within hailing distance of another person in case first aid is needed.
STARTING WORK
Before starting work:
• plan sufficient rest breaks for recovery from fatigue and to prevent the development of vibration white finger;
• make sure that other people or animals are kept at least 10 metres from the brushcutter;
• clear the area in which you will be working of stones, sticks, wire or other objects; and
• ensure that you can finish the job in good daylight. To start our brushcutter:
• place the brushcutter on firm ground;
• clear away any obstructions, especially near the front of the cutting blade;
• place one hand on the machine and operate the starter with the other hand.
USING THE BRUSHCUTTER
Don’t let our attention slip while you’re using the brushcutter. Make sure you keep a firm grip on the machine with both hands and keep the blade or cutting cord away from your body.
Ensure that your footing is solid, and that your posture is well balanced at all times. Don’t cut above shoulder level.
It is dangerous to force the brushcutter at excessive speeds, so don’t cut at a pace that the bushcutter can’t handle.
Difficult and overgrown terrain, or slippery wet conditions can pose an extra hazard. Take special care in these situations. Watch out for tree stumps, roots and ditches that might trip you. And beware of stones and other objects that may be thrown up.
Don’t use the electric trimmers in the rain or in damp conditions as there is a danger of electric shock.
Do warm up exercises before starting work, and take regular rest breaks. Exposure to constant vibration, particularly during cold weather, may cause numbness or vibration white finger (Raynards phenomenon). If your fingers start to tingle or feel numb, see a doctor.
Exposure to the high noise levels emitted by brushcutters can cause permanent hearing damage. Wear suitable hearing protection that fits you properly.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
This document uses material prepared by WorkCover New South Wales and Standards Australia.