PROCEDURE FOR OPERATING HEDGE TRIMMERS (Revision 1 – 28th October 2010) Toolbox Talk

HAZARDS AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF HEDGE TRIMMERS Risk of cuts, including severe injuries to fingers Injury to eyes from flying debris Noise and vibration Inhalation of exhaust fumes Injury to other persons Risk of fire PERSONS AUTHORISED TO USE HEDGE TRIMMERS Hedge Trimmers must only be operated by trained and authorised persons. A list of persons authorised to use hedge trimmers is kept by the Grounds Officer and is displayed at Bedford Road and Balgownie.

PPE TO BE WORN WHEN USING HEDGE TRIMMERS Safety glasses Ear protection (If disposable earplugs being used ensure hands are clean when inserting or removing from the ear). Protective gloves Steel toe capped safety boots High visibility vest Hard hat (if operating KombiSystem with hedge trimmer attachment above head height). When operating the equipment loose clothing should not be worn, long hair should be tied back, any loose jewellery should be removed. Legs must be covered at all times.

PRE-USE INSPECTION Before use inspect that the following are in good working order: Throttle trigger Throttle trigger interlock Starting lock Stop switch Blade brake (if installed on that model of hedge trimmer) Cutting blades (should be clean, sharp and not warped) Handles (should be kept clean and dry at all times, free from oil and dirt) Spark plug boot (should be securely fitted) Ensure there are no loose fittings or fuel leaks

AREA TO BE WORKED ON Before starting work examine the hedge area for stones, fence wire, metal or other solid objects. Ensure that a good footing can be obtained. Look out for trip hazards and any slippery conditions, as these should be avoided. Other persons must be kept a safe distance from the area being worked on. Where work is to be carried out in busy areas, barriers complete with signage may have to be erected around the area or the work carried out outwith peak times. Barriers in place in busy areas Too close 

STARTING THE HEDGE TRIMMER Do not attempt to drop start the hedge trimmer. Place the hedge trimmer on firm ground or other solid surface in a well-ventilated area. Ensure that the blades themselves are not touching the ground. The starting lock should only be used when starting up the equipment (you do not have control of the engine speed in this position). Once the hedge trimmer is running check that the cutting blades are stationary whilst the equipment runs at idle speed. If the cutting blades move whilst the engine is idling the equipment should be taken out of service and be repaired.

USE OF HEDGE TRIMMER Always have both feet firmly on the ground (or MEWP) in a comfortable balanced position when operating the hedge trimmer. Never use the hedge trimmer above shoulder height (with the exception of the KombiSystem hedge trimmer) and do not overreach. Never work on a ladder or other insecure support.  

NEVER attempt to operate the hedge trimmer with one hand. Always use both hands when operating hedge trimmers. The hedge trimmer should be held in such a way that as little exhaust fumes are breathed in as possible. Do not force the hedge trimmer to cut over sized branches, use a shears or loppers instead. In the event of debris becoming jammed in the cutting tool blades the engine must be switched off and the blades come to halt before attempting to remove the obstruction. When fuelling the strimmer, the procedure for fuelling petrol driven equipment must be observed. 

USE OF KOMBISYSTEM WITH HEDGETRIMMER ATTACHMENT When cutting the top of a taller hedge, check the other side of the hedge frequently for any bystanders, animals and any obstructions. A hardhat must be worn if using the hedge trimmer above head height.

TRANSPORTING THE HEDGE TRIMMER Never transport the hedge trimmer with the cutter blades still running, always engage the blade brake before transporting the equipment over short distances. When the hedge trimmer is to be transported over a long distance or will not be in use for a longer period of time, stop the engine and cover the blade with the scabbard.