Powered Groundskeeping Equipment Safety

1. Powered Groundskeeping Equipment Safety

2. Introduction • The following procedures are designed to assure proper maintenance and safe operation of powered groundskeeping equipment and attachments by OCC employees • Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, safety should be your first concern

3. Objectives • Employer and Employee Requirements • Terms • Safety • Personal Protective Equipment • Lubrication and Maintenance • Labeling • General Operating Rules

4. An Employer Shall: • Provide training to an operator of powered groundskeeping and related equipment regarding the operating procedures, hazards, and safeguards to the assigned job. • Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to protect the employee from the recognized hazards of the equipment • Not allow powered groundskeeping and related equipment that are not guarded to be operated. • Not allow powered groundskeeping equipment and attachments to be used for operations other than those for which the equipment was designed.

5. An Employee Shall: • Use required personal protective equipment required. • Report to their supervisor any equipment or safeguard which is found defective. • Not operate, lubricate, or provide maintenance of any equipment until trained in the operation, lubrication, maintenance procedures, hazards, and safeguards and has been authorized to do so. • Not remove a guard except for authorized maintenance purposes. The guard shall be replaced before the machine is returned to operation.

6. Terms "Attachment" means detachable equipment, such as, but not limited to, a mower, snow thrower, tiller or sweeper designed for use with a propulsion vehicle. "Blade enclosure" means the guard around the periphery of the rotary mower blade. "Braking distance" means the distance traveled between the point of first application of the brake to the point at which the vehicle comes to rest. "Discharge guide" means the device which directs the snow from the impeller to the deposit area, and which is rotatable to deliver the snow in the desired direction. "Edger-trimmer" means a walk behind powered machine with a rotary blade designed to edge grass in a vertical position and trim grass when adjusted to a horizontal position. "Foot protection" means footwear such as, but not limited to, safety shoes or strap-on foot guards.

7. Terms “Grass catcher" means a part or a combination of parts which provides a means for collecting grass clippings and other debris. "Groundskeeping equipment" means that equipment such as, but not limited to, lawn mowers, lawn and garden tractors, leaf blowers, snow throwers, shredders, compost mills and tillers used to maintain lawns, gardens, walks and drives. "Impeller" means a final power driven device which imparts energy to discharge the snow. "Power reel mower" means a grass cutting machine which uses a power source to rotate 1 or more helically formed blades about a horizontal axis to provide a shearing action with a stationary cutter bar. "Power rotary mower" means a grass cutting machine which uses a power source to rotate 1 or more blades about a vertical axis. "Riding garden tractor" means a self-propelled riding vehicle designed for general purpose lawn and garden work by use of attachments and which produces less than 1500 pounds but more than 500 pounds of draw bar pull.

8. Terms “Riding lawn tractor" means a self-propelled riding vehicle designed for general purpose lawn work by use of separate attachment. "Riding mower" means a self-propelled riding vehicle designed specifically for cutting grass. "Rotary tiller" means a powered machine with steel tines attached to a horizontal shaft which revolves to till soil. "Tip speed" means the distance a rotary blade tip covers in 1 minute, or circumference in feet times revolution during a 1 minute interval. "Two stage snow thrower" means a snow thrower with the impeller as a separate unit from the collector. "Walk behind mower" means a grass cutting machine either pushed or self-propelled, controlled by an operator walking behind the unit. "Walk behind snow thrower" means a snow thrower either pushed or self-propelled, controlled by an operator walking behind the unit.

9. Mower Safety

10. Getting Started • Not everyone knows how to operate a mower safely. In fact, what most people view as common sense can lead to accidents later. • Although accidents are fewer for mowers than some other equipment, a number of injuries, even death, may occur if safety practices are ignored or abused. • The purpose of this training is to help you become a SAFE mower operator.

11. More Terms • Power Take Off or PTO is the area of the machine where torque is directly transferred to another machine or tool. In the mower’s case, the rotating torque is used to turn the mower blades. • Roll Over Protection System or ROPS is attached to the vehicle frames to help prevent the vehicle from upsetting more than 90 degrees, and prevent the occupant from being crushed if an upset does occur. • Deadman Switch is a device that will automatically turn the machine off if the operator should leave the driver's seat for any reason. It may also be used in the case of an equipment malfunction to turn the machine off.

12. Remember… • Although there are few accidents with mowers, a number of injuries occur when mowers are in use. These accidents are caused by driving too fast, operating unsafely on uneven ground, operating a mower that has not been mechanically maintained, and pushing the mower beyond safe operating limits.

13. Pre-Operation Procedures • Guidelines for getting familiar with your equipment: • Read the operator’s manual first • Make all necessary adjustments before turning on the machine • Observe and question a skilled operator until comfortable with procedures. • Practice operating in an open area first.

14. Remember… • Overturns have the highest fatality rate for unintentional injuries involving tractors that occur on the farm, according to reports from 31 states covering about 66% of the farm tractors in the United States. In 1995, overturns accounted for 55% of all on-the-farm fatalities reported, with an annual rate of 5.5 deaths per 100,000 tractors. (National Safety Council Accidents Facts, p137) .

15. Safety Checklist • Make sure all protective guards are in place. Never remove guards. • Determine that steering is responsive before beginning a job. • Test the brakes. • Clean the steps and operating platform to prevent slipping. • Ensure that tires are properly inflated. • Check for correct tightness of bolts. • Ensure a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign is installed and visible. • Ensure flashing warning signs are present and operating when traveling on roadways.

16. Remember… • Employers reported 6.2 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses among mowers during 1996, and 5.8 million of those cases resulted in either lost work time, medical treatment, or a job transfer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

17. Protective Gear • Hearing protection, such as earplugs or muffs, is required for prolonged noise exposure. • Gloves can't always prevent a finger amputation, but they can guard against cuts, abrasions, chemicals, and other skin irritants. Wear gloves that fit, and wear the right type of glove for the job. • Long pants should be worn to protect against hazards such as flying debris, skin irritants, and burns from exhaust. • Dust masks will prevent inhalation of dust and other particles in the air. Do not use when working with chemicals, toxic gases, or when there is an oxygen deficiency. • Safety glasses with sideshields must be worn. These can be supplemented with a faceshield, as needed.

18. General Safety Guidelines • These procedures may sound like common sense, but they are often abused by operators and can result in minor or major injuries.

19. General Safety Guidelines • When leaving the seat, the operator should disengage the PTO, engage the brake, stop the engine, and wait for all parts to stop before dismounting. • The operator should not adjust any mechanism of the equipment while the mower is running, but should follow the above procedures, making sure all parts have stopped moving. • When driving between mowing jobs, crossing a road, path, or sidewalk; or when not using the mower, the operator should disengage the PTO to stop the mower blade. • Operators should not mow in conditions where traction or stability is questionable. If uncertain, test drive a section with the PTO off. • Never refuel equipment while the engine is running or extremely hot. A fire or explosion could result.

20. Remember… • Over half of tractor/mower-related deaths result from overturns. Most go over sideways; some go over backward. Your chances of survival are better if your tractor/mower is equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a seat belt.

21. Operating on Uneven Ground • Operating on uneven ground is the number one cause of accidents due to rolling of the machine. Since not all machinery is equipped with ROPS, mower operators have been killed or severely injured by improper operation on uneven ground. • Even when ROPS is used, operators remain at risk and therefore should evaluate each situation on the safest way to mow. • If an area is too sloped, or the ground is deemed too uneven to operate the mower safely, use a weedeater or pushmower.

22. Operating on Uneven Ground Before mowing on even ground, prepare the machine: • Lock the differential for better traction on slopes and in slippery places. • If available, install rear and/or front wheel weights to increase stability, steering, and traction. Refer to the machine's operating manual for installing these.

23. Operating on Uneven Ground When mowing on uneven ground. . . • Slow down the travel speed so that you can see and react to hazards in your path. Overturns are four times more likely to occur when speed is doubled. • Be on the alert for holes and ditches covered by grass or debris. A wheel may drop and cause an overturn. • Drive up and down a hill, not across. • Do not stop when going up hill or down hill. If the mower stops going up hill, turn off the PTO and back down slowly. • Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot on the ground. And . . .

24. Operating on Uneven Ground If in doubt, do not mow on uneven ground. Saving yourself time by operating in an unsafe situation could cost you your life or a limb.

25. Thrown Object Hazards • To avoid these hazards . . . • Operators should check areas where grass and weeds are high enough to hide debris that could be struck and thrown. The area should be closely inspected before mowing and these objects collected. • Areas with high grass and weeds should be mowed to an intermediate height, inspected a second time, then mowed again to the desired height. • To avoid hitting people and animals, operators should estimate how far and in what direction objects may be thrown. • Equipment shields must remain in place and not be removed. The shields help prevent objects from being thrown.

26. Weed Trimmers Use Caution • Power grass/weed trimmers can throw objects and injure eyes. • Wear goggles to protect eyes. • Clear away stones, sticks, and other debris before using.

27. Tree Maintenance • Personnel and Equipment • Qualified Tree Worker: An employee who, through related training has demonstrated the ability to safely perform tree maintenance • Aerial devices: Powered platforms used for the operation of tree maintenance • Brush chippers: Rotary drum or disk-type brush chipper • Powered saws: Chainsaws and backpack power units

28. Portable Power Hand Tools • Gasoline power saws: • May require a separate line to support saw - 20lbs. or outside of basket • Chain drive adjusted so that saw does not engage at idling speed • Backpack power units: • Personnel are to stay 10 ft. away from cutting head while unit is running • Equipped with quick shutoff switch

29. Mobile Equipment • Aerial devices; Placement of personnel shall be conducted in the following manner: • Safely secured to the tree before leaving the basket • Reverse the process when coming back into the basket • Each employee will be instructed in the proper use of Safety Harness, Safety Straps and Safety Lanyards - “three fingers too tight, four fingers just right”

30. Mobile Equipment • Brush chipper; Will be equipped in the following manner: • An in-feed hopper is NOT LESS than 85 inches from blades to ground level over the centerline of the hopper • Side members sufficient height to prevent contact with the blades • Flexible anti-kickback device installed • Locking device on ignition system to prevent unauthorized starting • If detached from truck the unit must be chocked & secured • Cutting bar or blades shall be kept sharp and properly adjusted • Quick stop and reversing device installed - lever located close to feed end of hopper

31. Electrical Hazards • When in the proximity of electrical equipment, the equipment shall be considered energized • Considered fatal voltage - never to be touched - directly or indirectly • Line clearance operation procedures: • Inspection of work location - identify potential hazards - employee discussion • Requires qualified line clearance tree worker at all time • High voltage operator has de-energized system - and remains on site • still considered fatal voltage • Nonconductive equipment only to remove branches in contact/w energized sources

32. Electrical Hazards • Do Not perform tree maintenance during adverse weather conditions • High winds and thunderstorms - winds can not exceed 30-mph • Hand tools: • Non-conductive poles and actuating cords • polypropylene or synthetic have low melting points • Shall be used in a safe manner - only for what the tool is designed for • Damaged tools - removed and/or repaired - NEVER used

33. Operating Rules for Tree Maintenance Workers • Equipment should only be operated by qualified personnel • Chipper: • Don’t use your hands to stop a hydraulic leak • Only feed from the side of the centerline & turn away immediately • No part of the body may touch the feed table • Do Not raise or lower chipper chute while rotor is turning • Only wooden material is put into the chipper - nails & rocks don’t do well • Saws: • Stop the motor when: • Moving more than 100 ft. - Idle speed moving short distances • Slippery surfaces/heavy brush • Cleaning/repairs or fueling

34. Operating Rules for Tree Maintenance Workers • When using backpack power units, the operator is responsible for watching out for other personnel • Tree workers shall never carry tools in their hands while climbing • During tree maintenance, workers will keep a safe working distance from other personnel • Never drop or throw tools from trees or platforms until: • The warning has been given, AND • The ground area is clear • Pole pruners and saws will be: • Hung securely in vertical position - never on utility wires or left over night • Hung so that sharp edge faces away from the employee

35. Operating Rules for Tree Maintenance Workers • Chopping tools shall be used in the following manner: • Swung away from feet, legs, and body • Never used as a wedge or to drive a metal wedge • Work from the up hill side • Block logs to prevent rolling • Wedges shall be used so that the tree will not bind the guide bar or chain

36. Chain Saw Safety • More than 40,000 people are injured by chain saws each year. • The two most common places for injuries are the front left thigh and the back of the left hand.

37. When a chainsaw is at full speed, more than 600 teeth pass a given point per second. 1 in 5 chainsaw injuries are from kickback. The muffler on a chainsaw can reach as much as 900-degrees F. A chainsaw chain can move up to 68-miles per hour. Just the Facts…

38. Partsof aChainsaw

39. Low-kickback saw chain Hand guard Safety tip Chain brake Vibration reduction system Spark arrestor on gasoline models Trigger or throttle lockout Chain catcher Bumper spikes Look for these safety features: Safety Features

40. How to Carry a Chain Saw • The engine should be shut off. • The chain brake should be engaged. • The scabbard is covering the guide bar to prevent cuts. • The chain saw is carried backward. • The muffler is carried away from the body to prevent burns.

41. Kickback is caused by a spinning chain coming in contact with resistance. It causes the chain saw to “kick back” toward your face. It is very common and can cause serious injury. What is Kickback?

42. How Can Kickback be Prevented? • NEVER cut with the tip of the chain saw! • Lock your front elbow. • Be careful not to cut through nails or knots in the wood. • Stand to the side. • Use a low-kickback chain. • Use a chain brake.

43. Personal protective equipment (PPE) MUST be worn at all times. This can greatly reduce injuries and prevent death from chainsaw injuries. Keep both hands on the chainsaw handles. Preventing Injuries

44. Safety Tips • Keep the chainsaw handle clean and dry. • Make sure that the handle is free from oil or fuel. • Keep your chainsaw properly maintained. • Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for sharpening and maintaining the equipment. • Never use a chainsaw to cut anything other than wood!!!

45. Clear loose debris from the area. Remove combustible materials. Look for broken or dead limbs in the tree to be felled. Assure that there are no power lines nearby. Make sure you have an escape route. Be aware of where others are in relation to what you are cutting. This includes people, buildings, automobiles, etc. How Can You Eliminate Some Hazards in the Area?

46. Questions or concerns? Contact… • Michael Schmidt Manager of Environmental Health and Safety Phone: 248-232-4234 Fax: 248-232-4254 maschmid@oaklandcc.edu