Landscaping work involves tasks such as planting and nurturing flowers or trees in parks, around buildings, and in gardens, as well as transporting equipment and trees and digging holes for planting. During these processes, workers may be exposed to risks such as cutting, hitting, and noise while using equipment such as chainsaws and brush cutters.
▣ Risks Associated with Machinery and Equipment Needed for Landscaping Work
A ‘brush cutter’ is a machine that uses a small engine to rotate blades to cut grass. It can be categorized into petrol-powered using gasoline, gas-powered using butane, and electric-powered using rechargeable batteries.
When using a brush cutter, there is a risk of injury from stones, branches, or fragments of broken blades that may be thrown by the blade. Injuries can also occur if the safety distance between operators is not maintained, or if an operator slips and falls onto the blade, or if the blade makes sudden contact with an obstacle and kicks back, causing sudden and unexpected movement.
A ‘chainsaw’ uses a motor to rotate a saw blade for cutting wood and other materials, with types including engine-powered and electric-powered. Chainsaw operation can be hazardous due to inattention, tripping, or entanglement with vines, leading to cuts from the saw blade. There are also risks of injuries from slipping and falling onto the chainsaw, the chain breaking and striking someone, or the saw chain reacting to contact with a hard object and kicking back.
▣ Safety Guidelines for Using a Brush Cutter
Before operating a brush cutter, receive training on how to use the machine, wear protective gear, and handle accidents..
Before starting work, ensure the blade is equipped with a safety device, and check the attachment of bolts, nuts, and blades. Attach and thoroughly check protective devices such as a ‘safety cover’ to prevent fragments from flying towards the operator if the blade is damaged, and a ‘blade cover’ to prevent injuries from blade contact during transportation.
- During operation, maintain the blade angle between 5-10 degrees and the height around 10 cm, keep a safety distance of more than 10 meters between operators, and control access for the public.
- For small tree trimming, keep the blade at a 45-degree angle and ensure the blade does not rise above knee height. Be cautious not to hit the blade against obstacles like rocks, and always stop the engine when not actively working or moving.
- Maintain a safe distance between operators when carrying the brush cutter.
- After rain, wait until surfaces are dry to begin work due to slip hazards, and work from the top down to prevent the blade from tangling in vines.
- When using a gasoline-powered brush cutter, be aware that gloves and other items can catch fire, so smoking is strictly prohibited.
- Wear personal protective equipment thoroughly, including a helmet, face shield, earplugs, safety overalls, safety gloves, knee protectors, and safety shoes.
- Use nylon blades for low and thin weeds, 3-4 blades for small weeds, and 8 blades for tough weeds.
▣ Safety Guidelines for Using a Chainsaw
Before using a chainsaw, always check that the safety devices are functioning properly.
When starting a chainsaw, engage the chain brake first and choose a flat, clear area free of people or obstacles. Do not operate the chainsaw continuously for more than 10 minutes, and always turn off the engine when moving the chainsaw. The chainsaw should not be used above shoulder height, and avoid twisting the blade when withdrawing it from a cut.
Never use a chainsaw with one hand. Ensure that you are in a stable position to prevent falling or losing balance. Avoid using the end of the guide bar to minimize the risk of kickback, and ensure the blade does not contact metal, nails, or wires other than wood. Flatten the ground to prevent slipping before working, and place warning signs at entry areas to the worksite and along any potentially hazardous roads or paths.
When using a chainsaw, wear safe attire and personal protective equipment such as a face shield, helmet, and earplugs.
