The brush cutter is a machine whose use has spread in recent years due to the obvious advantages it provides when carrying out clearing tasks (greater speed and comfort in work, versatility to cut different types of vegetation.
However, its use also entails risks of occupational accidents, which can be very serious (cuts with the disc or blades, projection of objects, etc.).
Here we are going to tell you eight key points that it is recommended to take into account:
Plan and organize work:
Choose and use the cutting elements recommended by the manufacturer according to the vegetation to be cut.
Equip yourself with the necessary personal protective equipment:
Helmet, hearing protectors, face shield, protective glasses, safety gloves, safety clothing and safety boots with reinforced toe.
It is necessary to remember, in any case, that safety equipment is not infallible and does not offer absolute protection against injuries nor does it replace safe work technique. Therefore, it is essential to observe the safety advice both when using the brush cutter and personal protective equipment.
Review and tune-up of the machine:
Check the good condition and sharpness of the cutting tools and their fastenings and the correct functioning of the safety
elements.
Recharge safely:
With the engine off and cold, using approved drums.
Harness placement and adjustment:
Adjust the height of the machine based on the height of the operator, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Power on:
It will be done so that the cutting element does not hit the ground and the motor unit will be held, and there cannot be other people within a radius of 15 meters.
During clearing:
-Do not remove or move the protections.
-Maintain a safety distance of more than 15 meters.
-With the cutting head to cut grass, operate the machine like a scythe, with horizontal movements from left to right or vice versa.
-With shredder and weed blades, attack the vegetation from top to bottom and without lifting the cutting element above the waist.
-With the circular saw, work in sector A of the disc and always avoid sector C to avoid risks.
-Place the machine on the operator’s right side.
