Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Agricultural/horticultural – brush cutter/strimmer
Application of safeguards (Figure 11.25)
➤
moving engine parts should be enclosed
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rotating shafts should be encased in a fi xed drive 
shaft cover
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rotating cutting head should have a fi xed top guard, 
which extends out on the user side of the machine
➤
line changes must only be done either automatically 
or with the engine switched off
➤
engine should only be run in the open air
➤
refuelling should only be done in the open air using a 
proper highly fl ammable liquid container with pour-
ing spout
➤
boots with steel toe cap and good grip, stout trou-
sers and non-snagging upper garments should be 
worn plus hard hat fi tted with full face screen and 
safety glasses
Figure 11.24
Kevlar gloves, over trousers and over 
shoes providing protection against chainsaw cuts. Helmet, 
ear and face shields protect the head. Apprentice under 
instruction – fi rst felling.
Figure 11.23
Typical chain saw with rear handle. These have the rear handle projecting from the back of the saw. They 
are designed to always be gripped with both hands, with the right hand on the rear handle. It may be necessary to have 
a range of saws with different guide bar lengths available. As a general rule, choose a chainsaw with the shortest guide 
bar suitable for the work. 1, Hand guard with integral chain brake; 2, Exhaust outlet directed to the RHS away from the 
oper ator; 3, Chain breakage guard at bottom of rear handle; 4, Chain designed to have low kickback tendancy; 5 Rubber 
anti-vibration mountings; 6, Lockout for the throttle trigger; 7, Guide bar (should be protected when transporting chainsaw); 
8, Bottom chain catcher; 9, PPE hand/eye/ear defender signs; 10, On/off switch.
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