Job Safety Analysis

Page: 1 of 4 / JSA Reference #: / Date: 12/17/13 / New: X
Revised:
Job/Task Description: Weed Eater / Edger / Blower Operations / Analysis by: CIRSA Loss Control
Department(s): ALL / Section(s): ALL / Revised by: N/A
Additional Information: Additional safety precautions may be needed for varying types of weed eaters, edgers, blowers and/or with various blade attachments. Always refer to product owner/operators manual. / Approved by: CIRSA Loss Control

Sequence of Job

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Potential Hazards

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Recommended Action(s), Procedure(s) and/or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Inspection & Evaluation

Select weed eater, edger or blower to be used / None / None
Ensure adequate training was received / Refer to specific equipment operations/ safety manual / Follow all safe operating procedures, including the use of all recommended personal protective equipment. Minimum training shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1) A thorough review of this JSA;
2) A thorough review of the owner/operators manual as well and attachment specific manuals/safety precautions.
3) A thorough review of all applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) related JSAs.
4) A field demonstration and hands-on evaluation by supervisory staff to ensure correct and safe usage.
Perform a visual inspection of equipment / Loose parts could fly off and cause damage and/or burns; parts could fly off and hit other personnel or vehicular traffic; leaking fuel lines could cause fires and/or explosion; Electric extension cords and outlets provide potential shock hazards / Ensure that all parts are secured, including, but not limited to, all safety guards and devices.
For weed eaters and edgers, ensure that line head and/or attachment head is secure and rotates properly and is level.
For weed eaters and edgers, ensure that shafts are attached securely.
Check all fuel lines for leaks, cracks or dry rotting.
Ensure that all wires are attached properly.
Where applicable, check all extension cords for fraying and exposed wires; Ensure extension cords are rated for outdoor use.
Where applicable, ensure all receptacles used for extension cords are safe, and GFCI protected, with secure covers.
Where applicable, ensure extension cords are not placed across sidewalks, bike paths or other areas where patrons could trip and fall over said cords.
Don protective clothing, footwear, respirators and hand protection, as necessary / Cuts, lacerations, bruises, dismemberment, burns and/or illnesses from poisonous plants / Wear long pants, shirts and other necessary protective clothing. Weed eating should not be conducted wearing shorts.
Ensure that protective footwear is worn. Sandals and other forms of low cut slip-on shoes are not considered to be acceptable footwear.
When working on or near any roadway, ensure that retro-reflective safety vests or other approved high visibility garments are worn. This is a requirement via the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and applies to anyone working within a right-of-way. Right-of-ways are determined by each city, county and state jurisdiction.
Gloves may also be necessary and are recommended for weed eaters and edgers.
A dust mask or a particulate filter respirator is recommended.
Don appropriate Hearing Protection / Temporary and/or permanent hearing loss / Select hearing protection with the appropriate Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
It may be necessary to incorporate the use of earplugs and earmuffs to achieve the level of protection needed.
Refer to the hearing protection JSA. You should also consult your safety coordinator/officer, risk manager or loss control rep for selection criteria.
Ear buds for music/radio/communications devices are not a form of hearing protection and may add to the noise exposure.
Don full face shield and safety glasses / Hazards include, but are not limited to: dirt, dust and/or other flying debris that may cause lacerations and other cuts as well as temporary or permanent loss of vision. / Ensure that safety glasses and face shield are clean and free of any distracting or disabling cracks, scratches or other damage that would interfere with the proper usage of the eye/face protection.
Refer to the eye/face protection JSA.
Check fuel, oil and any other fluid levels / Potential for burns, fire and /or combustion as well as equipment damage. / Check all fluid lines for leaks, cracks or dry rotting.
Ensure that lines are properly secured.
Keep all sources of ignition away from fuels. Clean up any leaks and/or spills immediately.
Do not overfill the tank.
Check and ensure proper fluid levels.
Check and ensure proper oil to gas ratios for 2 cycle engines.
Refuel equipment, as necessary / Potential for burns, fire and /or combustion as well as equipment damage. / Do not fill gas tank while the engine running.
Do not overfill the tank.
Keep all sources of ignition away from fuels.
Clean up any leaks and/or spills immediately.
Refer to the refueling equipment/containers JSA for other safety precautions.
If fuel spills on clothing, it should be removed immediately (in a safe/secure location) and allowed to dry somewhere well ventilated. Once the garment has dried, launder separate from other clothing.
Do not transport fuel containers inside an enclosed vehicle.
Engine Startup / Potential for sprains & strains; potential for equipment to swing and hit other personnel / Set equipment on the ground or other stable location during startup. DO NOT HOLD AGAINST YOUR SIDE WHILE STARTING!
Pull starter rope firmly and in a straight line from equipment (see operations/safety manual, if necessary). Do not twist body while starting engine. Ensure throttle locks are not engaged prior to starting.
For electric-operated equipment, ensure the trigger lock is not engaged when plugging in the equipment or while operating the starting switch or trigger.
Ensure that no other personnel are within reach of the equipment during startup.
Engine Operation / Potential for sprains & strains; potential for Cuts, lacerations, bruises, dismemberment, burns and/or exposure to dust and pollens as well as poisonous plants and equipment that could swing and hit bystanders. / If available, wear the factory-approved shoulder strap.
Do not swing equipment aggressively. Swing equipment from side to side in a slow, controlled and fluid motion, while always being aware of surroundings with other people inn mind.
Do not operate near bystanders or any workers that are not wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. A best practice is to turn off the equipment when anyone approaches.
Do not leave the engine running or plugged in while unattended.
Conduct Work Task (s) / Potential to be exposed to poisonous plants, insects and/or other wild animals or reptiles; Numerous slips, trips or fall hazards as well as vehicular traffic hazards. / Continuously survey your surroundings. Never start in the middle of thick brush and/or weeds. Always start on or near a clear edge and work into heavy brush or other unknown hazard areas.
Evaluate and know the direction of spin or head rotation for your weed eater/trimmer. It is very important to travel in a path that “spins” and/or ejects debris away from people, vehicle and property that could be injured or damaged. This would also apply to the use of blowers by not traveling/blowing in a direction that would create dangerous flying debris toward the path of people, motorists or property that could be damaged.
When working in tall grass or weeds, always pick your feet up higher than normal. This exaggerated step will help prevents slips, trips and falls.
Slowly walk in the opposite direction if approached by feral, wild or otherwise perceived to be dangerous animals, while continuously keeping your eyes on the animal until in a safe location.
Always face any visible holes, ditches, cliffs, drop-offs, mitered culvert ends or any other hazard that could result in slips, trips and/or falls.
DO NOT USE STRING TRIMMER HEADS OR ANY TYPE OF BRUSH BLADES IN A VERTICAL POSITION OR IN ANY POSITION HIGHER THAN 1 FOOT OFF THE GROUND. WEED EATERS ARE DESIGNED TO BE USED NEAR THE GROUND WITH THE STRING OR BLADES IN A POSITION PARALLEL TO THE GROUND.
Edging blades may be used in a vertical position at ground level only and only for edging operations. Do not use an edging blade as a brush blade.
All edging work should be done after the area has been properly mowed and cleaned.
Changing trim-line (weed eater string) or change blades (edger blades) or attachments. / Potential for Cuts, lacerations, bruises, dismemberment, burns and/or exposure to poisonous plants / Shut off engine or unplug cord. DO NOT CHANGE LINE, BLADES OR ATTACHMENTS WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR WITH ELECTRICAL POWER CONNECTED!
Allow time for the engine, line head and/or blades to cool down.
Using gloves, a rag or towel, wipe excess debris and plant matter off of trim line head, blades or attachment.
Change trim line, blades or attachment and secure trim line head or blade fastening devices.
Work task completed/Engine cool down / Potential for burns, fire and /or combustion / Allow sufficient time for engine, shaft and any other rotating parts to cool down. A minimum of 10 minutes should be allowed.
Doff (remove) all personal protective equipment / Exposure to poisonous plants, insects or puncturing debris / Using gloves, a rag or towel, wipe off clothes and equipment to remove any built up debris prior to removing any PPE
Clean equipment and all other PPE / Equipment or PPE could have become cracked, scratched, torn, loosened or weakened in some capacity / Thoroughly clean all equipment and PPE and conduct a thorough inspection of equipment to ensure functional capability.
Store equipment for transport or place in department approved storage location / Equipment could become damaged or lost during transport / Store equipment in a designated location and ensure that the equipment is secured for travel. Securing the device may be accomplished by the use of hooks, bungee cords, rope or any other means that will safely fasten the equipment for transport. Fastening devices must be inspected regularly to ensure integrity.
Safety Task completed / None / None