Safe Operating Procedures for String Trimmer
Purpose
To define the safe operating procedures in a manner that informs and instructs employees of [Employer/Organization Name] on the key health and safety hazards and controls to remember when using the string trimmer.
Hazards
The following hazards may occur when using the string trimmer:
Cuts
Eye injury
Burns
Musculoskeletal disorder
Equipment or property damage
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety footwear
Eye protection
Pants and long sleeve shirt
Hearing protection
Sunscreen, wide brimmed hat as required
Safe Operating Procedure
Complete a pre-use inspection. If any defects are noted, the equipment must be removed from service and the supervisor must be notified immediately to ensure equipment is repaired.
Operators must have read and understood the operator’s manual.
Ensure operator’s manual for equipment is available to operators.
Ensure guards and shields are firmly in place and in good condition. Do not operate the equipment without appropriate guards, shields, plates and other safety protective devices in place.
Ensure safety decals are legible, order replacements if they are not.
Ensure the equipment is used properly as per manufacturer’s directions.
Complete a walkaround of the immediate work area prior to starting. Look for obstacles that may need to be removed.
Confirm all controls are in proper working order.
Ensure all control levers are in neutral or off position before starting.
Keep all bystanders away from the equipment during operation.
Rotating cutting tool must be designed for the product being cut and at the rated speed.
Ensure the rotating cutting tool is installed as per the operator’s manual.
Adjust the hand grip to suit your size before starting work.
When you pull the starter grip, do not wrap the starter rope around your hand. Do not allow the grip to snap back, but guide the starter rope to rewind properly.
The throttle trigger must move freely and always spring back to the idle position.
With the engine running (but at idle), attach the string trimmer to the spring hook on your harness.
Do not allow the rotating cutting tool to come in contact with solid foreign objects such as rocks, roots or bits of metal, as it may fling them directly or by ricochet in the direction of bystanders or the operator, and may damage the string trimmer.
Always hold your string trimmer firmly with both hands while you are working.
Ensure you have secure footing.
Use of a string trimmer above ground level or with the cutting attachment perpendicular to the ground may increase the risk of injury.
Never use the string trimmer as a hedge trimmer.
If operator experiences hand/arm vibration or pain, conduct maintenance on the string trimmer to reduce the vibration.
If the cutting tool or deflector becomes clogged or stuck, always turn off the engine and make sure the cutting tool has stopped, before cleaning. Grass, weeds, etc should be cleaned off the cutting tool at regular intervals.
Do not leave the equipment unattended.
At the end of the day, always clean dust and dirt off the machine. Do not use a grease solvent.
If you experience unusual noise, smell, or vibration shut off the machine immediately. Determine cause. Restart only after repaired.
Shut off equipment and remove the sparkplug wire before cleaning, making repairs or mechanical adjustments.
Fuelling must be done outdoors and while the equipment is off.
Repairs to the equipment must be performed by qualified personnel, using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or equivalent.
Additional Resources
Ministry of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for Farming Operations in Ontario
Document Management
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