Safe Operating Procedures for Rotary Mowers
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 with the rotary mower.
Hazards
The following hazards may occur when using the rotary mower:
Critical injury or fatality
Puncture (hydraulic fluid under pressure)
Entanglement
Fire
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety footwear
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Gloves
No loose clothing, hair or jewelry
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.
Use the appropriate size and type of tractor.
A tractor with an enclosed cab roll-over protection system (ROPS) and a seatbelt is recommended when operating the rotary mower.
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.
Do not allow passengers on the equipment.
Do not climb on the equipment during operation.
Before attaching or removing the power take off (PTO) shaft, disengage the PTO shaft, turn off engine and remove ignition key.
Never engage PTO shaft when tractor engine is off.
Disconnect the equipment from the tractor only on compact level ground, ensuring that it is stopped and stable.
Never make an adjustment or repair with the rotary mower running. Disengage the PTO, shut off the tractor engine, set the parking brake, remove the key and wait for all rotating parts to stop before opening shielding or making adjustments.
Do not attempt to remove material from the rotary mower during operation.
If the discharge deflector becomes clogged, disengage the PTO, shut off the tractor engine, set the parking brake, remove the key and clean out the deflector.
Before attaching or removing the PTO shaft, disengage the PTO shaft, turn off the tractor engine and remove ignition key.
Never engage PTO shaft when tractor engine is off.
Use equipment during daylight or in bright artificial light.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge opening at all times.
Do not operate on or while crossing a gravel drive, walk or road.
Never direct discharge at bystanders or windows. Never allow anyone in front of the rotary mower.
Do not mow across the face of slopes. Hillside operation is dangerous and is not recommended. If it is necessary, use extreme caution.
While making turns in rough terrain, reduce tractor speed.
When mowing in high grass or rough terrain, set the mower at the highest possible cutting level, to reduce the possibility of the mower striking debris or hidden objects.
If the rotary mower has struck a foreign object, stop and inspect the tractor and mower for damage. Repair the damage before resuming equipment operation.
When leaving the tractor and rotary mower unattended, disengage the PTO shaft, turn off the engine, set the parking brake and remove the key.
Repairs to the equipment must be performed by qualified personnel, using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or equivalent.
Additional Resources
SOP for Tractors
SOP for Hitching Implements
Ministry of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for Farming Operations in Ontario
Document Management
Effective Date:Revision Date: