PLANT & EQUIPMENT - SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

Responsible Officer Document Control

Unrestricted Distribution

File Number

TRIM -

PLANT /EQUIPMENT NAME BRUSH CUTTER

LOCATION Alverstoke Orchard TASK OR ACTIVITY

Clearing of grass and undergrowth

SOP PREPARED BY
NAME POSITION SIGNATURE

Terry MacKenzie Ben Pike Joern Nevermann

AFW HSO Technician Technician HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

SEE RISK ASSESSMENT # DATE OF RISK ASSESSMENT -23 FEB 2010

RESIDUAL RISK

Medium

SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE DO NOT OPERATE THIS ITEM OF PLANT IF;

YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE COMPULSORY UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUCTION COURSE, THE LOCAL AREA INDUCTION AND/OR POSSESS THE REQUISITE TRADE QUALIFICATIONS OR TRAINING COMPETENCY QUALIFICATION FOR THIS ITEM OF PLANT.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: University of Adelaide Policy & Procedure Plant & Equipment School of Agriculture, Food & Wine Hot Work Procedures School of Agriculture, Food & Wine Confined Space Procedures School of Agriculture, Food & Wine Field Work Procedures

PLANT & EQUIPMENT - SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

1. SITE PREPARATION: 1.1. Ensure that the work area is clear of people. Remember that objects can be ejected from the work head and travel many metres possibly causing injury to a third party. CAUTION Where possible direct the ejection area away from people or structures. 1.2. Ensure the work area is clear of all slip and trip hazards 1.3. Ensure that the work area is clear of all flammable or combustible materials where possible. 2. EQUIPMENT PREPARATION: 2.1. Check the external surfaces of the tool to ensure there are no breaks or defects. Any defective equipment should be tagged out of service and repaired before it is used again. Out of Service tags may be obtained from the office of the Technical Services Co-ordinator 2.2. Ensure the trigger mechanism operates correctly prior to starting the tool. 2.3. Ensure that all guards and handles are in place and secure. Any defective equipment should be tagged out of service and repaired before it is used again. 2.4. Ensure that all required PPE is in good condition and correctly fitted. INFORMATION Advice regarding the selection and fitting of PPE may be obtained from the office of the Technical Services Co-ordinator. 2.5. Keep a fire extinguisher and/or knapsack ready for use within the work area. 3. OPERATION: 3.1. Ensure you have a firm grip of the brush cutter with both hands when in use. 3.2. Ensure you have a comfortable posture and your feet are firmly placed. 3.3. Start the brush cutter and allow it to run up to full speed before you start cutting. 3.4. While cutting, do not force the work head into the grass or underbrush; allow the cutting head to work at its own pace. 3.5. Use even and controlled strokes while cutting and avoid coming in contact with loose solid objects as they may be ejected from the work head. 4. LINE CHANGING & ADJUSTMENT: 4.1. Switch off the brush cutter before changing the line or undertaking any adjustment. 4.2. Use the correct tools for any adjustment operation. 5. SHUT-DOWN AND CLEAN-UP: 5.1. Ensure the brush cutter has completely stopped before putting it down. 5.2. Check area for smouldering debris. 5.3. Store brush cutter in its designated area. 5.4. Put away any other tools and equipment used.

S:\Science\AgFood&Wine\OHS Supervisors\Ben Pike\Safe Operating Procedures\Brush Cutter.docx Produced By T MacKenzie Date Produced 10 March 2010 Date of Next Review - 30 July 2012

Version 1.0

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