Procedure for Pedestrian Operated Mowers (Rotary and Cylinder) (Revision 1 – 23rd November 2010) Toolbox Talk

Hazards and risks associated with the use of mowers Risk of severe injuries from rotating blades, particularly cuts to feet Injury from flying debris Noise and vibration Inhalation of exhaust fumes Injury to other persons Working on steep banks – slips and falls (and injury from moving blade), injury from manual handling, injury to passers by below, friction burns to hands. Animal faeces, which can cause disease and infection – operators may come into contact with these when carrying out adjustments or cleaning around the blade.

Personal protective equipment to be worn when using mowers Safety glasses (optional) Ear protection (If disposable earplugs are being used ensure hands are clean when inserting or removing from the ear) Steel toe capped safety boots High visibility vest Gloves when conditions are cold and when using mowers attached to ropes Disposable gloves or handwipes (for use when carrying out adjustments or cleaning blade area) When operating the mower loose clothing should not be worn. Legs must be covered at all times when using the mower.

Persons authorised to use the mowers The mower must only be operated by trained and authorised persons. A list of persons authorised to use the mower is kept by the Grounds Officer and is displayed at Bedford Road and Balgownie. Pre-use inspection Before use inspect the following: Ensure spark plug lead is in place before starting the mower. Ensure there are no loose fittings or fuel leaks. Ensure there are no loose fittings, damaged guards or aprons. Check for any fuel leaks. On some models (e.g. flymos) ensure that the fuel tank vent screw is open before using the mower.

Area to be worked on Other persons must be kept at least 5m from the area being worked on. Before starting work examine the area for objects which could be thrown up or become entangled in the mower. Look for stones or other solid objects, animal faeces and poisonous plants. Ensure that a good footing can be obtained. Look out for holes, trip hazards and any slippery conditions, as these should be avoided.

Operation of mowers General Do not lift the blade off the ground when the engine is running. The engine must be switched off and the blades completely stopped before picking up or carrying the mower or moving the mower across surfaces other than grass (e.g. gravel areas). The engine must be stopped and the air vent screwed down before carrying out any cleaning, checks, adjustment or transporting the mower in vehicles. When carrying out adjustments or cleaning around the blade area wear disposable gloves or clean hands with handwipes afterwards. Do not eat or smoke whilst carrying out adjustments or cleaning around the blade area. Should the mower start vibrating abnormally, stop the mower immediately and check for any signs of damage. Avoid walking backwards whilst using the mower where possible.

Operation of mowers (continued) Cylinder mowers Ensure all blades and drive clutches are disengaged before starting the mower and when switching the mower off. Should a cylinder become blocked stop the engine, disengage all drives and free the obstruction using an implement – DO NOT use hands. Release obstructions with care, ensure all body parts are kept clear of cutting edges as stored energy in the cylinder may cause rotation when the obstruction is cleared. Pedestrian operated cylinder mowers must not be used on steep slopes. 

Operation of mowers (continued) Using Flymo mowers on slopes The operator presence control handle MUST NEVER be tied in the on position. Never push a mower up or down a steep slope, use a rope. Ropes must be attached to eyelets fixed in upper and lower handles of the mower. The rope must go over the operator presence control handle (but not be tied to it) so that the operator presence control handle is released when the Rope is not pulled tight switching the blades off. Gloves must be worn when using ropes attached to mowers. 

Operation of Mowers (continued) Using Flymo mower on slopes (cont) Never stand on the slope when using the mower attached to a rope, always stand on the level surface at the top of the slope. When mowing on slopes where there are likely to be pedestrians below another person must act as a lookout. Stop mowing when pedestrians are in the vicinity of the work area. Use a 2-stroke mower where possible for mowing slopes as these are lighter. 

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