Procedure for Operating Leaf Blowers (Revision 1 – 17th November 2010) Toolbox Talk

Hazards and risks Noise Inhalation of dust Injury to eyes from debris Inhalation of fumes Injury to bystanders Risk of loose material (including clothing) being sucked into fan housing Risk of contact with fan if screen is missing Risk of burns from hot surfaces Persons authorised to use leaf blower Leaf blowers must only be operated by trained and authorised persons. A list of persons authorised to use leaf blowers is kept by the Grounds Officer and is displayed at Bedford Road and Balgownie.

Personal protective equipment to be worn when using leaf blowers Safety glasses/goggles Ear protection (If disposable earplugs are being used ensure hands are clean when inserting or removing from the ear) High visibility vest Steel toe capped safety boots Gloves Disposable half mask respirator P3 Type (optional) In addition to the protective equipment worn above, legs must be covered at all times. Loose fitting clothing, jewellery, scarves or anything else that could become entangled in the fan must not be worn. Long hair must be tied back.

Area to be worked on Before starting work examine the area to be worked on for stones, metal objects and any other items which could cause injury or damage the machine. Ensure that a good footing can be obtained. Look out for trip hazards and any slippery conditions, as these should be avoided. Other persons (including other operators) should be kept at least 10m from the area being worked on. 

Use of the leaf blower When starting the engine place the leaf blower on firm ground or other solid surface in a well-ventilated area. Always turn off the engine before putting down the blower. Bystanders should be kept at least 10m away when the leaf blower is in use. Never operate the leaf blower if the fan guard and blower pipe are not correctly fitted. The safety interlock switch should operate correctly (unit stops when tube is removed or fan guard is opened). The leaf blower must be returned immediately to Bedford Road for repair if the switch is faulty.

Use of the leaf blower (continued) Keep hands and body away from hot surfaces such as the silencer and cylinder area when handling the leafblower. Do not walk backwards when operating the leaf blower. Avoid working against the wind when using the leaf blower. Never insert any foreign object into the air intake or output openings of the machine.

Use of the leaf blower (continued) Never point the blower in the direction of people or animals. Taller people should use the full nozzle extension so the air stream is close to the ground to reduce dust being blown up onto the face. Remove accumulated debris from the air intake grille regularly. Before examining or carrying out any maintenance on the air intake, exhaust port or shredder, the engine must be switched off. 