Safety with Electric Hedgers

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Safety with Electric Hedgers
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Intro/Description

• Wikipedia definition A device used to cut garden
  hedges. The power source can be gasoline or
  electricity. The former tend to be more powerful
  but can be heavier and more difficult to start.
  The latter tend to be lighter and less powerful.

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Safety Concerns

• Cuts and abrasions
• Loss of body members (extremities, digits)
• Electric shock hazard (w/ electric models)
• Projectile (direct and ricochet) injury

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Safety Precautions

• Always use a proper GFCI UL-rated outlet
• Always use UL-rated outdoor extension cord
• Use Proper PPE
• Refer to Product Safety manual before use

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Precaution Pictures
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Operation Suggestions

• Keep the trimmer cable clear of blades
• Do not cut hedges in wet conditions
• Use both handles while operating
• Keep bystanders at safe distance

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Injury Statistics

• Top 10 List of most dangerous garden tools
• (injuries in 2004)
• 1. Lawnmowers, (6,500 accidents in the UK each
  year)2. Flowerpots (5,300)3. Secateurs and
  pruners (4,400)4. Spades (3,600)5. Electric
  hedgetrimmers (3,100)6. Plant tubs and troughs
  (2,800)7. Shears (2,100)8. Garden forks
  (2,000)9. Hoses and sprinklers (1,900)10.
  Garden canes and sticks (1,800)

Figures based on 2004 figures from the Department
of Trade and Industrys Home Accident
Surveillance System report
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Gas powered models

• More powerful (H.P. and O.P.M.)
• Less safe
• More unwieldy to use
• Heavier than electric counterparts
• Higher user fatigue factor

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Electric Models

• Corded and Battery Powered Models
• Less powerful
• Safer
• Easy to handle and use
• More user friendly

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PPE Recommendations

• Hand Protection
• Head Protection
• Hearing Protection
• Eye Protection
• Skin Protection
• Long sleeve shirt
• Pants, jeans
• Closed toed shoes

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Proper vs. Improper
Correct Eye, Hands, Feet, Skin, Ear, and Head
Protection
Incorrect Everything
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Possible Injury Scenario
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Implementing Safety in Constuction

• Have a qualified and competent person use hedge
  trimmer
• Do not operate around many other workers
• Be cognizant of standing water on site (shock
  hazard)
• Check equipment for safety before and after each
  use

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The End
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