THE SAFE USE OF BRUSH CUTTER

Brush cutter/ Grass Cutting Machine/ Power Weeder/ Harvester are the names of single multipurpose agricultural equipment. This equipment is very useful to all farmers for their intertillage operations. It makes it possible to do tedious farming jobs easily in a very short span of time and with lesser cost. This equipment is also fuel efficient consumes very less fuel. Let us know about the safety use of this multipurpose machine so that it will not harm the operator by any way.

Avoid damages while working with Brush Cutter

1) Brush Cutter can fling up objects at high speed, such as stones and sticks and these can injure both operator and anybody who is close by.

2) The rotating blade or the cutting cord can also cause serious injuries if it comes in to contact with your face, hands, legs or feet.

3) If you use the brush cutters often, there are other risks. The noise of the brush cutter can lead to permanent hearing loss. And the vibration can cause permanent damage to hands.   Fuel spillage, hot sparks or smoking can be a fire hazard.

4) This blog is a guide to using your brush cutter safely. You will find information about the correct use of your brush cutter, a checklist of the protective clothing you should wear and tips on safe work methods.

Getting to know your Brush Cutter

1) There are three basic types of Brush Cutter, each designed for a particular operation. Make sure you use your brush cutter only for jobs it can handle.

2) If your Brush Cutter is fitted with steel circular saw blade, it can be used for cutting shrubs and small trees ( less than 150 mm. diameter ) Fig.1

3) If your Brush Cutter has a rubber, plastic or steel cutter blade, it is suitable for clearing grass, weeds or pasture etc.Fig.2

4) If you have a  Brush Cutter  with synthetic cutting cord, or with pivot mounted thermoplastic baldes, it is suitable for trimming ar mowing grass or weeds. Fig.3

5) All Brush Cutters must be fitted with a  blade guard to protect you from flying objects. Fig.4

6) If you are using the weeder attachment, it can be used for cutting dense weeds. Fig.5

7) If you are using Tiller attachment, it can be used for tilling operation within ridges and furrows effectively.Fig.6

Maintaining your Brush Cutter Y

Use your brush cutter only if it is in a safe operating condition. Read Owner’s manual and follow its maintenance and service instructions.  Learn how to stop the engine quickly in any emergency.

Before starting work check that:-

1) Your Brush Cutter is clean and free of grass and leaves.

2) The cutting blade or cord is not bent, cracked, dull or worn. Damaged cutting blade and worn mounting components are major hazards.

3) The safety harness ( with larger model Brush Cutters ) fits so that your shoulders, arms and hands are relaxed and your back is straight.

Personal safety equipment

Your clothing should be comfortable for the temperature conditions in which you are working. You must wear approved:

1) Safety helmet when brush cutting the bush.

2) Ear muffs or ear plugs to minimize the risk of permanent hearing damage.

3) Eye and face protection (goggles or a visor) to protect against flying objects or saw dust.

4) Leg protection.

5) Steel capped safety boots with a non- slip tread or metal spikes.

6) Safety gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm and dry to prevent vibration white finger.

Make sure that a First Aid Kit is available and that you have a working knowledge of first aid procedures. If possible works within hailing distance of another person in case of  first aid is needed.

Starting Work

Before starting work:-

1) Plan sufficient rest breaks for recovery form fatigue and to prevent the development of vibration white finger.

2) Make sure that other people or animals are kept at least 10 meters from the Brush Cutter.

3) Clear the area in which you will be working of stones, sticks, wire or other objects. And

4) Ensure that you can finish the job in good daylight.

To start the Brush Cutter:-

1) Place the Brush Cutter on firm ground.

2) Clear away any obstructions, especially near the front of the cutting blade.

3) Place one hand on the machine and operate the starter with the other hand.

4) First pull the starting lever slowly up to the elbow of you hand to create the locking of starter and then pull a little faster and the Brush cutter will start

5) Keep it idle for half an hour when using first time and afterwards keep at least 5 minutes idle condition.

6) Do not forget to mix prescribed 2T oil (40 ml) with fuel while fueling.

Using the Brush Cutter

  1) Don’t let your attention slip while you are using the Brush Cutter. Make sure that you keep a firm grip on the machine with both hands and keep the blade or cutting cord away from your body.

2) Ensure that your footing is solid, and that your posture is well- balanced at all times. Don’t cut above shoulder level.

3) It is dangerous to force the brush cutter at excessive speeds. So don’t cut a pace that the brush cutter can’t handle.

4) Difficult and overgrown terrain, or slippery wet conditions can pose an extra hazard. Take special care in this situations. Watch out for tree stumps, roots and ditches that might trip you. And beware of stones and other objects that may be thrown up.

5) Do warm up exercises before starting work, and take regular rest breaks. Exposure to constant vibration, particularly during cold weather, may cause numbness or vibration white finger ( Raynauds Phenomenon – Raynaud’s disease (or Raynaud’s Syndrome) is a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toe). If your fingers start to tingle or feel numb, see a doctor.

6) Exposure to the high noise levels emitted by brush cutters can cause permanent hearing damage. Wear suitable hearing protection that fits you properly.

Prevent Fires

1) Don’t smoke in the work area.

2) Turn off your engine and let your brush cutter cool before refueling.

3) Refuel in a clean area and take care not to spill fuel.

4) Move at least 3 meters away from the fueling area before restarting your brush cutter.

5) Don’t use a brush cutter that is backfiring, missing or damaged. Have it repaired immediately.

6) Don’t leave the brush cutter idling when not in use.

7) Store fuel in a cool place and in a suitable container.

8)  Keep an approved fire extinguisher handy, as well as a rake or shovel and a piece of canvas to smother a small flame.

Training:-

Operator of the brush cutters should be trained in :

1) Safe working techniques.

2) Operating conditions in all areas including abnormal or hazardous conditions.

3) Basic information on the particular brush cutter, it’s controls, attachments and components, design, capacity, stability and limitaions.

4) Correct starting and stopping techniques.

5) Cleaning and servicing.

6) Correct adjustment of harness and handles.

7) Selection, maintenance and correct use of protective clothing and equipment.

8)  First Aid and procedures.