Guidelines for Safe Operation and Maintenance of Small-Scale Machinery for Instructors and Overseeing Personnel
Safely Operating and Maintaining Small-Engine Machines
Operating and maintaining small-engine machines, such as push mowers, weed trimmers, and leaf blowers, requires careful attention to safety precautions and regular maintenance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe working environment and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Protective Clothing
To protect yourself from injury, wear suitable protective clothing. This includes steel-toe boots to shield your feet from heavy objects and sharp debris, long sleeves and long pants to protect your skin from flying debris and sun exposure, and avoid baggy clothing or jewelry that can get caught in moving parts.
For additional protection, wear safety glasses or face shields, heat- and vibration-resistant gloves, a bandana or dust mask, and hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs with a noise reduction rating of 12 to 25 dBA.
Operating Safely
Before operating any small-engine machine, always read the manufacturer’s manual for machine-specific safety and operating instructions. Clear the work area of stones, sticks, and other debris. Ensure all safety guards and shields are in place and functioning.
Avoid operating equipment when tired or under the influence of substances. Use machines only in good weather and daylight to maintain visibility. Keep hands and feet clear of blades or cutting parts during operation.
Maintenance Procedures
Before each use, check the fuel level, engine oil, and air filter condition. Replace or clean as needed. Use fresh fuel and add a stabilizer if storing fuel for extended periods; alternatively, empty the fuel tank if storing the equipment indoors to prevent fire hazards.
After each use, clean off grass clippings, dirt, and debris with a garden hose or pressure washer on low. Dry equipment thoroughly to prevent rust. Wear gloves during cleaning to protect from sharp blades.
Seasonal maintenance includes changing engine oil, cleaning or replacing air filters, checking and servicing spark plugs, and inspecting blades for sharpness or damage. Remove spark plugs and blades when storing for the winter.
Store machines in dry, sheltered locations away from moisture. Remove batteries and keep them charged or stored separately if applicable.
Safety Precautions
Never start the engine in an enclosed space. If the trimmer should become entangled, stop the engine immediately. Allow the machine to cool off before storing in an enclosed space.
If the mower deck should become clogged with grass, stop the mower and turn the engine off before clearing the clog. Perform a safety check before and after each time you use the mower. Clean the trimmer or blower after each use.
Never remove any safety guards or shields. Always push the mower in a forward direction. If the mower has a self-propelled mechanism, make sure it is disengaged before you start the engine. Stop the engine before detaching the grass catcher.
Personal Protection
Always wear personal protection clothing such as safety goggles with shields, earmuffs or earplugs, leather or cotton gloves, long pants, and rubber-soled work boots or shoes.
Additional Safety Measures
Never perform any kind of adjustment while the engine is running. Make sure the area where you will be working is clear of all other workers or bystanders, especially small children and pets. Never operate a machine while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Clean up any spilled gasoline before starting the engine. Perform a safety check before and after each time you use the trimmer or blower. Remove any loose debris before starting the machine. Never fill the gasoline tank if the engine is hot; allow it to cool down for several minutes before refueling.
Start the mower from a firm stance with both feet in a safe position. Do not overreach while using a weed trimmer or leaf blower. Never use an electric mower in wet grass. Keep your hands, face, and feet away from any moving parts while using a weed trimmer or leaf blower.
Always disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance and safety checks on small-engine machines.
By following these safety and maintenance procedures, you can operate push mowers, weed trimmers, and leaf blowers safely and extend the lifespan of the equipment while protecting yourself from injury.
[1]: Source for hearing protection [2]: Source for maintenance guidelines [3]: Source for safety guidelines
