Toolbox Talk: Weed Whacker Safety

WEED WHACKER SAFETY

DANGER:
This power unit can be dangerous! This unit can cause serious injury or blindness to the operator and others. The
warnings and safety instructions in the operator’s manual must be followed to provide reasonable safety and efficiency in using this unit. The operator is responsible for following the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Read the entire operator’s manual before assembling and using the unit! Restrict the use of this unit to persons who read, understand, and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Never allow children to
use this tool. This unit is designed for line trimmer use only. Never use any other cutting attachment with this unit*
blades and heads with failing devices can cause serious injury.

A weed whacker is a gardening tool which is designed to quickly and efficiently cut through weeds, shrubs, and
overgrowth. You may also hear a weed whacker referred to as a weed eater or a string trimmer. These tools can be very useful to have around, especially for people with a big and sprawling garden which has varied terrain.

There are three main parts to a weed whacker: a long handle, an engine, and a piece of flexible monofilament which acts as a blade. The monofilament is rotated at very high speeds when the weed whacker is turned on, causing it to stiffen. Unlike a blade, the line will flex and warp when it encounters something too hard to cut, rather than chipping or breaking, and the line is also inexpensive and easy to replace when it becomes worn out. Most weed whackers have very long handles, allowing people to hold them comfortably while distancing themselves from the monofilament line, which can be just as dangerous as a blade. Some are gas powered, with small engines mounted on the handle, while others are electric, designed to be plugged in.

Operator Safety
• Always wear eye protection when operating, servicing or performing maintenance on your unit.
• Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots and gloves and all other required PPE. Loose clothing
or jewelry, or clothing with loosely hanging straps, ties, tassels, etc. can be caught in moving parts. Being
fully covered will help protect you from pieces of toxic plants such as p6ison ivy thrown by the semiautomatic
head, which could be more of a hazard than touching the plant itself.
• Do not swing the unit with such force that you are in danger of losing your balance.
• Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

Cutting Safety
• Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.)
which can be thrown or become entangled in the semiautomatic head.
• Always keep the ,engine on the right-hand side of your body,
• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-reach.
• Keep the semi-automatic head below waist level,
• Do not raise the engine above your waist,
• Keep all parts of your body away from the semi-automatic head and muffler when engine is running.
• Use only for jobs explained in the manual
• Cut at full throttle.
• Cut from your right to your left.
• Hold the weed whacker as close to the ground as possible, so as to find a comfortable position before you
even turn it on.
• Stop for a few minutes if you notice any kind of strain. Though it isn’t exactly WWE material, the strain on
your spine and arms will hurt for some days if you overdo it.
Passersby Safety
• Always make an effort to walk away from the area where the weed whacker is being used.
• Where possible alert the operator of the whacker so that he can stop or change position to prevent flying
objects from striking you
• Do not assume that the operator detects your presence…remember the equipment generates noise and
therefore the operator will only know if you are there if he sees you
• Do not face the weed whacker even if you are wearing eye protection

“Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does; THE TRUTH —
don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing “complacency.” AESOP

Thanks for the share TO!