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Safe use of rotary flail hedge cutters
HSE information sheet
Introduction
This information sheet outlines typical hazards when
using most types of tractor-mounted rotary flail hedge
cutter. It gives guidance on reducing risks to the
operator and others during work with hedge cutters
and will help employers, employees and the self-
employed comply with their duties under health and
safety law.
All users of rotary flail hedge cutters need to be aware
of the particular features of their make/model of
hedge cutter when considering the hazards, risks and
precautions.
Hazards
The greatest risk of injury comes from contact with the
machine's moving parts and in particular:
entanglement on inadequately guarded power
■
take-off shafts;
contact with the cutter head parts, drive belts or
■
pulleys;
being struck by the cutting head or machine arm
■
as it moves.
Other risks associated with tractor-mounted hedge
cutters can include:
being hit by material or other debris ejected by the
■
cutters;
being hit by component parts ejected from the
■
machine;
coming into contact with overhead electricity
■
power lines (OHPLs);
the tractor overbalancing when the machine arm is
■
extended;
injection of high-pressure oil from damaged
■
hydraulic hoses or couplings;
being struck by the machine overbalancing when
■
un-hitched from the tractor;
road traffic accidents due to collisions with other
■
vehicles either directly or from debris on the road.
Agriculture Information Sheet No 21 (Revision 1)
Control measures
It is extremely dangerous to carry out any work on a
machine while it is under power. The most important
safety measure is to follow the 'safe stop' procedure
before dismounting, or carrying out any maintenance
or adjustments, including dealing with a blockage or
other problem:
Handbrake on.
■
Controls neutral.
■
Stop engine.
■
Remove key.
■
Guards and machine safety
Check that all guards and other protective devices are
in place before starting work. Don't use the machine if
the guards are missing or damaged. Make sure:
the power take-off (PTO) shaft is fully enclosed in a
■
guard along its entire length from the tractor power
take-off to the power input connection on the
hedge cutter;
the tractor rear and side(s) are fitted with protective
■
glazing, metal mesh or polycarbonate guards
of a size/strength specified by the hedge cutter
manufacturer to protect the operator against
thrown debris or other projectiles;
tractor mesh/polycarbonate guards are suitable for
■
the job, undamaged and maintained in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions;
all hedge cutter guards and safety devices
■
are in position, correctly fitted and maintained
in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations;
flails and their fixing heads are the right size for
■
the task. Flails, and their fixings, should be of the
type recommended by the manufacturer, securely
attached, and should not be missing or damaged;
hydraulic pipes are carefully routed to avoid
■
damage;
machine fittings and couplings are in good
■
condition.
7
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Executive
Executive
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