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tenance on the machine.
• Use appropriate lock out/tag out
(LOTO) procedures to prevent
equipment from being re-energized
while maintenance work is being
performed on or around the shredder.
Hand Tools
Sometimes hand tools are all that
is needed during the pruning season,
especially with young trees. Although
hand tools do not have the same hazards
as a shredder or chain saw, they still have
their own potential risks. Prior to use,
ensure all moveable joints are lubricated
and blades are sharpened adequately.
Employees need to wear the proper
personal protective equipment (PPE).
Consider the injury mentioned earlier,
the employee who cut his own fingers
with the pruning shears. Could this have
been avoided by simply wearing a pair of
gloves or perhaps training the employee
to pay close attention to their hand
placement before making each cut?
Be sure the right tool is selected for
the job. For example, anvil shears are
best suited for dry branches or limbs.
The anvil shear primarily has a crushing
style, rather than a clean cut and is used
for tough pruning jobs. Bypass shears
have a curved blade best for live plants.
The curved blade creates a cleaner cut,
important for the plant’s health. Regardless
of the tool, the same rules apply. Be
sure to train workers on the specific tool
that will be used.
Chainsaws
When the job gets too tough for
hand tools an alternative to shears can
be a chainsaw. The chainsaw is extremely
effective, but can be dangerous if an
employee is not trained before using it.
Some of the common hazards associated
with chainsaws are:
• Mechanical: Misuse can result in
death or injuries, like lacerations or
broken bones, typically caused by
unsafe work practices and/or faulty
saws.
• Ergonomic: Musculoskeletal disorders
develop, such as back strains or
shoulder and upper extremity pain
resulting from overreaching, awkward
postures, and vibration.
• Heat: Burns caused by unsafe fueling
practices, a damaged/leaky fuel cap,
use of unapproved gasoline containers,
or the presence of an ignition
source.
• Physical: Hearing loss due to inadequate
or lack of hearing protection.
Prior to using a chainsaw, cover these
common hazards during employee training,
including an appropriate and safe
hands-on demonstration.
According to the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA), the
following steps should be followed while
operating a chainsaw:
• Clear away dirt, debris, small tree
limbs and rocks from the saw’s chain
path. Look for nails, spikes or other
metal in the tree before cutting.
• Shut off the saw or engage its chain
brake when carrying the saw on
rough or uneven terrain.
• Keep your hands on the saw’s handles,
and maintain secure footing
while operating the saw.
Choose the right tool for the job. Anvil and bypass shears prune differently. Photo Courtesy
of Toolmonger.com
26 West Coast Nut December 2017