Power Tools, Equipment and Mowers


                       A SAFETY TALK FOR

                      DISCUSSION LEADERS



This safety talk is designed for discussion leaders to use in preparing safety

meetings.



Set a specific time and date for your safety meeting.  Publicize your meeting

so everyone involved will be sure to attend.



Review this safety talk before the meeting and become familiar with its

content. Make notes about the points made in this talk that pertain to your

workplace.  You should be able to present the material in your own words and

lead the discussion without reading it.



Seating space is not absolutely necessary, but arrangements should be made so

that those attending can easily see and hear the presentation.



Collect whatever materials and props you will need ahead of time.  Try to use

equipment in your workplace to demonstrate your points.





                      DURING THE MEETING



Give the safety talk in your own words.  Use the printed talk merely as a

guide.



The purpose of a safety meeting is to initiate discussion of safety problems

and provide solutions to those problems.  Encourage employees to discuss

hazards or potential hazards the encounter on the job. Ask them to suggest ways

to improve safety in their area.



Don't let the meeting turn into a gripe session about unrelated topics.  As

discussion leader, its your job to make sure the topic is safety.  Discussing

other topics wastes time and can ruin the effectiveness of your safety meeting.



At the end of the meeting, ask employees to sign a sheet on the back of this

talk as a record that they attended the safety meeting.  Keep this talk on file

for your records.





Power Tools, Equipment and Mowers

TM03



Power tools are a plus in almost every phase of work, providing increased

speed, accuracy nd output. However, safety hazards can also accompany these

tools, which can result in serious injuries if the proper precautions are not

followed.



With the ever-present threat of electric shock, it is important tv round all

electrical equipment or use double-insulated equipment. Have an electrician

check the equipment periodically to determine if the ground is effective.



If you discover a defect in a tool, report it to your supervisor immediately so

the problem can be corrected. Remember, never try to repair power tools while

they are connected to the power supply. Rotating pneumatic equipment should be

checked for the proper functioning of governors.



MOBILE EQUIPMENT



It is also important to inspect the steering, brakes and safety devices of

mobile equipment. The equipment should be kept properly lubricated.



Good vision is essential if you operate mobile equipment. Always check the

clearance before driving equipment through an underpass; the clearance limit

should be posted on the equipment. Wheel chocks must be used on grades.

remove the ignition-lock keys when you are not using the equipment. Store

equipment and accessories properly and in the designated area.



AIR POWER TOOLS



If you work with air power tools, you should be familiar with the dangers

associated with the tools. Before using an air power tool check all fittings

for proper connections and for an air tool retainer device. Blow out the air

tool lines to remove moisture and  dirt before you connect the air tool.

Control triggers should be inside, not outside, the handle.



When changing air tools, close the stop valve in the air line; never kink the

hose to save steps or time. When not in use, turn off the valve on the line

feeding the tool and bleed the line.



POWER LAWN MOWERS



When used improperly, a power lawn mower can cause serious injuries. It is safe

only when handled by a capable operator who has a full understanding and

respect for its dangers.



A mower rotary blade whirls between 2,000 or 4,000 revolutions per minute,

causing the blade tip of an average 20-inch mower to move at a speed of 100 to

200 miles per hour. Because of this, mowers should be operated at reduced

speeds whenever possible.



For your safety, always wear protective, tight-fitting clothing. Before mowing,

carefully inspect the lawn for debris. When starting the mower, stand firmly

with your feet in a safe position away from the blade, and have self-propelled

mowers out of gear.  Gas tanks should be refilled outside. Never fill them to

the top of the tank or while the engine is hot, because this could cause a fire

or explosion. Store gasoline in an approved, properly labeled container.



While mowing, stay in step with the mower, keeping all guards and safety

shields in place. If you happen to fall, push the mower away from you--don't

pull it. Never use an electric mower on wet grass and make sure the power cord

is safe and the motor is grounded.



If using a riding mower, keep your feet on the footrests. Remember that the

mower can tip over easily. It's also important to know how to quickly disengage

the clutch and stop the engine.



You should also follow routine maintenance procedures to keep your mower in

good repair. When working on the underside of a mower, disconnect the spark or

electric plug.



Always turn the motor completely off to remove a foreign object or whenever you

leave the mower temporarily. It's also a good idea to keep children and pets

away from where you are working.



For your safety, don't overexert yourself. Take rest periods to help prevent

accidents.

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