What are some safety tips for using hedge trimmers?
Set-up: • Select a hedge trimmer appropriate for the work (e.g., consider the size and height of shrubs and hedges being trimmed (e.g., 1 m (about 3 feet) versus 4.5 m (about 15 feet), cutter bar length, single- or double-sided blades, weight and balance of the equipment, availability of electrical power source, etc.). • Before operating the equipment, read, understand and follow the manufacturer’s operating manual and safety decals on the equipment. • Wear proper eye protection. • Check hedges for any foreign objects (e.g., metal posts, wires) before trimming. • Do not use electrical tools in the rain, or on wet grass or shrubs. • When using gasoline-fuelled trimmers, ensure air filter and muffler screens are clean prior to use; use the recommended grade of fuel and gasoline/oil mixture. • Keep the blades sharp and ensure the cutter bar bolts are torqued correctly (not too loose and not too tight). Operation: • Keep fingers and hands away from the blades. • Keep the power cord of an e
