16 Jun Landscaping Safety

Landscaping Safety

Landscaping safety requires awareness of the hazards associated with powered equipment, chemicals, electrical sources, outdoor conditions, lifting, and working at heights. Inspect the work area and equipment before beginning each task and use the appropriate controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Power Tools and Equipment

• Inspect mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, and other powered equipment before each use.
• Make sure guards, shields, handles, and other safety devices are installed and functioning properly.
• Shut down and isolate equipment before clearing jams, making adjustments, or performing maintenance.
• Keep hands and feet away from blades and other moving parts.
• Keep other workers and bystanders away from areas where equipment could throw rocks, branches, or other debris.
• Use GFCI protection when operating electrical equipment in damp or outdoor locations.
• Inspect electrical cords and equipment before use and remove damaged equipment from service.

Fuel and Chemical Safety

• Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in approved, properly labeled containers.
• Shut equipment off and allow hot engines to cool before refueling.
• Never smoke or introduce another ignition source while fueling or handling flammable liquids.
• Clean up fuel spills promptly using appropriate procedures.
• Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product label before using pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or other chemicals.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for application, handling, storage, PPE, and disposal.
• Wash thoroughly after handling chemicals and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• Remove contaminated clothing promptly and launder it separately as appropriate.

Personal Protective Equipment

Select PPE based on the hazards of the specific landscaping task. Depending on the work, this may include:

• Safety glasses or goggles for flying particles and debris.
• Chemical splash goggles and appropriate chemical-resistant gloves when handling hazardous chemicals.
• Hearing protection when noise exposures require it.
• Work gloves appropriate for the task.
• Sturdy, slip-resistant work footwear.
• Hard hats where falling or overhead hazards exist.
• High-visibility clothing when working near vehicles or mobile equipment.
• Chainsaw-resistant leg protection when operating chainsaws as required.
• Respiratory protection when required by the hazard assessment, product instructions, or company Respiratory Protection Program.

Outdoor Hazards

• Wear suitable clothing for weather conditions and exposure to vegetation.
• Use sunscreen and appropriate protective clothing to reduce sun exposure.
• Drink adequate water and take appropriate rest and cool-down breaks during hot conditions.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and report symptoms immediately.
• Watch for insects, ticks, snakes, poisonous plants, and other biological hazards.
• Be alert for changing weather, including thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, and extreme temperatures.

Safe Work Practices

• Inspect ladders before use and position them on firm, stable surfaces.
• Avoid overreaching or twisting while working from a ladder. Reposition the ladder when necessary.
• Identify overhead power lines and other electrical hazards before beginning tree trimming, pruning, or elevated work.
• Maintain required clearances from energized electrical conductors and never assume a line is de-energized.
• Use proper lifting techniques and obtain assistance or mechanical equipment for heavy or awkward loads.
• Avoid repetitive movements, excessive reaching, and awkward postures whenever possible.
• Maintain good housekeeping and remove branches, hoses, tools, and other materials that create trip hazards.
• Stay alert around moving vehicles, mowers, tractors, and other mobile equipment.

Landscaping activities can change throughout the day, so hazards should be reassessed whenever the task, equipment, location, or environmental conditions change.