for Municipal Operations in Alberta

Lawn Maintenance Safety Guidelines

Table of Contents

1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………… 1 2. Background ……………………………………………………………………. 1

3. Hazard Assessment ………………………………………………………… 2 4. Safe Work Practices ……………………………………………………….. 3 5. Safe Job Procedures ………………………………………………………. 4

6. Working Alone ………………………………………………………………. 5 7. Emergency Response Plan ……………………………………………… 6 8. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) …………………………….. 7

9. Training …………………………………………………………………………. 9 10. Management Systems Checklist ……………………………………. 10 11. Outdoor Workers ………………………………………………………….. 11

12. Young Workers ……………………………………………………………… 13 13. Equipment Pre-Use Inspection ………………………………………. 14 14. Equipment Startup ………………………………………………………… 15

15. Equipment Shutdown …………………………………………………… 16 16. Fuelling ………………………………………………………………………… 17 17. Riding Lawnmowers …………………………………………………….. 18

18. Trimmers and Brush Cutters …………………………………………. 21 19. General Maintenance …………………………………………………… 22 20. Appendix 1 – Resources ……………………………………………….. 23

21. Checklist ………………………………………………………………………. 24

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1. INTRODUCTION

This document has been developed by the Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association (AMHSA) as a guideline with basic information for Alberta municipalities with lawn maintenance operations. The information contained herein has been developed in collaboration with participants from various municipalities across Alberta. Additional information has been obtained through a variety of resources and legislation relating to the subject matter (see resources at the end of the document).

This guideline is intended for general use and may not apply to every circumstance. AMHSA does not guarantee accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this guideline and shall not be responsible or liable for any errors, omissions, or damages arising out of the use of this guideline.

While every effort has been made to capture key components of mitigating the risks associated with lawn maintenance operations in Alberta municipalities, the information herein is not, in any way, intended to supersede or preclude the requirements of any legislation, governing bodies, or manufacturer’s specifications.

This guideline has been developed to give some basic safety suggestions when utilizing riding lawn mowers and powered trimmers in municipal lawn maintenance operations. Any concerns regarding errors or relevant omissions should be sent to safety@amhsa.net for consideration.

In all circumstances, end users must ensure they read, fully understand, and adhere to the information contained in the equipment operator’s manual.

2. BACKGROUND

In 2017, there were two tragic incidents in Alberta that resulted in fatalities. Although there is no official documentation relating to potential causes of these incidents at the time of developing this guideline, information obtained indicates one employee was fatally injured while doing maintenance work under a riding mower. Information in an article from OHS Canada states in part “… a woman was found fatally injured underneath a riding lawnmower under which she had been doing some maintenance work.” The second incident occurred when a 21-year old employee operating a riding lawnmower ended up in a pond.

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3. HAZARD ASSESSMENTS In accordance with the Alberta OH&S Code, an employer must assess a work site and identify existing and potential hazards before work begins at the work site or prior to the construction of a new worksite. Every effort should be made to eliminate the hazard or the risk associated with it. Assessments should be specific to the potential hazard such as working in the vicinity of public, flying debris, uneven terrain, etc. A formal hazard assessment of lawn maintenance activities relative to riding mowers and powered trimmers should involve a detailed look at each task involved with the operation. It’s meant to identify all hazards, measure the risk to both employees and the public, as well as develop, implement, and monitor effective controls to mitigate the risk. The end result is to prevent injuries, illness, and property damage.

When developing hazard assessments, one should take into consideration the following:

• list the specific tasks and activities,

• identify potential hazards of each task, including weather factors for outdoor

• workers,

• rank the hazards according to risks,

• identify controls for the hazards,

• implement the controls,

• ensure assessments are reviewed with all affected employees and readily available,

• monitor to ensure controls are effective and in use, and

• review and revise the assessments as needed.

In addition to the hazard assessment, a daily Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA) should be conducted to identify any unique hazards for the work area. Such hazards may include risks associated with uneven terrain, wet conditions, weather conditions, obstacles, public, adjacent facilities, vehicular traffic, etc.

Hazard Assessments and FLHAs must have employee involvement and should be readily available at the work site.

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4. SAFE WORK PRACTICES Safe work practices are outline the proper and safety way to perform a task with minimum risk to people, equipment, materials, environment, and processes.

Safe work practices can evolve from the Hazard Assessment process which closely reflect the activities most common in the tasks undertaken. Some items for consideration with lawn maintenance operations are:

a) specifics for the equipment used,

b) procedures to mitigate risks of hazardous conditions such as

• slopes, uneven terrain, traffic, pedestrians, etc.,

• fuelling of equipment, and

• lock out/tag out for maintenance work.

All safe work practices should be kept in a location central to the work being performed and readily available to the workforce. Some safe work practices will require specific job procedures, which clearly set out in a chronological order each step in a process.

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5. SAFE JOB PROCEDURES Safe job procedures are a series of specific steps that guide a worker through a task from start to finish in a chronological order. Safe job procedures are designed to reduce the risk by minimizing potential exposure.

Safe job procedures are usually developed by management and workers as a result of a hazard assessment, incident investigation, and/or as a supplement to a safe work practice.

Safe work procedures should be included in the municipality’s worker orientation program. All workers should be aware of the fact that safe job procedures have been established, are in effect, are written down, and must be followed.

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6. WORKING ALONE

In accordance with Part 28 of the Alberta OH&S Code, an employer must have a formal process in place for employees who may be working alone in a hazardous environment and assistance is not readily available if there is an emergency. This may apply to employees conducting lawn maintenance work. If deemed as working alone, provisions must be in place to have an effective means of communication with the employee and must include regular contact by the employer or designate at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard.

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7. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

In Alberta the employer must establish an emergency response plan. The emergency response plan must include:

• the identification of potential emergencies,

• procedures for dealing with the identified emergencies,

• identification of, location of, and operational procedures for emergency

• equipment,

• emergency response training requirements,

• location and use of emergency facilities,

• fire protection requirements,

• alarm and emergency communication requirements,

• required first aid services,

• procedures for rescue and evacuation,

• clear identification of emergency exits, and

• designated rescue and evacuation of workers.

Although not all of the above may be relevant to field operations involving lawn maintenance, there should be a basic plan to deal with emergencies involving the operations such as employee injuries, fire, and/or other significant events that may result in emergency response assistance.

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8. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Workers conducting any lawn maintenance work must ensure they utilize personal protective equipment as identified in their hazard assessment and pursuant to the manufacturer’s specifications. Typical PPE for lawn maintenance operations with riding lawn mowers and powered trimmers generally includes:

• high cut, non-slip protective footwear,

• eye protection, unless in an enclosed cab, face shields when operating trimmers or other devices where your face may get hit by debris,

• hearing protection, if deemed necessary, due to exposure to excessive levels of noise. The operator’s manual should have information in this regard. Noise level readings may be required to determine if the average noise levels exceed 85 dba over and 8 hour day. The use of ear buds or headsets for portable audio are not designed to provide hearing protection.

• long pants,

• shirt, (NOTE: Clothing should be close fitting to ensure there is no risk of it getting caught in moving parts. Loose hanging jewellery should be removed).

• high visibility apparel,

• hand protection,

• head protection where there is a foreseeable danger of injury to the worker’s head or, if the manufacturer specifies it’s required, and

• respirators in dry and dusty conditions where there may be excessive exposure to particulates and/or silica. At a minimum, an N95 respirator should be used when these conditions exist. If respirators are deemed required, employees who are required to wear them must be governed by part 18 of the Alberta OH&S Code, subsections 244 to 254.

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Key items to ensure are in place for respirator users are:

• familiarity of the potential risk of exposure and what that exposure may be,

• respirators provided are appropriate for the potential exposure,

• workers must use the provided equipment as prescribed,

• a code of practice must be in place that governs the selection, maintenance, and use of the equipment,

• equipment selected must be in accordance with CSA Standard Z94.4,

• equipment must be properly stored and kept clean,

• if the equipment is not regularly used but kept for emergency use, it must be inspected at least monthly by a competent worker,

• employees must be fit tested to ensure an adequate seal, and

• employees must be clean shaven where the face piece of the respirator seals to the skin of the face.

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9. TRAINING

Employees must be competent to perform their work. A competent worker means a worker who is adequately qualified, suitably trained, and with sufficient experience to safely perform work without supervision or with only a minimal degree of supervision. The degree of training will depend on the degree of the hazard of the task. All records of training should be detailed, documented, and readily available upon request. If the task is of high risk, it is beneficial to maintain a competency check list whereby a highly competent employee, who is well versed in the procedures of the task at hand, observes an employee when they are undertaking the task and verifies their competency against a set checklist of activities to be observed. In developing the checklist, as well as the training materials, one should always refer to the manufacturers’ specifications to ensure key components are adequately covered. In the absence of manufacturers’ specifications, the expertise of a professional engineer should be sought for advice on completing high-risk activities in a safe manner. Powered Mobile Equipment, operators are to demonstrate competency in operation of riding lawn mowers and must be familiar with all aspects of operation of the equipment. Utilizing a documented competency checklist and keeping the record on file should be done. Key considerations for training specific to riding lawn mowers and powered trimmers should, at a minimum, include:

• use and care of PPE,

• safe operation of equipment,

• maintenance of equipment,

• fuelling of equipment,

• lock out/tag out,

• review of safety devices such as Roll Over Protection Systems (ROPS), guards,

• shields, seat belts, etc.,

• pre-use inspection,

• FLHA with a focus on identifying all hazardous conditions, and

• review of, or reference to, operator’s manual

• documented records of training should be readily available upon request.

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10. MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CHECKLIST In collaboration with various municipalities, AMHSA has developed a Lawn Maintenance Safety Management System Checklist which focuses on key issues that should be part of the lawn maintenance safety system for operations relevant to riding lawn mowers and powered trimmers. The checklist covers the following key items:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hazard Assessments

• Safe Work Practices/Procedures

• Emergency Response

• Specific safety issues relevant to riding lawn mowers

• Specific safety issues relevant to grass trimmers and brush saws

• Working Alone and

• Training.

This checklist, in a downloadable Word document, can be found on AMHSA website.

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11. OUTDOOR WORKERS Working outdoors in the summer months can be a safe and enjoyable experience as long as workers take steps to protect themselves against existing or potential harmful elements of environmental conditions. The following information is provided as a basic guide to protect against these harmful elements for outdoor municipal workers.

Heat

Exposure to excessive heat can result in serious illness or death. Employees working in hot and/or humid conditions should take extra precautions to avoid the risk of heat-related stress. Some things to consider are:

• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Never wait until you are thirsty. It’s recommended workers drink about 250ml (1 cup) of water, every 15 to 20 minutes when working in hot conditions,

• Take appropriate rest breaks, out of the sun, to allow the body to cool

• down, and

• Know the signs of heat stress.

Sun Safety The Alberta Health Services - Alberta Prevents Cancer website provides some excellent information on Protecting Outdoor Workers in their Be Sunsible program including the development of a sun safety program. Statistics indicate that 1 in 7 Albertans will develop a skin cancer in their lifetime and is the most common cancer in Alberta. Working outdoors increases the risk of skin cancer by 2.5 to 3.5 times greater than an indoor worker.

Some key points to keep in mind to reduce adverse effects of being over exposed to the UV rays from sunshine are:

• recognize the UV index for the area you are working in,

• take appropriate breaks in shaded areas,

• use wide-brimmed hats,

• cover exposed body parts as much as possible,

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• use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher,

• wear eye protection that offers protection against UV rays, and

• if possible, avoid mid-day sun as that is when the UV index is typically at its

• highest.

Weather Severe weather is very common throughout Alberta throughout the year. Summer weather can include high winds, thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes. Outdoor workers can be adversely affected by these conditions if they are not prepared to take precautions. Some basic tips for precautionary measures for outdoor workers to take when there is potential for exposure to severe summer weather are:

• monitor weather alerts and warnings whenever practicable,

• if possible, get inside a building,

• if there is no shelter, lie down in a ditch or ravine. Be aware of potential

• flooding,

• use your arms to protect your head and neck, and

• stay away from bridges, overpasses, tall trees, power poles, power lines, metal objects, tools, and equipment.

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12. YOUNG WORKERS Information posted on the Alberta Government website indicates “workers under the age of 25 are more likely to be injured on the job than older ones.” Additionally, “those with less than six months’ experience are three times more likely to be injured than those with a year or more of experience.” Many municipalities typically hire young workers for their lawn maintenance tasks as the work is temporary and seasonal which attracts students seeking summer employment. While all the requirements of the legislation and expectations of workers apply, regardless of age, gender, race, etc., it may be beneficial to give some special attention to new and young workers. Some things to consider are:

a) they are more likely to get hurt at work, and

b) they are less likely to ask questions because they want to make a good impression.

To help ensure the safety of young and new workers, employers and supervisors should:

• spend ample time training and supervising young and new workers,

• provide emergency procedures and job-specific safety training before any work is assigned,

• pair young workers with experienced, safety-conscious workers,

• regularly check to ensure that everyone follows the safety rules,

• take the time to listen to the workers and to address any concerns or questions they may have,

• instruct them on how to report unsafe conditions or health concerns, and explain why immediate reporting of hazards or incidents is important,

• encourage them to ask questions and talk with their supervisors, and

• lead by example – wear protective equipment and demonstrate safe work habits.

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13. EQUIPMENT PRE-USE INSPECTION A pre-use inspection should be conducted before lawn maintenance equipment is started at the beginning of each work shift, work location, or more frequently if prescribed in the operator’s manual. Should any defects be found, the equipment should not be used and the appropriate person(s) notified of the concerns. Some things to consider when conducting a pre-use inspection are:

• belts – secured, not cracked or separated,

• blade – secured and balanced. Sharp and free of excessive wear,

• check for fluid leaks,

• check for any equipment damage,

• check all fluid levels,

• lights on riding mowers. Adding additional LED warning lights should be considered for high visibility,

• emergency equipment in place,

• ensure all guards and shields are in place and not damaged,

• operating parts such as the mower deck are free of debris,

• tires properly inflated and in good condition. Lug bolts tight,

• appropriate PPE is available and utilized, and

• check the working area for debris, obstacles, trees, overhangs, traffic, wet surfaces, and pedestrians. Always be aware of your surroundings and others who may be in the area. Stop operations if there is a risk to yourself or others.

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14. EQUIPMENT START UP The following should be followed for equipment start up:

• ensure all moving parts are disengaged,

• put equipment in neutral,

• always start trimmers on the ground, and

• start riding lawnmowers from the driver’s seat.

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15. EQUIPMENT SHUT DOWN The following, which is specific to riding lawn mowers, should be adhered to prior to, and after shutting down the equipment:

• disengage moving parts,

• lower attachments to the ground,

• put equipment in neutral,

• set the parking brake, if equipped,

• shut down the engine,

• remove key, if equipped, and

• never leave equipment unattended on a slope.

NOTE: Always shut down equipment when removing or moving any debris.

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16. FUELLING

Gasoline and fuel oils are highly flammable, and if handled improperly, these substances can make refuelling equipment a dangerous task. BE AWARE of the hazards present and follow prevention steps to avoid an incident on your site. The following should be adhered to when fuelling equipment:

• no smoking or open flames within 7.5 metres (8.2 yards),

• remove fuel cap slowly – there may be a build-up of pressure,

• fuel must be in approved containers and stored in well-ventilated areas.

• avoid exposure to direct sunlight,

• position yourself comfortably to avoid slipping,

• keep a fire extinguisher nearby,

• ensure good grounding – touch the nozzle of the fuel container to the machine before removing the fuel cap to prevent a possible static spark,

• ensure the engine is shut off and cooled – typically at least 5 minutes or as per the operator’s manual,

• avoid the use of handheld electronic devices,

• clean up any spills immediately,

• never overfill the tank, and

• ensure the fuel cap is securely in place after fueling.

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17. RIDING LAWN MOWERS The following are some general guidelines for the safe operation of riding lawn mowers in municipal operations: Emergency Equipment At a minimum, all riding lawn mowers should be equipped with the following emergency equipment:

• first aid kit,

• fire extinguisher, and

• communications devices – two-way radio or other appropriate means of communication in the event of an emergency.

Transporting If transporting equipment on a trailer, the mower should be backed on to avoid the risk of tipping. Ensure the mower is securely fastened prior to and during transport. Maintenance Prior to commencing basic maintenance, such as making adjustments, clearing clogged mower bed, etc., ensure the unit is shut off. Also ensure that the key and spark plug wire(s) are removed. Keep in mind that rotating the blade to clean may crank the engine.

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Safe Operation The following are recommended safe work practices while operating a riding mower in municipal operations:

• Assess work area for debris prior to commencing work. Objects thrown can travel at a very high rate of speed and cause severe injury or damage. Loose objects thrown may also ricochet off fixed objects and be thrown back at the operator.

• When mowing along roadways, mow against the flow of traffic whenever possible so you are facing oncoming traffic. Drive defensively and expect the unexpected.

• Avoid sharp turns as they may pose a risk of roll over.

• Always be on the lookout for fixed objects such as fences, sign posts, etc. Watch for fellow employees, children, pets or general public who may enter into your work area. Shut down if anyone enters the work area.

• If equipped with roll-over protective structure (ROPS), ensure it is in place prior to commencing work. NOTE – In accordance with Part 19 of the Alberta OH&S Code “equipment weighing 700 kilograms or more” must have ROPS.

• Ensure use of seatbelts where equipped.

• Be well aware of the terrain you are working in. Watch for holes, rocks, unstable conditions, etc.

• Never allow passengers on riding mowers.

• Ideally, riding lawn mowers should not be operated on public roadways. The best course of action is to load them on a trailer when changing work locations. If they must be operated on public roadways, for a short distance, some things to keep in mind are:

o mower deck up and in the locked position,

o adhere to all traffic laws,

o have a “slow moving vehicle” emblem on the back of the unit if it travels at

o less than 40km/h,

o avoid interrupting traffic flow as much as possible,

o keep to the right as much as practicable, and

o do not park equipment on a public roadway.

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• The risk of rollover with a riding lawn mower is prevalent when working in any sloped areas. Human reactions are too slow to stop a rollover once it starts happening. Always ensure you assess the work area prior to commencing operations, noting sloped areas, drop offs, ditches, embankments, etc. It is recommended to stay at least 1.524 meters (5 feet), measured from the outside wheels, away from unprotected retaining walls, embankments, culverts, excavations or similar locations that present a roll-over risk. Never operate equipment on steep hills. Check the owner’s manual to determine what its maximum acceptable slope is. If no information is available, the supervisor and the employee should do a thorough assessment of the work area documenting the slopes and other related hazards such as holes, as well as wet and unstable surfaces. Always cut up and down slopes, not cross wise, unless otherwise stated in the operator’s manual. Operate at a low ground speed.

• Discharge chute should be facing away from buildings, animals, vehicles, people, etc.

• Only work during daylight conditions.

• Whenever possible, avoid backing up. Do not mow in reverse.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for children, pedestrians, co-workers, and pets.

• Do not operate equipment if you are fatigued or under the influence of anything that may affect your ability to operate safely.

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18. TRIMMERS & BRUSH CUTTERS The following are some general guidelines for the safe operation of powered trimmers and brush cutters in municipal operations:

• assess work area for debris – Objects thrown can travel at very high speeds and cause severe damage or injury,

• ensure safe operation by having firm footing, using both hands and not overreaching,

• only work during daylight hours or with effective artificial lighting, and

• do not operate equipment if you are fatigued or under the influence of anything that may affect your ability to operate safely.

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19. GENERAL MAINTENANCE

The following are some general guidelines for the basic maintenance of riding lawn mowers, powered trimmers, and brush cutters in municipal operations:

• if maintenance on equipment is being done indoors, ensure adequate

• ventilation to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide,

• never work on equipment while it is running, and

• some items to consider when conducting general maintenance are:

o lubricate grease fittings,

o check engine oil,

o check fuel level,

o clean equipment,

o check for fluid leaks, and

o check tire pressure.

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APPENDIX 1 - RESOURCES The following is a list of resources used in the review to develop these guidelines. There were several other documents submitted by participants in various municipalities that were also reviewed to establish these guidelines but are not included in the listing below.

1. Alberta OH&S Act, Regulations and Codes

2. Kansas State University - Mowing and Trimming Safety

3. Alberta Prevents Cancer - “Be Sunsible”

4. WorkSafe BC - Health and Safety for Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance Companies

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Lawn Maintenance Safety Management Checklist

This checklist has been developed by AMHSA in collaboration with participants from municipalities across the province of Alberta. The intent is to provide a tool for municipalities to utilize in reviewing current practices in municipal lawn maintenance operations, with a focus on riding lawn mowers and grass trimmers and identify potential opportunities for improvements in their safety management systems. While every effort has been made to capture critical safety components of the safety systems, there may be some items not identified that could be site or operational specific.

Municipality: Date:

Location: Address: Reviewed by: Title:

Reviewed by: Title:

Reviewed by: Title:

Rating = NA – Not Applicable, S – Satisfactory, N – Not Satisfactory (requires attention)

1) Personal Protective Equipment Item Rating Comments/Action Required Person(s) Responsible

Safety Glasses in open cab

Safety Glasses and Face Shield while using Trimmers

Sturdy, non-slip footwear

Hearing Protection

Close Fitting clothing

Full length trousers

High Visibility Apparel

Hand Protection

Sunscreen

Respirator if required

Other (Explain)

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2) Hazard Assessments Item Rating Comments/Action Required Person(s) Responsible

Identified for all tasks relative to riding mowers and trimmers

Workers Involved (Documented)

Workers Informed (Documented)

Current

Hazards Rated

Readily Available Effective Controls in place and implemented

Controls working/used as intended i.e. no mow zones etc.

Other (Explain)

3) Safe Work Practices/Procedures Item Rating Comments/Action Required Person(s) Responsible

Developed for all critical tasks

Current

Readily Available

Specific to Riding mowers

Specific to Grass trimmers/brush cutters Working in hazardous conditions – slopes, uneven areas, traffic etc.

Working Alone

Fueling of Equipment

Lock out/tag out for maintenance Other (Explain)

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4) Emergency Response Item Rating Comments/Action Required Person(s) Responsible

Emergency response plan developed

Readily available

Addresses outdoor workers

Addresses Severe Weather

Staff trained in and aware of the plan

Fire Extinguisher available

First Aid kits available

Emergency First aid services identified

Specific duties and personnel identified

Other (Explain)

5) Riding Lawn Mowers Item Rating Comments/Action Required Person(s) Responsible Hazard evaluated and controls in place

Equipped with ROP if over 700 kg

Equipment maintained in accordance with Manufacturer’s Specs

Operators trained and deemed competent

Pre-trip Inspections done and documented

Guards in place

Other (Explain)

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6) Grass Trimmers, Brush Saws Item Rating Comments/Action Required Person(s) Responsible

Hazard evaluated and controls in place Equipment maintained in accordance with Manufacturer’s Specs

Operators trained and deemed competent

Pre-use inspection done and documented

Guards in place

7) Working Alone Item Rating Comments/Action Required Person(s) Responsible

Hazard Identified

Procedure in place

Staff Trained

Effective communication in place

8) Training Item Rating Comments/Action Required Person(s) Responsible

Use of PPE

Operation of Equipment

Maintenance of equipment

Lock out/Tag out

Documented records and readily accessible

Recommendations:

Other Comments:

safety@amhsa.net

www.amhsa.net

Reducing the human and financial costs of workplace illness, injuries, and property damage

Lawn Maintenance Safety Guidelines v 3.0