Code of Practice
COP-1
Issued Nov 99, Reviewed Oct 2009
No 1 - SCRUBBAR OPERATIONS
1.
BACKGROUND TO COP
Reason for COP:
To prevent personal injury and damage to plant when
undertaking scrubbar operations. Scrubbars are used to cut
long grass and bush from the sides of drains to maintain
the efficiency of the drain. This work is generally conducted
where mowers can not reach or the growth is too thick for
mowers.
Relevant Regulations:
Dept of Labour COP for Safety & Health in Tree Work - Part
3 River & Stream Operations.
Employee Training/Skills Reqd:
Has undertaken a chainsaw/scrubbar operator's
course.
Purchasing Policy Tools/Plant:
Plant purchased must have safety guards fitted. Correct
blades will be supplied for the work undertaken. Staff will be
provided with ergonomic harnesses, ear defenders and
face shields/eye protection. Hard hats to be used when
cutting overhead material or material greater than 1.6m
high.
2.
COP WORK PROCEDURE
1.
Ensure supporting harness is adjusted to manufacturers’ instructions and worn when using
scrubbar. Ensure emergency release system for the harness is working effectively.
Check the weight of the saw is evenly spread and the blade is in the correct position.
Ensure the handles are adjusted to give a comfortable working stance. Adjust as necessary.
Before commencing operations visually check work area is clear of debris (wire, concrete,
bottles etc) and wasp nests.
To start - Place machine on level ground with the blade clear of debris.
Ensure the blade remains stationary when the motor is in the idle position. If not inform
workshop.
On a daily basis, grease the blade gear box with manufacturers approved lubricant. Clean
the air filter and motor fins of dust and debris weekly. Report any mechanical faults to
workshop.
Release throttle if blade jams and switch off if jamming persists.
Cover or remove blade when the saw is not in use or is being carried to the work place by
hand or in a vehicle. Remember carbide tips are expensive - look after them.
Report ALL ACCIDENTS OR NEAR MISSES to your supervisor and complete an accident
report.
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Hazard Identification & Analysis Worksheet – HBRC
Work Task, Activity
or Item of
Equipment
What can cause
harm?
How could potential harm situation
arise?
Significant
Hazard
Yes/No*
Controls that Reduce Harm
01 – Scrub Bar Operations
Performing job/
general duties
Refuelling and
Maintenance
Document1
Status
Date: Oct 2009
Working outside generic hazards
Eye injury from Incorrect or no PPE
flying objects
Too close to machine operator
Using scrub bar too close to ground
or debris
N
M
Cuts and
abrasions from
flying objects
Incorrect or no PPE
Too close to machine operator
Using scrub bar too close to ground
or debris
N
M
Limb injury
from trip or fall
Incorrect PPE
Uneven or unsteady ground
Underwater snags
Y
M
I
Industrial
hearing loss
Incorrect or no PPE
Too close to machine operator
Back
injury/fatigue –
Tiredness.
Lasting back
damage.
Burns
Harness incorrectly or not worn
Working for excessive periods
Poor fitness body condition
N
M
M
N
M
From exhaust
From small fire
N
M
Hand or limb,
cut from blade
changing
Burns from
fuel ignition
Incorrect use of or no PPE
Poor mtce of machine
N
M
Haste and splash of fuel on hot
exhaust
Engine still running
Y
M
Ref COP 00 – Generic Fieldworker Operations
Minim PPE – Hard hat, enclosed visor, muffs, chaps, long sleeves
and steel cap boots
If not operating, maintain clear distance of > 20m
Clear site of debris and operator training
Minim PPE – Hard hat, enclosed visor, muffs, chaps, long sleeves
and steel cap boots. Waders if in water.
If not operating, maintain clear distance of > 20m
Clear site of debris and operator training
Minim PPE – Hard hat, enclosed visor, muffs, chaps, long sleeves
and steel cap boots. Waders if in water.
Ensure emergency release on harness operational
If too wet postpone works.
Clear site of debris and operator training
Start machine on level ground
Minim PPE – Hard hat, enclosed visor, muffs, chaps, long sleeves
and steel cap boots
If not operating, maintain clear distance of > 20m
Ensure correct harness for machine
Adjust harness for good fit.
No cutting above chest height
Ensure regular breaks and stretching
Start machine on level ground
Maintain safe working distances
Work in groups monitoring each others work.
Wear gloves
Identify defects and regular mtce by workshop
Ensure blade is motionless when idling
Switch machine off
Check/fill oil first to allow scrub bar time to cool
Undertake back stretches as part of process to allow scrub bar time
to cool
In place
In place
Senior operator monitoring
operation
In place
In place
Senior operator monitoring
operation
In place
In place
In place
Senior operator monitoring
operation
In place
In place
In place
In place
Senior operator monitoring
operation
In place
Senior operator monitoring
operation
In place
In place
In place
In place
In place
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