SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/356087
14 SportsTurf | August 2014 www.sportsturfonline.com Facility & Operations Think safeTy firsT Be careful when starting your equipment. When operating a lawn mower, inspect the mower for loose belts or hoses before you start it. Be sure no one else is nearby as you prepare to start the mower. If you use a riding mower, start it while sitting in the driver's seat, never while standing beside the mower. Know safety procedures for every piece of equipment you use. Know how to stop the machine quickly. Do not remove or disable guards or other safety devices. Always slow down when operating any mower on a slope or difficult curve. Commonsense is key when using a chain saw. Never carry a run- ning chain saw when it is not being used, and be sure your work area is clear of debris that could trip you. If you are cutting down a tree, plan a retreat route for when the tree falls. Be aware of "kickback," which can happen when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood you're cutting pinches the saw chain in the cut. Give portable electric generators lots of ventilation. Generators should not be used in an enclosed area, even if the windows or doors are open. The muffler on a generator can get extremely hot, so any combustible materials (leaves, grass, brush, etc.) should be cleared away before operating. Generators produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas. Think safety when using your edger or trimmer. Wear protec- tive gear. Ensure that your work area is clear of any stones or debris that could fly up. Never put your hands or feet near the cutting area. Stop the motor when moving from location to location with your trimmer. Drive UTVs and lawn mowers with care. Always mow up and down slopes, never across. Avoid sudden starts, stops or turns. When a vehicle is loaded, the center of gravity is higher, and so is the risk of overturning. To keep the vehicle stable and avoid overturning, drive slowly and do not turn the vehicle in mid-slope or while on a hill. Be aware of others in your work area. Pay attention to other people who might venture into your work area. Turn off your power equipment if it is not safe. If needed, block off the area with temporary signage or rope. Dress for the job. Wear the proper attire for the work you are doing, including substantial shoes (no sandals or flip-flops), long pants and snug-fitting clothes. Protective glasses, chaps, eye or hearing protection, reflective clothing, head gear or gloves may be needed when operating certain types of outdoor power equipment. Taking precautions to ensure your outdoor power equipment is fueled, maintained properly, and used safely, will help to keep you safe and your equipment in good shape throughout all seasons. For more safety tips for outdoor power equipment visit http://www.opei.org/ education/safety/tips-/ ■