Hedgers

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Hedgers
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What is a hedger?

• A landscape tool used for trimming hedges
• Hedge trimmers are powered cordlessly,
  electrically or by gas models
• They also offer single or double-sided blades and
  single or dual-action blades.

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Single-sided blade
Gas Hedger
Electric Hedger
Cordless Hedger
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When do most accidents occur?

• When operator changes hand position while the
  trimmer is running
• When operator uses a trimmer with only one handle
  or holds a two-handled trimmer with one hand
• When operator attempts to hold the cord away from
  the blade

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When do most accidents occur?

• When operator gets body part between blades
• When operator becomes fatigued from holding the
  hedger (especially when trimming high shrubbery)
• When electrical cord becomes tangled

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Hedger blades

• Most blades are usually between 16 and 24 inches
  long, but they can be as short as 13 inches or as
  long as 30 inches.
• Hedge trimmer blades use a reciprocating action
  to cut branches (or fingers) cleanly and
  efficiently
• From http//products.howstuffworks.com/hedge-trimm
  er-buying-guide.htm

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Safety Guidelines

• Operator must be dressed properly
• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Hand protection (gloves)
• Closed toed shoes
• Long sleeves/pants recommended

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Safety Guidelines

• Avoid touching rocks, debris, and gravel with
  trimming equipment. These items could cause a
  serious injury if a kickback occurs.
• Walk towards your work. Do not back away from
  your work when using a trimmer
• From http//ehsd.tamu.edu/documents/TAMUSafetyManu
  al/18-LAWN.HTM

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Safety Guidelines

• Buy a trimmer that has the cutting teeth and
  guard close enough together so your finger cannot
  fit between them
• Be sure the trimmer has two handles one should
  be a wide forward handle high above the cutting
  blade
• Make sure the trimmer is light enough to handle
  easily

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Safety Guidelines

• If using an electric hedge trimmer, use a heavy
  duty three-wire extension cord with a
  three-pronged plug. Make sure the extension cord
  is moisture-resistant and in good repair
• Do not stand on a chair or ladder to trim hedges
  or bushes
• Do not clean or adjust the trimmer while it is
  plugged in
• From http//www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/summ
  er3.htm

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Heavy-Duty Extension Cord
3 Prong Connection Plug
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Example of hedger hazards

• June 2005
• Shindaiwa Gas-Powered Professional Hedge Trimmers
  had to recall about 25,000 hedgers because the
  mufflers were burning holes in the gas tanks. Gas
  was leaking back onto the mufflers and starting a
  fire
• http//www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05188.
  html

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Example of hedger hazards

• In 1984 and 1985, Sears recalled approximately
  400 hedge trimmers. The manufacture found a
  defect in the plug assembly that would cause a
  shock hazard if the operator was grounded.
• http//www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml85/85026.
  html

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OSHA Regulations

• No OSHA recordable deaths from hedgers
• No direct OSHA regulations concerning hedgers
• But you still have to comply with the regulations
  about extension cords and fuel storage

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What is the moral of the story?

• Beware of safety precautions
• Pay attention to what you are doing!
• Dont be an idiot