How to Use a Brushcutter Safely

Last Updated on June 4, 2024 by Duncan

Brushcutters are an effective tool for cutting long grass, weeds, and small bushes. While they are great machines, there is a risk of harm when using them. Therefore, you should be ultra-cautious when operating them and ensure that you are operating them safely.

In this article, we highlight potential brushcutter injuries and provide you with safety guidelines to help you prevent them.

Dangers that come with using brush cutters

Debris being flung to you.

As you move your brushcutter across the grass or weed-covered surface, there is a chance that there is buried debris. The whirling blades’ high velocity may easily propel small stones, twigs, and other small things.

The flying debris may strike you and cause injury. If a flying stone, twig, or other object strikes your face or eye, you could sustain significant injury.

The flying debris can also injure any other persons around you as you are cutting grass.

Cuts

If a brushcutter’s revolving blade comes into contact with you by accident, it can cause significant wounds. Wounds to the feet, legs, or arms frequently occur when you are distracted or surprised, and as a result, you flail the brushcutter out of control.

Wounds can also develop if you are not dressed appropriately. Loose-fitted jeans, shirts, or overalls can get caught in the whirling blade and draw it into your flesh.

Not only will this cause severe injuries, but it is also possible that your brushcutter will be permanently damaged.

If you use the brushcutter at home with your family, it should never be left unattended. If there are children around, they may play with the brushcutter, which might lead to accidents, so store it safely.

Back injuries

If you stand awkwardly, overreach when using the brushcutter, stand on unstable ground, or use the brushcutter for an extended amount of time, you risk back strain and injury.

In some cases, people use a brushcutter to trim the tops of tall shrubs. Standing on a ladder to reach the top of the bush puts you at risk of slipping off due to the brushcutter’s force and unsteady footing.

You shouldn’t use a brushcutter while standing on a ladder due to the risk of back injuries from falling off the ladder. There are also a plethora of other significant injuries that can come about from a lack of brushcutter control, so be ultra-cautious when using it.

Hearing problems

If your employment needs you to utilize a brushcutter on a daily basis, you are constantly exposed to its loud whirring sounds. If you do not wear sufficient hearing protection, you risk permanently damaging your hearing.

Vibrations

Excessive brushcutter vibration without consistent breaks might cause hand and wrist harm. You should note that the extreme jerks or vibrations indicate a technical failure, and you should turn off the brushcutter immediately to prevent the danger of harm and additional damage to the brushcutter.

How can you be safe when using the brushcutter?

Get some training

Brushcutters are supposed to be simple to use, but you need to be skillful to avoid injury. Thankfully, you can attend a training class that will show you the best methods for using your brushcutter safely and efficiently.

You can contact your manufacturer about this or enquire about it in the store where you bought your brushcutter.

Wear protective equipment

You must get all of the appropriate personal protection equipment to operate a brushcutter safely. Some of the equipment you need includes:

• Wear a mask to avoid breathing pollen or dust when using the brushcutter.
• Wear hard, clear goggles that will protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Wear comfortable, tailored attire that prevents your clothing from getting caught in the rotating brushcutter blade.
• Non-slip boots give appropriate traction to prevent sliding and falling while using a brushcutter.
• Gloves provide a solid grip on the brushcutter handle, allowing you complete control.

Have the correct brushcutter attachments.

Make sure that you use the brushcutter attachments that are appropriate for your brushcutter brand and model.

You should note that installing the wrong attachments might harm your brushcutter or cause parts to be flung off, resulting in injuries. And you don’t want this, do you?

Due to the great danger of damage, never use a non-standard brushcutter attachment with your unit.

Read the operator’s manual.

All brush cutters come with an operating handbook that details the major aspects of use, safety, maintenance, and storage. To use the brushcutter safely, first read the operator instructions thoroughly.

Use the brushcutter for the right job.

Make sure that you are using your brushcutter for the right role. A brushcutter intended for grass and weeds may struggle to cut through twisted bushes or thin trees, so be ultra-cautious when making your choice.

You should note that when you use your brushcutter incorrectly, you risk damaging it beyond repair, and the jerking and strain can cause injury, overheating, and fires.

Always scout the area before you start cutting.

Before you use the brushcutter, you should analyze the area you will be cutting. To reduce the risk of injury, remove any items that the brushcutter’s revolving blades could hurl.

Always let the unit cool down before refueling

To avoid overheating and fires, you should let your brushcutter cool completely before refueling it. To avoid inhaling hazardous fumes, always refill your brushcutter in an open, well-ventilated area. You should also never refuel your brushcutter near a flame or while smoking.

Have warning signs around your working area

If you are using your brushcutter near other people, you must post clear warning signs that there is an operating brushcutter in the vicinity. This will prevent injuries caused by someone wandering near the working brushcutter.

Take breaks

You should take regular rests while using your brushcutter. This will protect you from any harm caused by a lack of attention or tiredness.

Keep your brushcutter in top shape.

Regular maintenance of your brushcutter is essential for safe use. Before you use the brushcutter, thoroughly inspect all of its working parts.

Before you use your brushcutter, make sure that you fix any damage to the blade, cracks in the blade protection, or technical concerns.