Flail Mower Risk Assessment ,Safety & Operation Test

Flail Mower Risk Assessment

Hazards Identification

• Moving parts: flail mower blades, PTO shaft, and drivelines
• Flying debris: rocks, wood chips, and other objects thrown by the mower
• Overturning: sloping or uneven terrain, loss of traction, and inadequate stability
• Entanglement: loose clothing, long hair, and jewelry getting caught in moving parts
• Noise: high decibel levels causing hearing damage
• Vibration: operator fatigue and discomfort
• Chemical exposure: herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers

Operator Safety

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots
• Ensure proper seatbelt and ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure) usage
• Maintain three-point contact with the machine: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand
• Avoid operating in poor visibility, bad weather, or slippery surfaces
• Stay alert and focused; avoid distractions while operating the mower

Machine Maintenance

• Regularly inspect and maintain the mower, PTO shaft, and drivelines
• Check and replace worn or damaged blades
• Ensure proper tire pressure and traction
• Perform routine servicing: oil changes, filter replacements, and lubrication
• Keep the mower clean and free of debris to prevent fires

Operator Training

• Familiarize operators with the mower's operation, safety features, and emergency procedures
• Provide hands-on training and evaluation of operating skills
• Review and discuss safety protocols and emergency response plans
• Ensure operators understand the importance of regular machine maintenance and inspections

Environmental Impact

• Minimize soil compaction and erosion by avoiding wet or sensitive areas
• Avoid mowing in areas with endangered species or habitats
• Prevent chemical contamination of water sources and soil
• Dispose of waste and debris responsibly
• Consider using eco-friendly or organic alternatives to chemical herbicides and pesticides

Flail Mower Risk Assessment

Hazards Identification

• Flail mower blades, PTO shaft, and drivelines are moving parts that pose a risk
• Flying debris, including rocks, wood chips, and other objects, can be thrown by the mower
• Sloping or uneven terrain, loss of traction, and inadequate stability can cause overturning
• Loose clothing, long hair, and jewelry can get caught in moving parts, causing entanglement
• High decibel levels can cause hearing damage from noise
• Vibration can cause operator fatigue and discomfort
• Exposure to herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers can be hazardous to health

Operator Safety

• Wear PPE: hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots
• Ensure proper seatbelt and ROPS usage
• Maintain three-point contact with the machine: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand
• Avoid operating in poor visibility, bad weather, or slippery surfaces
• Stay alert and focused, avoiding distractions while operating the mower

Machine Maintenance

• Regularly inspect and maintain the mower, PTO shaft, and drivelines
• Check and replace worn or damaged blades
• Ensure proper tire pressure and traction
• Perform routine servicing: oil changes, filter replacements, and lubrication
• Keep the mower clean and free of debris to prevent fires

Operator Training

• Familiarize operators with the mower's operation, safety features, and emergency procedures
• Provide hands-on training and evaluation of operating skills
• Review and discuss safety protocols and emergency response plans
• Ensure operators understand the importance of regular machine maintenance and inspections

Environmental Impact

• Minimize soil compaction and erosion by avoiding wet or sensitive areas
• Avoid mowing in areas with endangered species or habitats
• Prevent chemical contamination of water sources and soil
• Dispose of waste and debris responsibly
• Consider using eco-friendly or organic alternatives to chemical herbicides and pesticides

Hazardous Events and Risks in Hedge Cutting Activities

• Hazardous event: Injury due to driver being hit by rotating components, resulting in entanglement, lacerations, dislocation of joints, and amputations.
• Existing control: Polycarbonate glazing and mesh windows to reduce the risk.
• Additional control: Only trained and qualified personnel should use the machines and attachments, and inspect the hedge before starting to cut and remove debris.

Entanglement Risks

• Hazardous event: Entanglement, lacerations, severe twisting of body parts, and amputations.
• Existing control: Undamaged guard in place and wear close-fitting clothing to prevent entanglement of loose clothing parts.
• Additional control: Instruct all operators about the hazards of the PTO (Power take off) and ensure it is fully stopped before handling.

Injury Risks from Cutting Heads

• Hazardous event: Injury being hit by cutting heads or flail, resulting in entanglement and drawing in.
• Existing control: Road warning signs should be in place, and any third parties kept away.
• Additional control: Instruct all operators about the hazards of cutting heads and ensure proper training.

Risk Rating Explanation

• Probability: Unlikely, Likely, Certain
• Severity: Minor injury or damage, Major injury or damage, Catastrophic injury or damage
• Risk Rating: Probability x Severity = Risk Rating

Front Wheel Bearings and Maintenance

• All fittings are greased during every 50 hours of maintenance.
• The front wheel bearings should be checked and greased every 50 hours.

Transmission and Shuttle Lever

• The section 'Transmission' deals with the shuttle lever.
• The shuttle lever is used to control the transmission of the tractor.

Differential Lock

• The information about the differential lock is found in Section 6, Working Operations.
• The differential lock is used to improve traction on uneven terrain.

Machine Stability

• Machine stability is crucial for safe operation.
• Inclines and steep hills can affect machine stability.
• Failure to follow machine stability requirements may result in machine rollover and death or serious injury.

Operating on Inclines or Steep Hills

• Operating on inclines or steep hills can affect machine stability and lead to accidents.
• The effect on machine stability should be considered when operating on inclines or steep hills.

Transmission Ratio

• The correct transmission ratio helps to save fuel and minimize engine wear.
• The transmission ratio should be selected based on the operation being performed.

Warning: Roll-over Hazard

• Machine instability can lead to accidents and injuries.
• The warning 'Roll-over hazard' is related to machine instability.

Adjusting Ballast and Driving Speed

• Adjusting ballast and driving speed is crucial to ensure stable and accurate steering.
• Stable and accurate steering is essential for safe operation.

Operating the Tractor

• Avoid overloading the engine, as it can cause harm to the engine.
• Operating the tractor in too high a gear under heavy load may cause excessive engine overloading.

Flail Mower Operation & Safety Training

• Regular checks are essential to ensure the tractor is running safely and efficiently.
• The engine coolant level should be checked every 10 hours or each day during tractor maintenance.

Wheel Angle Sensor (WAS) Calibration

• The purpose of the Wheel Angle Sensor (WAS) calibration is to calibrate the wheel alignment.
• Proper calibration ensures accurate wheel alignment and safe tractor operation.

Checking Wheel and Wheel Weight Nuts

• The front wheel, rear wheel, and rear wheel weight nuts should be checked every 50 hours.
• Regular checks of the wheel and wheel weight nuts are crucial for safety and to prevent accidents.

Checking Windscreen Washer Reservoir

• Ensuring the windscreen washer reservoir is full is crucial for safe driving.
• The windscreen washer reservoir should be checked to check the washer fluid level.

Greasing All Fittings

• Regular greasing of all fittings is essential to prevent corrosion and wear.
• All fittings should be greased every 50 hours.

Checking Remote Control Valve Drain Bottles

• Draining excess fluid from the remote control valve drain bottles is essential to prevent damage.
• The remote control valve drain bottles should be checked to drain excess fluid.

General Maintenance

• The remote control valve drain bottles should be checked and cleaned during general maintenance.
• Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the tractor is running safely and efficiently.