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General Safety Practices
Safety on the job should always be a top priority.
Training and experience are important factors in the safe
operation of equipment. Please consider the following
information and realize that safe operation is a matter
of using common sense as it relates to the machine, its
maintenance, the operator, the training, and the operating
conditions. These are general safety instructions that
apply to most turf maintenance equipment.
This list includes many general safety
instructions as they relate to turf equipment.
This list does not encompass all hazards.
Common sense must always be used to
determine the safest way to operate a machine
under specific conditions.
TRAINING:
● Always read the manual before operating a machine
for the first time.
● Always read the warning decals before operating a
machine for the first time.
● Always check the location and use of each control
before operating a machine for the first time.
● Practice operating the machine in a safe area with no
obstructions until becoming familiar with the controls.
● If you have questions, ask your supervisor or call the
factory.
CLOTHING:
● Clothes should be snug fit. Loose fitting clothing is
hazardous because it may get caught in the mechanism
during service or operation.
● Remove jewelry before operation. Jewelry may get
caught in the mechanism.
● Wear shoes that will protect your feet. Sneakers do not
protect and do not provide the protection of leather shoes
or boots. Steel toed safety shoes should be considered
for many situations.
● Hard Hat: The use of a hard hat should be considered
when using equipment on a golf course. The danger of
being hit by a golf ball should be a major concern as well
as protection while operating under trees.
● Eye Protection: Safety glasses and/or face shields
should be considered when operating, as well as working
in close proximity to high speed rotary equipment. Watch
for rotary mowers, edgers, brush and string trimmers.
Rotary mowers can throw debris at speeds up to 200 mph
(320 Km/h).
● Hearing: If the noise level of the equipment is too loud,
consider the use of ear protection.
● Do not use stereo headsets during operation. This is a
distraction that may lead to an accident. Headsets also
make it difficult to hear other people and equipment while
operating the machine.
● Respirators: When operating in dusty, windy conditions,
wear a respirator. This is also an important consideration
if operating equipment while spraying chemicals and
fertilizers.
● Gloves: Use gloves when handling sharp or hazardous
objects.
THE OPERATOR:
● The operator should never use a machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
● The operator should be aware of the hazards of working
in the sun and should take proper precautions to avoid
heat stress and dehydration. Use sun screen products
when necessary.
● The operator should never attempt to ride a machine
that is not designed for that propose. Do not allow others
to ride a machine that is not designed for passengers.
If designed to carry passengers, do not allow more
passengers to ride a machine than the machine was
designed to carry.
● Care should always be taken when mounting and
dismounting a riding machine. Prevent injuries and falls
by making sure the operator does not slip. Unless it is
an emergency, do not jump off a machine. Injury may
result when an operator’s foot slips trying to jump from
a machine.
● Do not operate any equipment at unsafe speeds.
Recognizing Safety Warnings Used In Manual
LOOK FOR THE SAFETY HAZARD WARNING SYMBOL
The symbol is used to alert the operator of safety hazards.
It is used in conjunction with the words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION.
“DANGER” identifies immediate hazards which will result in serious injury or death.
“WARNING” identifies potential hazards which could result in serious injury or death.
“CAUTION” identifies hazardous situations which may result in minor injury and/or could result in
damage or destruction of equipment.
WARNING
CAUTION
DANGER
SAFETY
