HSE information sheet
Introduction

This information sheet outlines the main dangers of tractor mounted rotary flail hedge cutters and lists the essential dos and don'ts for their safe operation.

HSE has investigated a number of accidents, including three fatalities, involving hedge cutters and knows of many near miss incidents. Risk assessment for this type of machine shows many dangers that could result in serious injury to the operator or other people.

All users of rotary flail hedge cutters need to identify the dangers caused by their hedge cutters and make sure anyone working with them knows and follows safe working practices to prevent accidents and serious injuries.
Significant dangers

Injuries to the operator and others can be caused by:

* being hit by thrown debris;
* being hit by ejected machine parts;
* getting caught on the power take-off (PTO) shaft;
* getting caught in other moving parts (such as cutting head parts, belt and pulleys etc);
* the machine coming into contact with overhead power lines (OHPLs)
* being hit by the cutting head or machine arm as it moves;
* being trapped between the machine and the tractor when hitching or unhitching;
* the tractor overbalancing when the machine arm is extended;
* injection of high pressure oil from damaged hydraulic hoses or couplings;
* the machine overbalancing when free standing (out of use);
* road traffic accidents due to collisions or debris on the road.

Dos and Don'ts
Do:

* make sure the operator is properly trained to use the machine;
* make sure the operator reads, understands and follows the instruction handbook;
* make sure the tractor rear and side(s) are fitted with metal mesh or polycarbonate guards of a size/strength specified by the hedge cutter manufacturer to protect the operator against thrown debris or parts;
* make sure that the tractor mesh/polycarbonate guards are suitable for the job, undamaged and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;
* make sure all hedge cutter guards and safety devices are in position, correctly fitted and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations;
* make sure flails and their fixings are of the type recommended by the manufacturer, securely attached, and that none of the flails are missing or damaged;
* make sure hydraulic pipes are carefully routed to avoid damage;
* follow the manufacturer's instructions for hitching or unhitching the machine from the tractor;
* check that machine fittings and couplings are in good condition;
* make sure the tractor is at least the minimum weight recommended by the hedge cutter manufacturer. Use ballast as necessary;
* inspect the hedge before starting to cut and remove wire, bottles, cans and other debris;
* use warning signs to alert others to the hedge cutting operation if necessary;
* work at a safe speed taking account of conditions (such as terrain, highway proximity, obstacles, etc);
* make sure the operator is protected from noise, particularly by keeping the tractor cab windows closed. Hedge cutter controls should be routed through proprietary openings in the cab;
* use safe practices when work needs to be done near OHPLs. Find out the height of powerlines and the reach of the machine arm. Always allow enough clearance to avoid flashover - Agricultural Information Sheet No 8 has further details;
* disengage the machine, stop the tractor and pocket the key before dismounting for any reason. HSE's publication Tractor Action has further details on safe driving practice;
* make sure the machine is left in a stable position when it is removed from the tractor, using any stands or props provided, and securing it if necessary;
* clear up debris after cutting if it could be a hazard to others.

Don't:

* use a hedge cutter if you have not been trained to do so;
* use a machine until you have familiarised yourself with, and practised with, the controls;
* use a poorly maintained machine;
* use the machine if guards are missing or damaged;
* use the machine if the hydraulic system shows any sign of wear or damage;
* use the machine if the tractor side(s) and rear are not provided with metal mesh or polycarbonate sheet guarding or protective glazing:
* use the machine if the tractor polycarbonate or mesh guards are damaged or deteriorating;
* angle the cutting head so that debris is ejected towards the cab;
* start cutting or continue to cut if other people are nearby or approaching;
* attempt to cut material which is too big for the machine;
* operate the tractor controls from any position other than the driving seat especially when hitching/unhitching the machine;
* carry out maintenance with the tractor engine running;
* carry out maintenance on the hedge cutter with the cutting arm raised unless the arm is properly supported;
* allow children on or near the tractor or machine.

Other considerations
Training

Operators need to be competent and capable of operating the tractor-hedge cutter combination. Ensure that any operator is trained in the safe and efficient use of the machine. Make use of relevant training courses such as those run by ATB-Landbase, agricultural colleges, manufacturers and dealers.
Roadside hedges

Particular care is needed if hedge cutting is taking place along a road. Consider other road users (vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders, etc). Stop the machine immediately if anyone is in danger of being hit by thrown debris. Warn people to stand clear of any danger zone.
Warning signs

Risk assessment and good practice indicate that work should be kept within an area covered by warning signs of a size and type specified by the Department of Transport (DoT). Any signs used should be positioned in accordance with DoT and Local Highways Authority guidelines.
Non-authorised placement of road signs may create offences under the Highways Act

You should contact your Local Highways Authority advising them of the time and location of intended work asking what is required by way of signs and procedure. The following guidelines may be helpful (remember Local Highways Authority consent is still required):

* Signs required:
o "Road works ahead" warning sign with supplementary "Hedge cutting" plate. "For 1 mile" or appropriate shorter distance may be added to the plate.
o "Road narrows" warning sign with supplementary "Single file traffic" plate.
o White on blue "keep right" arrow sign on tractor rear.
* on two way roads one set of signs is needed facing traffic in each direction;
* work should be within one mile of the signs;
* work only in good visibility and during periods of low risk (eg, NOT during rush-hour);
* vehicles should have a flashing beacon;
* ideally vehicles should be conspicuously coloured;
* clear debris from paths and roads as soon as practicable, wearing high visibility clothing while on the road, still working within signs;
* collect all road signs promptly after the job is finished.

Note:

1. Additional signing will be required by the Local Highways Authority where junctions enter the road along which the work is taking place or the road is a high speed dual carriageway.
2. The Local Highways Authority may require debris to be cleared within a specified time after work is completed. Leaving any debris may create offences under the Highways Act.

Refer to your Local Highways Authority for further information on these points.
Legal

Employers and the self-employed must ensure that people carrying out work under their control are suitably trained and competent to do so. Employers and the self-employed have a duty to assess the risks to themselves and others affected by their work and to take appropriate steps to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others. Employees also have duties to ensure their own health and safety and that of others.

Manufacturers and suppliers have responsibilities to ensure that any machine they supply is safe. In addition, for machines manufactured since 1 January 1995, the manufacturer should declare that the machine complies with the relevant Essential Health and Safety Requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992. The manufacturer should ensure that the machine has an instruction handbook, a declaration of conformity and is marked with a CE mark.
Further information

Further information on the signing of road work can be found in the Department of Transport Code of Practice Safety at street works and road works HMSO 1992 ISBN 0 11 551144 X

Information on safe tractor driving is available in HSE's booklet Tractor Action HSE Books 1995 IND(G) 185L

Information on safe working near overhead powerlines is available in HSE Agricultural Information Sheet No 8 Working safely near overhead powerlines HSE Books 1993

If you need further information or advice please contact your local HSE office. The phone number is listed in directories under Health and Safety Executive.

HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from:

HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS Tel: 01787 881165; Fax: 01787 313995.

HSE priced publications are available from good booksellers.

For other enquiries ring HSE's Infoline, tel: 08701 545500, or write to HSE's Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ.

This information sheet contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do.

This publication may be freely reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or commercial purposes. The information is current at 11/96. Please acknowledge the source as HSE.

Printed and published by HSE 11/96 AIS 21 C300