AS/NZS 3576:1998

1 - AS/NZS 3576:1998 CLEARING SAWS, BRUSHCUTTERS AND GRASS TRIMMERS-GRUIDE TO SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
4 - PREFACE
5 - CONTENTS
6 - SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
6 - 1.1 SCOPE
6 - 1.2 OBJECTIVE
6 - 1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
6 - 1.4 DEFINITIONS
6 - 1.4.1 Brushcutter
6 - 1.4.2 Clearing saw
6 - 1.4.3 Grass trimmer
9 - 1.5 MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS
10 - SECTION 2 HAZARDS AND PROTECTION
10 - 2.1 GENERAL
10 - 2.2 HAZARDS
10 - 2.3 TRANSPORT OF CLEARING SAWS, BRUSHCUTTERS AND GRASS TRIMMERS
10 - 2.4 VIBRATION
11 - 2.5 NOISE
11 - 2.6 THROWN OBJECTS
11 - 2.7 GUARDING OF CUTTING DEVICES
11 - 2.8 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (See Figure 2.3)
11 - 2.8.1 Safety helmet
11 - 2.8.2 Earmuffs and earplugs
11 - 2.8.3 Eye protection
11 - 2.8.4 Leg protection
11 - 2.8.5 Safety footwear
12 - 2.8.6 Safety gloves
12 - 2.9 FIRST AID
12 - 2.10 FIRE PREVENTION
12 - 2.10.1 Fire prevention measures
13 - 2.10.2 Fire fighting tools
14 - SECTION 3 INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING OF OPERATORS
14 - 3.1 GENERAL
14 - 3.2 INSTRUCTION
14 - 3.3 TRAINING
14 - 3.3.1 Training techniques
14 - 3.3.2 Training programs
14 - 3.3.3 Assessment and review
15 - 3.3.4 Instructions for casual users of clearing saws, brushcutters and grass trimmers
16 - SECTION 4 SAFE OPERATION OF CLEARING SAWS, BRUSHCUTTERS AND GRASS TRIMMERS
16 - 4.1 GENERAL
16 - 4.2 CONDITION OF THE EQUIPMENT
16 - 4.3 HARNESS
16 - 4.3.1 Type of harness
17 - 4.3.2 Fitting of harness
17 - 4.3.3 Balance
17 - 4.4 WORK PREPARATION
18 - 4.5 SAFE OPERATION OF A CLEARING SAW, BRUSHCUTTER OR GRASS TRIMMER
18 - 4.5.1 General
18 - 4.5.2 Starting
18 - 4.6 SAFE DISTANCE
18 - 4.7 CUTTING DEVICES
18 - 4.7.1 General
19 - 4.7.2 Types of cutting device
19 - 4.7.3 Care of cutting devices
19 - 4.7.4 Replacement of cutting devices
21 - 4.8 CLEARING SUCCULENT GROWTH UNDER 25 mm DIAMETER
21 - 4.8.1 General
21 - 4.8.2 Work techniques
21 - 4.9 CLEARING WOODY GROWTH AND SUCCULENT GROWTH 25 mm DIAMETER AND LARGER
21 - 4.9.1 Growth 25 mm diameter and larger
21 - 4.9.2 Stems not exceeding 40 mm in diameter
21 - 4.9.3 Stems between 40 mm and 80 mm in diameter
22 - 4.9.4 Stems between 80 mm and 150 mm in diameter
22 - 4.9.5 Stems exceeding 150 mm in diameter
22 - 4.9.6 Cutting dense growth
24 - SECTION 5 RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR CLEARING SAWS, BRUSHCUTTERS AND GRASS TRIMMERS
24 - 5.1 MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS
24 - 5.2 DAILY INSPECTION AND CLEANING
24 - 5.3 PERIODIC INSPECTION, CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
25 - 5.4 SERVICE

Provides recommendations for the safe use of clearing saws, brushcutters and grass trimmers. Guidelines are given covering the basic principles for the safe operation of the equipment, the training of operators, the appropriate measures and precautions to take to guard the safety and health of operators, and the general maintenance of the equipment.

This Standard sets out recommendations and guidance on the safe use and care of clearing saws, brushcutters and grass trimmers. It includes recommendations for the training and supervision of operators and the use of adequate and protective clothing, and identifies some of the more common hazards and dangers experienced.

Originated in Australia as AS 3576-1988.
Jointly revised and designated AS/NZS 3576:1998.