Brush Cutter Operations

Scope

This Operational Guideline is to be followed when using brush cutters. This includes activities such as; cutting undergrowth and long grass, cutting back light bush, and other mitigation works.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• Prior to operation, the operator shall:
  • Be qualified and have RFS current competency in the relevant activity to be undertaken.
  • Wear the appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE) correctly including helmet, face shield and/or eye protection, hearing protection, brush cutter trousers or gaiters/leg guards, appropriate gloves and boots.
  • Have appropriate brush cutter and support tools/accessories present for the operation, including a harness (where available) and handles.
  • Undertake refuelling and fuel mixing in an appropriate area which is well ventilated (e.g., preferably not indoors and must be greater than 3 metres from ignition sources).
  • Undertake a risk assessment that may be written (for planned events) or form part of the Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) (for incidents).
• As a pre-works check, the operator shall ensure:
  • Brush cutter pre-start checks are done in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
  • The appropriate cutter and guard are fitted for the works to be undertaken.
• Whilst operating the brush cutter, the operator shall ensure:
  • All cutting is undertaken in accordance with relevant environmental approvals for planned events, or for incidents in accordance with the Incident Controller’s (IC) intent or Incident Action Plan (IAP).
  • A minimum of 20 metres distance is maintained between the brush cutter and other workers/bystanders at all times.
  • All other workers/bystanders are to be located outside areas where they are exposed to hazards (e.g., fumes, excessive noise, projectiles, debris etc.)

Special Considerations

• The use of a brush cutter is at the discretion of the brush cutter operator and no other person shall direct them to undertake any operation if the operator feels it is unsafe to do so.
• If any issues have been identified and cannot be rectified during the pre-start check:
  • advise the Officer in Charge (OIC) immediately;
  • tag the equipment for repair; and
  • complete Report Defect – Equipment in Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) or follow local reporting procedures.
• Tagged equipment must not be used until the defect is resolved and tag removed by a qualified person.
• Only qualified personnel are permitted to complete maintenance on the brush cutter.
• When using battery powered or electric brush cutters, the power source must be removed/locked out prior to any maintenance.
• For non-incident operations, for example, when cutting close to waterways, personnel must adhere to the Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code or appropriate environmental approval.
• Green waste from AIDER/mitigation works are to be either chipped/mulched back into the work area, taken to a waste transfer station, or left onsite in accordance with the appropriate environmental approvals.
• All used metal blades are to be placed into an appropriate container for disposal.

Work at Brigade Stations

• Regardless of competency, members may use line trimmers with synthetic line, together with appropriate PPC/PPE worn correctly, to perform work around brigade stations.

Related Information

• AIDER
• Brush Cutter Operations Training Material
• Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code 2021
• Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Code of Practice 2022
• Mitigation Works Request Form
• Work Place Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017