Lance
Fluegel and Bradley
Rein
Arizona Cooperative Extension
- Read
the owner's manual completely. Learn the purpose of all
levers and controls. Be sure you can stop the machine quickly.
- If
purchasing a new machine or renting ask the salesperson
to demonstrate safe operation of the machine.
- Never
allow anyone who is not physically or mentally mature or
who has not been properly trained to operate the machine.
- Always
inspect the machine for loose, broken, or damaged parts.
Make needed repairs or replacements before using.
- Be
sure all shields and guards are in place.
- Fuel
the engine out of doors while stopped and cool. If refueling
wait several minutes for engine to cool. Do not smoke while
handling fuel. Wipe up any spills.
- If
using an electric tiller that is not double insulated, you
should plug it into a 3-socket, grounded outlet using a
properly sized 3-wire extension cord. Using a Ground Fault
Interrupter circuit gives maximum safety protection.
- Dress
properly for the job: Wear snug-fitting clothing in good
condition, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection,
safety shoes, and filter mask if conditions are dusty.
- Clear
the work area of potential safety hazards such as wire,
stones, bottles, cans, sticks, etc.
- Be
sure there are no children, pets, or bystanders in the working
area.
- Do
not use the tiller near underground utilities, irrigation
pipes, trees, etc.
OPERATING THE TILLER
- Never
start the engine in a closed building. Deadly fumes can
build up.
- Keep
hands and feet clear of all moving parts.
- Do
not operate in wet or slippery conditions. This is especially
important for electric models.
- Be
sure the depth regulator is engaged before starting the
tiller. Failing to do this could cause the machine to lurch
quickly away from you.
- Disengage
the tiller and stop the engine to inspect for damage if
you hit an obstruction. Repair any damage before resuming.
- Never
leave the machine running and unattended.
- Always
disengage the tines when turning or transporting the tiller.
- Never
attempt to lift the tiller by yourself if transporting to
a distant location. Drive the machine up secure ramps or
ask for assistance if it must be lifted. Tie machine securely
to prevent rolling.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
document is
8831-N
,
a series of the the Cooperative Extension, the University
of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719. Publication date: May 1989.
Lance
Fluegel, Safety Coordinator, and Bradley Rein, Engineering
Specialist, the College of Agriculture, the University of
Arizona, Tucson AZ 85719.
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