Risk Assessment for ROTAVATOR

Issue Number Date Compiled By Available on Web Site

1 31/3/18 Jeremy Hobbs 21/11/2019

Persons Considered at RiskPlot Holder Plot Visitor Public Plot Holders Working Party Contractors / Delivery Personnel

Yes Yes Yes Yes No

Estimated Level off Risk (Based on Risk Assessment & Control Measures Implemented)

LOW (Score 1-4) MEDIUM (Score 5 - 12) HIGH (Score 13 - 25)

Yes

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required / Advised for this Task

Safety Boots Gloves Hearing Protection Eye Protection Coveralls Face Protection Hard Hat Hi-Vis Clothing Dust Mask Wellington Boots

Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Recommended No No

Specific PPE Comments or RequirementsCoveralls is interpreted as long trousers to protect the leg area from flying debris. Gloves ideally when in use but required for fuelling, adjusting and cleaning. Face protection when washing off or cleaning.

Risk Assessment Criterion

Severity of Outcome (S) Rating Likelihood of Incident (L) Rating

Apply a Rating to both Severity and Likelihood and Multiply

these together to give Overall Rating (SxL=R)

First Aid Injury or Minor Damage to Property 1 Highly Unlikely 1

Minor Injury or Damage to Property 2 Unlikely 2

Injury with Recovery Time or Ill Health 3 Medium 3

Major Injury/Illness 4 Likely but can be irregular in nature 4

Fatal or Disabling Injury or Serious health Impact 5 Highly Likely, certain or almost certain to occur 5

Risk AssessmentHazard Risk S L R Control Measures S L R Actions

Defective Equipment

Defective equipment presents a risk of injury.

5 3 15

Before use check equipment, paying particular attention to safety devices such as the guards and deadman’s handle. Ensure the rotating cultivator head is fit for purpose and not excessively distorted.If thought to be defective at any time, cease to use the machine and report the defect to a committee member.Ensure machines are serviced regularly.

3 1 3

Some Committee Members have been trained on the use of Rotavator.A Committee Member is designated to inspect equipment and arrange service as necessary.

Underground obstructions

Impact with underground large objects may cause the machine to jolt or become defective. 4 3 12

Check work area prior to starting and remove any material that may become an obstruction.If items are observed during work then cease and remove them to avoid contact. 4 1 4

Maintain H&S and Product Information on Website.Ensure documentation is available at point of use.Shop personnel are trained or trained plot holder to demonstrate.

Flying Debris Rotating can cause material to be ejected from the cultivating head at high speed. 4 3 12

Ensure all guards are in place and are effective.Use a technique to reduce debris flying out in public areas. 2 2 4

Guards and Cultivator head checked at point of handing over.Safe Operation available on Website and Allotment Shop.

Hot Engine Parts Burns to hands from hot engine and exhaust system. 3 3 9

Hot parts will usually be guarded. Keep hands clear of engine and exhaust during and after use until the equipment has cooled down.

3 1 3Check guarding as required.

Refuelling & Storing Petrol

Contact with harmful substance, fire and risk of pollution.

3 3 9

Ensure operators are briefed on the use of petrol and petrol oil mixtures. COSHH data available along with manufacturers instructions.Store petrol in approved jerry cans in ventilated environment (see H&S documentation).Refill machines with a funnel at ground level once the engine and exhaust have cooled.Do not overfill the equipment petrol tank.Clean up all spillages,

3 1 3

Ensure documentation is available on Web site and at point of use.Transport and Storage of petrol conducted by trained Committee Member.Materials available to clean up spills as well as fire extinguisher.

Noise Excessive noise exposure may contribute to Noise induced hearing loss. 4 4 16

Cease use if noise is excessive and inspect equipment. Report defective equipment to Committee Member .Wear appropriate Ear Protection.Generally Tenants use Rotavator on an ad-hoc basis.

4 1 4

Ear Protection available at point of use.Check equipment for soundness particularly in exhaust areas and baffling.

Vibration Exposure to excessive vibration can cause ill health.

4 3 12

Ensure operations are aware and are attentive towards excessive vibration. Do not grip the equipment too tightly.Keep body core temperature and hands warm to retain flexibility during operation.Recommended not to use the equipment more than 5 hours in a day. Tenants generally use equipment on an ad-hoc basis.

4 1 4

Routine inspection and maintenance where necessary.

Machinery Over Running or Failing to Stop

Powered equipment can be difficult to control/handle, including “skipping” over hard ground. 4 3 12

Only trained or competent operators to use the equipment.Ensure the operators are conversant with the controls and stopping the equipment.Ensure operator presence safety device (dead-man’s handle) is functioning.

4 1 4

Operating instruction on Web and at Point of Use.

Contact with Moving Blades or Rotavator.

When using equipment where the blades are behind the wheels there is greater risk of contact with the operator. 4 4 16

Only operate the types when the equipment is moving forward.Do not place feet near the cultivator deck.Always wear the correct PPE - Safety Boots.Do not back yourself into a corner with this type of equipment and drive. Maintain awareness of obstructions.

4 1 4

Operating instruction on Web and at Point of Use.

Injuries to others or members of the public.

Members of the public, particularly children may not recognise the potential danger. Be aware of animals.

4 2 8Carry out work when the area is less occupied. Never leave equipment unattended. If approached by people or animals switch off immediately.

4 1 4Operating instruction on Web and at Point of Use.

1

Maintenance & Cleaning Activities

Contact with hazardous substances (biological or man-made) Risk of injury during tasks. 3 2 6

When cleaning or cultivator head it is advised to wear gloves for protection and from dirt.Only competent person to perform maintenance and adhere to manufacturers recommendation.

3 1 3

Instruction on Web and at Point of Use.Manufacturers instructions adhered to and professional servicing when required.

0 0

Issue Number Date Compiled By Available on Web Site

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