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© 2011, Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario,
publicly known as Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
Using Landscaping Equipment
Choose a trimmer that has two handles,
including a wide forward-handle high above the
cutting blades
Select a trimmer that is lightweight and easy to
handle
Safe Work Guidelines
Before Use
Sharpen the blades if necessary
Inspect the shrubbery carefully for hidden
wires, posts, or trash
During Use
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, eye
protection, and ear protection
If trimming tall shrubbery, stand on a stepladder
or another stable surface; Do not stand on an
unstable surface such as a chair, extension or
straight ladder
Keep your hands and body away from the blades
Work slowly and deliberately; plan your cuts
before you make them
Take an occasional rest break to avoid fatigue
Do not operate the trimmer above chest height
After Use
Store the trimmer on a low shelf with the blades
locked and turned away from the front of the
shelf
string Trimmers
What Can Happen
Cuts
Finger or toe amputations
Eye injuries
Hearing loss
Burns
Injuries to other people
Safe Work Guidelines
During Use
Make sure the machine is in good repair before
using it
Always wear the necessary personal protective
equipment (PPE)
– Safety glasses
– Face shield
– Gloves
– Long sleeves and pants, and
– Hearing protection
Wear a harness to reduce the risk of back injury
when using gas-powered trimmers
Shut the machine off before making adjustments
Make sure that no one is near the work area –
when people pass by, stop trimming until they
have moved a safe distance away
Electric String Trimmers
Make sure the cord is in good repair
Disconnect the power source before making
manual adjustments
Do not use the string trimmer if the ground
is wet
Should only be plugged into GFI outlets
