Investiation Guideline

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

Investigation Guideline
Product:
Appendix #:
Date amended:

Brushcutters
89
July 2004

I. Introduction
NOTE: This guideline is to be used for string trimmers, edgers, and trimmer/brushcutters when the
trimmer/brushcutters are being used in the brushcutter mode. If the trimmer/brushcutter is being used in the
trimmer mode, see Investigation Guideline - Appendix No. 88, “Grass (string) Trimmers and Edgers”.

A.

Background Information

Brushcutters were associated with an estimated 550 emergency room treated injuries in
2002.
The major hazards associated with brushcutters are summarized as follows:
Blade thrust - The blade kicking or ricocheting off a sapling, post
or other object and injuring a bystander or the operator. Blade
thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it
does not immediately cut.
Inadvertent contact with exposed blade - Other blade contact with
bystander or operator while the blade is spinning.
Blade breakage or dislodgement - A piece of the blade, blade
retainer or the entire blade flying off.
Thrown objects - Dirt, stones, or wood chips propelled by the
spinning blade hitting the operator or bystander.
In some cases, fire can also result from use of brushcutters.
Based on the special study of string trimmers, edgers, and brushcutters related to
incidents between May 1, 2002 and August 1, 2002, the main body parts injured in a
brushcutter-related incident were to the finger and hand. The primary diagnoses for
injuries to operators were contusions/abrasions or lacerations.
Investigations are needed to determine the effectiveness of the voluntary American
National Standard (ANSI-B175.3) for Grass Trimmers and Brushcutters. The purpose is

1

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

to reduce the hazards, especially thrown objects, associated with the use of string
trimmers, edgers and brushcutters.

B.

Product Description

Brushcutters are usually gasoline-powered and are designed for cutting heavy stands of
brush and thicket as well as saplings. They may be equipped with a monofilament line for
cutting grass and weeds, or with rigid metal or plastic blades for cutting brush or thin
saplings (Figure 1). This guideline pertains to trimmer/brushcutters being used in the
brushcutter mode, equipped with a rigid metal or plastic blade.

2

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

Figure 1. Gas-powered brushcutter with a metal cutting blade

3

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

C.

Specific Items of Interest

•

Of particular interest are details about the shield around the blade assembly.
Indicate the position of the shield relative to the operator of the blade, the size of
the shield and whether the shield was on the brushcutter at the time of the incident.

•

Specify the type of vegetation being cut and thickness (i.e. ½” diameter) at the
time of the incident.

•

Obtain product safety instructions, if available, and describe the information
included on product labels: list warnings, date codes, product certification, ratings.

•

Details on cutting attachment are important. Features like dimensions, material
(i.e. metal or plastic), number of teeth, and manufacturer.

D.

Headquarters Contacts

Natalie Marcy
John Murphy

EPHA (301) 504-7329
ESME (301) 504-7541

4

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

II. Instructions for Collecting Specific Information
A. Free Text Summary
•

It is important to describe clearly the sequence of events. Describe what happened
immediately before, during, and after the incident. Include location of the victim
relative to the brushcutter, and a detailed description of the parts of the brushcutter
involved in the injury.

•

Describe the nature of the injuries (did they result from a rotating blade, thrown
object, snagging of clothing on the machine, or failure of the product).

•

Describe whether the victim is the operator or bystander. Where the incident
occurred (home, school, work, etc.).

B.

Description of Incident Environment
•

Outline the general conditions (i.e., sunny, cloudy, any adverse weather conditions,
temperature, wind speed and direction, rain, snow, etc).

•

Lighting conditions at the time of the accident.

•

Size of the area being cut and type of material being cut.

•

Condition of the material surface being cut and vegetation density (i.e., wet, dry,
thick, long, etc.) and vegetation thickness (i.e. ½” diameter). Include the height of
the grass or brush being trimmed.

•

Ground surface conditions (wet, uneven, rough, slippery, etc.) and slope of terrain.

•

Preparation of area being cut (e.g., removing objects that could be thrown by the
brushcutter.

C. Description of Victim
1. Indicate victim's age, sex, height, weight and whether the victim was the operator,
an assistant, or a bystander.
2. Indicate if operator was tired, rested, distracted, etc. at the time of the incident.
3. Indicate any medication or alcohol consumed by the operator and whether the
operator had any physical or competence reducing handicaps or disabilities.
4. Provide a complete description of clothing and safety equipment used by the
operator (e.g., gloves, safety shoes, goggles, hard hat, hearing protection).

5

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

5. Determine operator's awareness of possible dangers in the cutting activity and any
precautions taken to prevent accidents.
6. Describe the accident sequence in detail, indicating the body part injured, the
nature of the injury and its severity.
7. Indicate:
(a) The victim's knowledge of operating instructions - whether self-taught (by
owner's manual) or by an instructor.
(b) Previous experience in operating, repair, or adjustment of the brushcutter.
(c) Previous injuries in using brushcuttesr.
(d) Position of operator's hands and feet relative to the brushcutter.
(e) Operator's awareness of the victim's presence.
(f) Victim's awareness of operator's presence.
(g) Victim's location in relation to trimming operation.

D. Description of Interaction between Injured Person(s) and Product
•

Indicate the degree of user familiarity with product operation, repair, and adjustment.

•

For accidents involving blade thrust, determine the nature of the object causing the
blade thrust and if the brushcutter blade was established in the cut or being placed in
the cut when the bounce occurred.

•

For accidents involving contact with a blade, describe the part of the body injured and
how it contacted the blade. Indicate the manner in which product shielding may have
been a factor in the accident.

•

For accidents involving thrown objects, describe: the object and how it came into
contact with the brushcutter (whether it ricocheted off another object or cam directly
off the cutting head); how high and far the object was thrown; how far the victim was
standing from the machine, and where the victim was struck.

•

For accidents involving fires, indicate: the sequence of events, the source of fuel and
the manner of ignition.

6

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

E. Description of Product (Involved in the injury)
Safety Warning : When examining a gasoline-powered brushcutter, remove the
spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground it to the chassis
before manual inspection. The act of rotating the blade by hand
may cause the engine to start if this is not done. Electrical units
should be unplugged before examination.
Provide the following detailed information on the brushcutter:
•

Describe the type of machine (brushcutter or trimmer/brushcutter combination).
Indicate the manufacturer, brand, model name and/or number and serial number.
Indicate age and whether purchased new/used or rented.
(a) If gasoline powered, indicate the following:
(1) Horsepower rating, cubic inch displacement
(2) Capacity of fuel tank.
(3) Location of fuel tank.
(4) Leakage in fuel tank, fuel liner, etc., if any.

•

Describe if the unit has been modified or changed. Ask who made the modifications
or changes.

•

The blade
(1) Type of blade (material, design)
(2) Type of cutting edge (e.g. smooth, serrated)
(3) Dimensions (length, width, thickness)
(4) Clearance between blade tip and housing

•

Determine if the manufacturer of the brushcutter provided the cutting head. If not,
what company ma nufactured the cutting head?

•

Machine adjustment
(1) Method of adjustment
(2) Number of positions

•

Describe the machine shielding including deflectors

•

If the device has wheels, describe the wheel construction
(1) Material (plastic, steel, etc.)
(2) Tires (material, tread width, diameter).

•

Indicate the type of handle (Bar, T-style, wheel) and the presence of handgrips. Does
the handle act as a barrier? A barrier is a device intended to restrain the operator from
moving toward the cutting attachment and vice versa, and intended to prevent
inadvertent operator contact with the cutting attachment.
7

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

•

Determine if a harness was supplied with the unit when purchased and if it was being
used by the operator at the time of incident.

•

Weight and length of brushcutter

•

Certification labels (OPEI, UL, ANSI)

III. Photographs/ Diagrams of Incident Scene
•
•
•
•
•

Take a series of good, clear photographs of the incident scene and the product,
simulating the incident sequence.
Photograph the unit (front, side, rear), the manufacturers’ name plate, OPEI
certification, UL listings, warning signs, and saefty features such as shielding.
Provide close-up photos of labels, controls, safety devices or guards, and offon switches.
Have victim pose for photo that depicts his/her position in relation to the
trimmer at the time of the incident (with power to the unit “off”).
Lay out, in diagram form, the distances between the operator, any objects with
which the brushcutter made contact, and the victim (if not the operator).

IV. Obtaining samples and documents related to the investigation
• Photocopy the owners’ manual and attach it to the report.
• Collect any official records associated with this incident that may be available.
• Document the victim's contacts with the retailer and manufacturer regarding
the incident and obtain copies of all correspondence.

8

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

DATA RECORD SHEET
for Brushcutters
1.

Task Number ____________________________

2.

Incident Date (MM/DD/YYYY) ______________

3.

What type of product was involved in the accident?
_____ Brushcutter
_____ Trimmer/Brushcutter combination

DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT ENVIRONMENT
4.

Describe the general weather conditions at the time of the incident.

5.

What was the operator trimming at the time of the accident?
(Select as many as applicable)
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

Grass
Weed
Brush
Small tree
Other (Specified: ______________________________)

6.

What was the condition of the material surface being cut and vegetation density
(i.e., wet, dry, thick, long)?

7.

Describe whether there were any environmental conditions such as wet grass,
uneven surfaces (holes, bumps, rocks, or obstacles), a steep embankment or
anything else that may have contributed to the incident?

9

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

8.

Were objects that could be thrown by the brushcutter removed from the area to be
cut prior to using the brushcutter?

DESCRIPTION OF VICTIM
9.
Was the victim/injured person an operator, bystander, or helper?
_____ Operator
_____ Bystander
_____ Helper

10.

Indicate the victim’s age, sex, height, and weight.
_____ Age
_____ Sex
_____ Height
_____ Weight

11.

Indicate the operator’s level of alertness at the time of the injury (i.e., tired, rested,
distracted, etc).

12.

Determine whether the operator was ill or under any medication, drug, or alcohol
at the time of the accident?
_____ Yes à (Specify:____________________________________)
_____ No

13.

Was the operator wearing protective gear at the time of the accident?
(Select as many as applicable)
_____ Eyeglasses
_____ Safety goggles
_____ Gloves
_____ Steel toe shoes

10

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

_____ Heavy pants
_____ Other special clothing (Specify:________________________)

PRODUCT SHIELDING
14.
Was the shield attached to the brushcutter at the time of the accident?
_____ Yes
_____ No
15.
If the shield was attached to the brushcutter, ask whether it was damaged, broken,
or in good condition?
_____ Damaged
_____ Broken
_____ In good condition
16.

If the shield was NOT attached, ask why was it not attached?
_____ Had broken off
_____ Had been removed
_____ Never had one
_____ Other (Specify:___________________________)

FOR INCIDENTS INVOLVING BLADE THRUST:
17.
Determine the nature of the object causing the blade thrust and if the brushcutter
blade was established in the cut or being placed in the cut when the bounce
occurred.

FOR INCIDENTS INVOLVING THROWN OBJECTS:
18.
Describe the thrown object and how it came into contact with the brushcutter.

19.

Determine whether the object ricocheted off another object or was it thrown
directly (in a straight line) from the cutting head?
_____ Ricochet off another object
_____ Directly from the cutting head

11

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

20.

Indicate whether the thrown object was a part of the machine or was it a piece of
grass, twig, pebble, etc?
_____ A part of the machine (Specify:_________________________)
_____ A piece of grass, twig, or pebble, etc.
_____ Other (Specify:_____________________________)

21.

How high and far was the object thrown?

22.

How far away from the machine was the victim standing?

23.

Where was the victim struck?

FOR INCIDENTS INVOLVING FIRE,
24.
Indicate the sequence of events, source of the fuel and the manner of ignition.

DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCT
25.
Was the brushcutter involved in the incident gas or electric?
_____ Gas (What was the engine size? ______ )
_____ Electric (Was the product corded or did it use a battery?)
_____ Corded (Please describe the type, length, and gauge
of the cord and extension cord. ____________).

12

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

____ Battery (Describe voltage, if recharging involved,
describe the recharger).

26.

About how old is the brushcutter?
(Write down the number of years, months, or days)
____ Years
____ Months
____ Days
____ Don't know

27.

What is the brand name (manufacturer) and model name/number of the
brushcutter?
Mfr. ________________________________
Model # _____________________________
Serial # _____________________________
Horsepower/Displacement __________________________
Don't know _________________

28.

How was the brushcutter acquired?
_____Rented (from a rental store)
_____Purcha sed, new
_____Purchased, used
_____Borrowed, from a friend, relative or _______
_____Other - ______________

29.

What was the frequency of use of the brushcutter?
_____Very frequent use (several times every week)
_____About once per week
_____About once per mo nth
_____About once per year
_____Very infrequent use (once per ____ years)

30.

What was involved in the periodic maintenance or periodic inspection of the
brushcutter?

13

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

31.

What was the scheduled frequency of maintenance or inspection of the
brushcutter?

32.

Had the brushcutter been changed or modified in any way since you got it?
_____ Yes
_____ No

33.

If changed or modified, ASK:
• How was the brushcutter changed or modified?
______________________________________________
•

Who did the modifications?
_____ Victim
_____ Friend
_____ Relative
_____ Other (Specify: _______________________)

34.

Was the engine running at the time of the accident? (Determine if the brushcutter
had just been turned “on” or “off”).
_____
_____
_____
_____

Motor/engine was running.
Motor/engine was not running.
Motor/engine was just turned “on”.
Motor/engine was just turned “off”.

35.

What type of cutting head was being used at the time of the accident?
_____ Non-metallic head
_____ Metallic cutting blade
_____ Other (Specify: ______________________________________)

36.

Determine the manufacturer of the cutting head being used at the time of the
accident.

37.

Determine how long the operator had been working with the brushcutter that day
before the accident occurred? (Write down the number of hours and/or minutes)
_____ Hours _____ Minutes

14

Brushcutters
Appendix No. 89

38.

Determine how often and for what length of time the operator used the
brushcutter?

39.

Determine if the operator remembers any warnings or safety precautions about the
operation of the brushcutter that were printed in the owner’s manual?

40.

Describe whether the operator remembers seeing any warnings or safety
precautions printed on a label on the brushcutter?

15