Safe Use of Electric Weed Eaters

Key Hazards

• Thrown rocks, glass, wire, sticks, or debris
• Eye, face, or skin injuries from flying material
• Contact with rotating trimmer line or cutting head
• Electric shock from damaged cords, plugs, chargers, or wet conditions
• Battery hazards from damaged, hot, swollen, or wet batteries
• Slips, trips, or falls on slopes, wet grass, ditches, or uneven ground

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Electric weed eaters can throw debris at high speed and still create serious injuries even though they are smaller and quieter than some gas-powered equipment.

Workers should inspect the trimmer before use. Guard, handle, trigger, line head, cord, battery, charger, switch, and housing should be checked.

The work area should be checked for rocks, wire, glass, cans, sticks, and other objects that could become projectiles.

Eye and face protection are important because trimmers can throw material farther than expected. Long pants, sturdy footwear, gloves, and hearing protection may also be needed.

Corded units should be protected from damaged cords, wet grass, standing water, and cutting through the cord. Battery units should not be used with damaged or overheating batteries.

Hands, feet, and body parts should stay away from the rotating line. Adjustments should be made only after the trimmer is stopped and power is removed.

Pedestrians, vehicles, windows, coworkers, and public areas should be kept clear of the discharge area. Work should pause when people enter the area.

Safe electric weed eater use depends on inspection, debris control, PPE, electrical or battery safety, stable footing, and keeping others away from the cutting area.

Safety Reminders

• Inspect the trimmer before use.
• Keep guards and handles in place.
• Clear debris before trimming.
• Wear eye, face, foot, leg, and hand protection as needed.
• Keep cords and batteries away from wet or damaged conditions.
• Stop and disconnect power before adjusting line or clearing problems.
• Keep people, vehicles, and windows clear of thrown objects.

Ask the Crew

• Has the trimming area been checked for debris?
• Is the trimmer, cord, battery, or charger in safe condition?
• What PPE is needed for this task?
• Could thrown objects hit people, vehicles, or windows?
• Are wet grass, slopes, or uneven ground creating footing hazards?