Information for people attending work parties
Everyone coming to a work party should be aware that these are potentially dangerous situations and that full safety distancing needs to be observed at all times: These are, by task:
Brush cutters: The safe working distance is a MINIMUM of 15m (9 times the length of the shaft). All operators must keep this minimum distance between themselves and another operator or other person on site. If someone inadvertently comes within this distance cutting must cease immediately. If you need to speak with an operator make eye contact from a safe distance first.
Chain saws: Operators are responsible for understanding the requirements for their own safety, with appropriate training and experience.
For those nearby, operators cannot hear people approaching and are very involved making sure that what they are doing is safe for them. Do not go to less than 2m from them when the saw is running. Do not go underneath any part of a tree which is being cut off or less than twice the height of any tree which is being felled. If close to such a felling keep watching until the operation is complete. When working with an operator (eg when pulling out) maintain eye contact with the operator as far as possible and only move when the operator has signalled that it is safe to do so.
Rakers: The handles are about 2m long. This means that, in order not to contact another party whilst using the rake, a minimum distance of 2m must be kept. Rakers are less isolated by PPE than those with brushcutters. The onus is on them, therefore, to maintain brush-cutter safe distances when raking up.
Forks - these are of similar length to rakes and the same safe working distance applies
Fires can get hot and dangerous. One person is detailed to maintain the fire. As material is brought to the fire that person is responsible for overseeing how it is added. This includes ensuring that everyone is at a mutually safe distance of 2m and that no trip hazards accumulate around the fire.
No matter what the specific job, all attendees are responsible for having and maintaining their own PPE (personal protective equipment). In order to minimise risk of infection PPE must not be shared.
Additional considerations for Covid-19, whilst relevant:
From the above it is clear that the minimum H&S distances are at least equal to those required for covid-19 social distancing and that standard PPE can provide the required contact protection for tools if everyone has their own gloves. Where it is necessary to exchange tools these should be wiped-down with sanitiser between users. Having your own sanitiser/sanitiser wipes as part of your PPE is required.
During a break people must observe the 2m separation.
Travel to site should be by own vehicle or shared vehicle with driver in front and passenger behind, windows open.
As we have a fairly consistent small work party group we are at a lower transmission risk than on open-invitation work party, but we need to consider the possible risk and act accordingly.
Everyone coming to a work party should be aware that these are potentially dangerous situations and that full safety distancing needs to be observed at all times: These are, by task:
Brush cutters: The safe working distance is a MINIMUM of 15m (9 times the length of the shaft). All operators must keep this minimum distance between themselves and another operator or other person on site. If someone inadvertently comes within this distance cutting must cease immediately. If you need to speak with an operator make eye contact from a safe distance first.
Chain saws: Operators are responsible for understanding the requirements for their own safety, with appropriate training and experience.
For those nearby, operators cannot hear people approaching and are very involved making sure that what they are doing is safe for them. Do not go to less than 2m from them when the saw is running. Do not go underneath any part of a tree which is being cut off or less than twice the height of any tree which is being felled. If close to such a felling keep watching until the operation is complete. When working with an operator (eg when pulling out) maintain eye contact with the operator as far as possible and only move when the operator has signalled that it is safe to do so.
Rakers: The handles are about 2m long. This means that, in order not to contact another party whilst using the rake, a minimum distance of 2m must be kept. Rakers are less isolated by PPE than those with brushcutters. The onus is on them, therefore, to maintain brush-cutter safe distances when raking up.
Forks - these are of similar length to rakes and the same safe working distance applies
Fires can get hot and dangerous. One person is detailed to maintain the fire. As material is brought to the fire that person is responsible for overseeing how it is added. This includes ensuring that everyone is at a mutually safe distance of 2m and that no trip hazards accumulate around the fire.
No matter what the specific job, all attendees are responsible for having and maintaining their own PPE (personal protective equipment). In order to minimise risk of infection PPE must not be shared.
Additional considerations for Covid-19, whilst relevant:
From the above it is clear that the minimum H&S distances are at least equal to those required for covid-19 social distancing and that standard PPE can provide the required contact protection for tools if everyone has their own gloves. Where it is necessary to exchange tools these should be wiped-down with sanitiser between users. Having your own sanitiser/sanitiser wipes as part of your PPE is required.
During a break people must observe the 2m separation.
Travel to site should be by own vehicle or shared vehicle with driver in front and passenger behind, windows open.
As we have a fairly consistent small work party group we are at a lower transmission risk than on open-invitation work party, but we need to consider the possible risk and act accordingly.