Use Caution With Brushcutters

Consumers are finding a relatively new type of power tool on the market for yard and garden work-brushcutters and combination trimmer/brushcutters. While the product is somewhat similar to the flexible string weed trimmer, it has a much greater potential for serious and disabling injury. The brushcutter uses a rigid cutting blade in place of the flexible plastic string line. The blade, made of steel or rigid plastic materials, permits the cutting of much heavier stands of brush and small diameter saplings, according to manufacturers. However, it can also cut through a hand, arm, or leg, something the flexible line trimmer will not do.

Several injury reports received by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that the blade has caused severe lacerations and near amputations. These accidents have happened even to professionals using the product.

In one case, a man was cutting brush along the bottom of a board fence. His wife, standing nearby trimming a hedge, was severely injured when he lost control and the brushcutter swung in an arc toward his wife. The blade cut into the wife's thigh and then her left hand, nearly amputating it below the wrist. In another incident, two workers were cutting brush. One held down a sapling with an axe, while the other attempted to cut through it with a brushcutter. The blade ricocheted off the sapling and into the assistant, severely cutting his right arm. In another case, a man cutting brush near a chain link fence reported that the blade threw a small piece of wire from the fence into his eye. In another case, the blade was reported to have come off the end of the shaft while it was being operated, causing a foot injury.

While only a few reports of injury have been received to date, the Commission's staff believes that there may be many more injuries if extra caution is not taken in using the product. The greatest danger appears to be to bystanders or helpers. Users should read and observe safety and operating instructions in the owner's manual.

Among the safety precautions the user should take are:

• Keep all people away from the operator during use. At least one manufacturer recommends keeping people, including helpers, a minimum of 30 feet away.
• Before starting, make sure the blade is properly secured to the shaft. Replace damaged blades. Avoid cutting close to fences, sides of buildings, or other such obstacles that could cause the brushcutter to ricochet. Clear the work area of trash or hidden debris that could be thrown back at the operator or at a bystander.
• Use the proper cutting attachment for the job. Use the flexible string trimmer or hand tools for cutting near buildings, fences, etc., where the rigid blade may cause damage and injury.
• Wear protective clothing, including safety eye goggles.