Landscaping

1. Tractor and Lawn Equipment
   
   
   1. All associates shall be trained on each piece of equipment before they are allowed to use that equipment. Training shall be documented by the supervisor. Training shall be by qualified personnel only. New operators will be under the supervision of a trainer until they are fully qualified.
      
      
   2. Always read and follow the owner's manual as to the correct use of equipment. Only use equipment for the purpose it was intended.
      
      
   3. Always inspect equipment before use. Look for loose or broken parts that could fly off during operation and to be sure that all safety features are installed properly and are operational. Do not use equipment if safety features are missing. Notify your supervisor of any discrepancies. Check all fluids prior to starting equipment.
      
      
   4. Never take safety equipment (i.e. roll bars and guards, etc.) off the grounds equipment. Always make sure that all guards are in the appropriate safety position.
      
      
   5. Always use eye and ear protection when using equipment where such use is required. When working in dusty conditions or spraying fertilizer and pesticides wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
      
      
   6. Always operate tractors and riding equipment at speeds that will not encourage tip-over or loss of control. Never operate tractors or riding equipment in areas (such as steep banks), that you have not been properly trained for.
      
      
   7. Obey traffic regulations when operating riding equipment on roads. Remember to use hand signals when changing lanes or directions. All tractors/mowers operated on public roadways will have "SLOW MOVING VEHICLE" symbols displayed properly.
      
      
   8. When fueling equipment, be careful to always let engines cool and use proper procedures to fill tanks so as not to spill fuel or cause fires. Never refuel equipment on grass areas, if at all possible.
      
      
   9. Always store fuels in proper safety containers and fire resistant lockers. Check stenciling on fuel cans to be sure you are putting proper fuel in the right equipment.
      
      
   10. Never fill fuel containers while on a vehicle. Always fill cans while standing on the ground.
       
       
   11. Never allow riders on a tractor or participate in "horseplay".
       
       
   12. Keep the public and children away from the area where lawn equipment is in operation.
       
       
   13. Always operate mowers with discharge chutes (with guards) facing away from pedestrians and vehicles. It is best to stop operation when pedestrians or vehicles are in close enough proximity to be hit by cuttings or debris discharged through guarded chutes.
       
       
   14. Before beginning mower operations, check the area to be mowed for trash or objects and remove same prior to mowing.
       
       
   15. Listen carefully for unusual noises or handling differences in your tractor. Stop your tractor and notify the supervisor if you are not certain your tractor is in proper working condition.
       
       
   16. Monitor all gauges where applicable.
       
       
   17. Notify your supervisor of all repairs that are made by qualified mechanics. Do not attempt to make your own repairs.
       
       
   18. Clean and inspect your tractor at the end of the work day. Notify your supervisor if all is not as it should be.
       
       
   19. Notify your supervisor if you experienced and difficulties or differences during the day.
       
       
   20. When replenishing fuel cans, ensure that you use the proper gas or gas mixtures, as it is stenciled on the gas can.
   
   
2. Welding equipment shall only be used by trained associates. Welding shall be performed in designated areas. See the appropriate sections of this manual. Areas shall be free of flammables and properly ventilated. Appropriate PPE shall be worn.
   
   
3. Pesticides
   
   
   1. All persons applying pesticides for Facilities Management shall be certified by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or directly supervised by such a person.
      
      
   2. Only qualified associates should determine what if any pesticides should be used after identifying the pest and the amount of infestation. This is in keeping with the IPM program.
      
      
   3. Always follow the label directions in the use of any pesticide.
      
      
   4. Always use the pesticide that is considered safest before resorting to a restrictive chemical.
      
      
   5. Know where the MSDS book is kept in your area and how to read an MSDS.
      
      
   6. Do not use any chemical before you have been trained on the proper use of that chemical and have read the MSDS for that chemical. Conduct a chemical inventory each year in September (Refer to the FM Hazard Communication Procedure, I:12). Handle all chemicals with rubber gloves, face, and eye protection.
      
      
   7. Be sure that all containers of chemicals (including spray bottles) are properly labeled.
      
      
   8. Always wear the proper PPE, (i.e. clothing, gloves, mask, respirator, etc.) when such use is indicated on the label or when directed by your supervisor.
      
      
   9. Never transport or keep pesticides in any container other that the one it came in.
      
      
   10. Do not mix more than can expect to be used on one shift. Empty and rinse tanks and containers at the end of each shift. Dispose of residue properly.
       
       
   11. Never apply pesticides during windy conditions that may favor drift to undesired areas.
       
       
   12. Never apply pesticides when the public or children are in the area of application. Follow label directions as to re-entry procedures.
       
       
   13. Cleaning Eye wear and Respirators - Hand-wash reusable respirator face pieces, goggles, face shields and shielded safety glasses. Follow manufacturer's instructions. In general, use mild detergent and warm water to wash the items thoroughly. Rinse well. Wipe dry, or hang in a clean area to air dry.
       
       
   14. Recommended procedure for washing/cleaning most PPE:
       
       Note: Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. If the instructions say only to wash the item, or if there are no cleaning instructions, follow the procedure below:
       
       
       1. Rinse in a washing machine or by hand.
          
          
       2. Wash in a washing machine, using a heavy duty detergent and hot water for the wash cycle.
          
          
       3. Wash only a few items at a time to allow plenty of agitation and water for dilution. Use the highest water-level setting.
          
          
       4. Rinse twice using two cycles and warm water.
          
          
       5. Use two entire machine cycles to wash items that are moderately to heavily contaminated.
          
          
       6. Run the washer through at least one more entire cycle without clothing, using detergent and hot water, to clean the machine.
          
          
       7. Some plastic or rubber items that are not flat, such as gloves, footwear and coveralls, MUST BE WASHED TWICE. Once to clean the outside and a second time after turning the item inside out.
          
          
       8. Some items, such as heavy duty boots and rigid hats or helmets, should be washed by hand using hot water and heavy duty detergent.
          
          
       9. Hang the items to dry, if possible. Let them hang for at least 24 hours in an area with plenty of fresh air, preferably outdoors. Do not hang items in enclosed living areas.
          
          
       10. You may use a clothes dryer for fabric items if it is not possible to hang them to dry, but after repeated use, the dryer may become contaminated with pesticides.
       
       
   15. Working safely with pesticide equipment.
       
       
       1. The equipment you will be cleaning, adjusting, filling or repairing may have pesticides on it. Although you may not be able to see or smell the pesticides, they can rub off on you when you touch the equipment.
          
          
       2. If pesticides get on you, they can hurt you. They can cause skin rashes or burns, go through your skin and into your body and make you ill, burn your eyes or make you ill if you get them in your mouth.
          
          
       3. When working with pesticides, always wear protective clothing and eye protection, especially when mixing solutions. This is the time when you are handling undiluted chemicals.
          
          
       4. Be sure to clean the inside and outside of equipment when you've completed the days work or if you are changing chemicals.
          
          
       5. Always rinse or clean spraying equipment in a proper location and dispose of all liquids properly (i.e. use rinse out tank).
          
          
       6. Always triple rinse and punch holes in the bottoms of pesticide containers when the containers are empty.
       
       
   16. You should not let pesticides stay on your hands or other body parts.
       
       
   17. Wash your hands as soon as you finish handling pesticides or pesticide equipment.
       
       
   18. Wash your hands BEFORE eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet.
       
       
   19. Wash or shower with soap and water, shampoo your hair, and put on clean clothes after work.
       
       
   20. Wash work clothes which may have pesticides on them separately from other clothes before wearing them. Run the washing machine through one cycle empty before washing other clothes.
   
   
4. Report all accidents to your supervisor immediately.