Brushcutters Require Cautious Use by Consumers
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Brushcutters Require Cautious Use by Consumers
CPSC Document #5005
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 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 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.
Please call the CPSC toll-free hotline on 800-638-CPSC to report
an injury with this type of product or to request information on
power equipment. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired
is 800-638-8270.
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