Safety Operation Procedures for Leaf Collectors
The core safety operation requirements for leaf collectors (including leaf suction type and integrated crushing-collection type) are to prevent entanglement, electric shock, and mechanical injury. Operators must strictly follow the full-process requirements of pre-operation preparation, in-operation standardization, and post-operation finishing. Details are as follows:
I. Pre-operation Safety Preparation
1. Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
– Operators must wear long-sleeved wear-resistant work clothes, non-slip safety shoes, impact-resistant safety goggles, and dust masks. Long hair must be tied up and covered with a work cap. Working in slippers, sandals, or shorts is strictly prohibited.
– Wearing scarves, gloves (except for handheld hose-type leaf suction models, where non-slip gloves are required), bracelets, and other accessories that can be entangled in the equipment is forbidden to prevent clothing edges from catching on moving parts.
2. Comprehensive Equipment Inspection
Power System
– Electric models: Check that power cords are undamaged, plugs and sockets are in good contact, and grounding protection devices are effective. Unauthorized wiring or use of damaged cables is strictly prohibited. Confirm that the voltage matches the rated voltage of the equipment.
– Fuel-powered models (gasoline/diesel)**: Check that oil and fuel levels are sufficient with no leakage, spark plugs and filters are in good condition, the recoil starter rope rebounds normally, and the flameout switch is sensitive.
Core Components
– Leaf suction type: Inspect that hoses are free from cracks and blockages, air inlets are free from foreign objects, and fan impellers are securely fastened without loosening.
– Integrated crushing-collection type: Verify that blades are crack-free with uniform wear, feed inlet guardrails are intact, and screens are firmly installed.
– Walk-behind/self-propelled models: Check that tire pressure is adequate, braking and steering systems are flexible and reliable, and the handle height is adjusted to a comfortable position.
Safety Device Testing
Test the emergency stop button before startup (it must immediately cut off power when pressed). Conduct a no-load test run for 30 seconds to ensure the equipment operates without abnormal noise or violent vibration, and no material is abnormally ejected from air inlets/discharge ports.
3. Worksite Clearing and Planning
– Clear hard objects such as stones, nails, iron wires, and plastic bottles from the work area to prevent them from being sucked into the equipment and causing impeller damage or blade chipping.
– Keep away from high-voltage power lines, distribution boxes, and flammable/explosive materials. Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from walls and obstacles to avoid hose bending and blockage.
– Demarcate a safe working area, set up warning signs, and prohibit unauthorized personnel (especially children) from entering. Prevent collisions during cross-operation by multiple personnel.
II. In-operation Safety Operation Standards
1. Startup and Operation Procedures
– When starting the equipment, the operator must stand firmly, grip the handle or control lever tightly with both hands, and maintain a safe distance between their body and the equipment. It is strictly forbidden to place hands or feet near air inlets, feed inlets, or impellers while the equipment is starting.
– For electric models, plug in the power cord first, then turn on the power switch. For fuel-powered models, follow the startup sequence: **choke adjustment → ignition → idle warm-up**. Switch to working gear after 1-2 minutes of warm-up.
2. Feeding and Leaf Suction Operations
– Leaf suction type: Move the hose at a constant speed when operating to avoid local accumulation and blockage caused by prolonged stay in the same position. For thick leaf layers, absorb in multiple passes; never force the hose deep into the leaf pile.
– Integrated crushing-collection type**: Never push materials into the feed inlet by hand. If a small amount of branches are mixed with leaves, use a dedicated feeding rod for auxiliary feeding, and ensure the branch diameter does not exceed the equipment’s rated limit. Feed materials evenly to avoid overloading and jamming.
– If the equipment experiences reduced suction power or abnormal noise, immediately stop the machine and cut off power/shut down the engine. Clear blockages only after the equipment has completely stopped running. Never disassemble hoses or open the machine cover during operation.
3. Operation Status Monitoring
– Continuously monitor the equipment’s operation during work. Pay attention to hose bending and machine tilting. For self-propelled models, control the traveling speed and avoid operating on steep slopes or uneven ground to prevent equipment rollover.
– Never perform adjustments, lubrication, or cleaning while the equipment is running. If the equipment needs to be moved, stop it first before moving; never drag the hose or machine body while it is in operation.
– For team operation, maintain a distance of at least 3 meters between personnel, clarify division of labor (e.g., one person operates the equipment, another clears the worksite), and use unified hand signals or verbal commands for communication to prevent misoperation.
III. Post-operation Safety Finishing Procedures
1. Standard Shutdown Steps
– After leaf collection, switch the equipment to idle gear and run it without load for 1 minute to empty residual leaves and debris from hoses and the machine body, then turn off the power/shut down the engine.
– For electric models, turn off the switch first, then unplug the power cord. For fuel-powered models, wait at least 10 minutes for the machine body to cool down after shutting off the engine before performing subsequent cleaning.
– Park self-propelled models on flat ground, engage the parking brake, and reset the handle to its original position.
2. Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance
– Before cleaning, always confirm that power has been completely cut off and the equipment is stationary and cooled down.
– Disassemble hoses and clean residual leaves and debris inside. Open the machine cover, clear debris from fan impellers, blades, and screens, and check for foreign object jams.
– Inspect blade wear and sharpen or replace them promptly. Lubricate bearings, steering shafts, and other lubrication points. For electric models, coil and store power cords properly to avoid extrusion damage.
– Promptly remove and classify the crushed leaves for storage (they can be used for composting or mulching) to prevent residual materials in the machine from getting damp and moldy.
3. Worksite Tidy-up
– Clear tools and equipment accessories from the work area, remove warning signs, and ensure no debris is left on-site.
– Check the equipment storage location; it should be placed in a dry and well-ventilated area to avoid rain and direct sunlight. For long-term storage, drain oil and fuel from fuel-powered models; wipe the machine body of electric models and cover with a dustproof cover.
IV. Emergency Response and General Notes
1. Emergency Handling Procedures
– Material jamming/blockage: Immediately press the emergency stop button. After cutting off power/shutting down the engine, use a long-handled tool to slowly clear the blockage from the side. Never insert hands into air inlets or feed inlets, and never reverse the equipment to force material discharge.
– Equipment malfunction (abnormal noise, smoke, violent vibration)**: Stop the machine immediately and identify the cause of the malfunction (e.g., loose impeller, damaged blade, short-circuited power cord). Never restart the equipment until the malfunction is resolved.
– Personal injury: Cut off the power source immediately, provide first aid to the injured person promptly, protect the accident scene, and report to the responsible person. Concealing accidents is strictly prohibited.
2. Daily Management Notes
– The equipment must be operated by designated personnel who have passed training and qualification assessment. Unauthorized operation by unqualified personnel is strictly prohibited.
– Regularly inspect equipment safety devices (emergency stop button, protective cover, grounding protection) to ensure they are fully functional. Conduct a no-load test run before each operation; never operate a faulty machine.
– Stop operation in case of strong winds or rainy days to avoid impaired visibility due to flying leaves or equipment malfunction caused by rainwater entering the motor or engine.
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