Blower Clears Established Firelines in Hardwood Forests Without Disturbing Soil, Appendix A

Blower Clears Established Firelines in Hardwood Forests Without Disturbing Soil

Appendix A—Debris Blower Job Hazard Analysis

FS-6700-7 (2/98)
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service	1. WORK PROJECT/ACTIVITY Buffalo Turbine Blower Use	2. LOCATION	3. UNIT
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS (JHA) References-FSH 6709.11 and -12 (Instructions on Reverse)	4. NAME OF ANALYST	5. JOB TITLE	6. DATE PREPARED
7. TASKS/PROCEDURES	8. HAZARDS	9. ABATEMENT ACTIONS Engineering Controls * Substitution * Administrative Controls * PPE
Preoperation inspection	Mechanical failure affecting controls and operation, possible injury to operator	Conduct pretrip inspection before use. Check fluid levels and ensure there are no leaks. Check belts for tightness. Ensure that the blower impeller and chute are free of debris. Ensure that remote control operations for the throttle and chute rotation are fully operational. Check bolts and plates that secure the machine to the UTV for tightness. Ensure that no bolts or plates are excessively worn, broken, or missing.
Loading/unloading the blower	Back strains, injuries to feet or legs	When installing or removing the Buffalo Turbine from the UTV, ensure that an adequate number of people are available (three to four) to lift the machine. Ensure that lift bars are installed and lift bar pins are secured. Use proper lifting techniques and carry the machine only short distances. Do not remove/install the blower in a UTV while it is on a trailer. First unload the UTV, then remove/install the blower from the UTV while it is on the ground level. When lifting and moving the blower by hand, first make sure that the path is clear.
Transporting the blower	Damage to vehicles and possible injury to the drivers	Remove the blower chute before transporting the blower to prevent the tube from being damaged. If the blower is mounted to the UTV, follow the transporting section of the UTV JHA. If you are transporting the blower on a trailer or in a pickup truck, make sure that the blower is securely strapped down with four points of contact.
General operation of blower—driving or riding in UTV Using the blower to move debris	Collisions, accidents, injuries, and fatalities Eye injuries, head injuries, damage to hearing, impacts to airway, possible exposure to fire	Follow the general operations section of the UTV JHA. All PPE must be worn, including hardhat, eye protection, ear protection, long pants, long sleeve shirt, boots, and seat belt. Additionally, a 5-pound fire extinguisher and a full 5-gallon backpack pump will be carried with the blower at all times. During dry conditions, a dust mask is required. When starting the blower, make sure that the tube is directed away from personnel. When starting the blower, make sure there is no loose debris close to the blower's intake. Persons operating the blower should not have loose-fitting clothing. Long hair should be tied up or tucked inside the operator's helmet. Do not carry any items in the bed of the UTV when operating the blower. Use caution when directing the blower chute up because the force of the blower may dislodge limbs or widowmakers above you. When blowing debris, always have a spotter walking a safe distance behind the machine. Ensure no other personnel are within 50 feet of the blower when it is being operated. If a spotter controls the blower's throttle and the angle of the chute, the spotter should also watch to make sure that the blower tube does not become snagged. The spotter should also watch for fires under the UTV caused by debris that is blown against the UTV's exhaust system. The spotter should have an established method of communicating with the UTV operator, such as radio or hand signals. After no more than 30 minutes of use, the blower should be shut down and the undercarriage and engine compartment of the UTV should be inspected for debris. All debris should be cleaned out of the UTV before operation resumes. Allow the motor to cool and use a funnel, spout, or nozzle when fueling the UTV. Have a working fire extinguisher nearby. Prohibit smoking within 50 feet of the fueling area.
Emergency evacuation procedures	Illness/injury	Activate emergency medical services by calling Shawnee Dispatch by radio or dial 9–1–1. Refer to the Emergency Evacuation Instructions on the next page. Render first aid to sick or injured persons until you are relieved by a higher level medical responder. Do not abandon the patient. Use bloodborne pathogen precautions. Use care when moving patients and transporting the injured. Maintain communications. Notify your supervisor. Complete necessary paperwork.
10. LINE OFFICER SIGNATURE /s/	11. TITLE District Ranger	12. DATE