Safety is key when using your brushcutter or grass trimmer. Learn about brushcutter safety equipment and procedures to protect yourself and others.
19.08.2024
Power tools such as grass trimmers and brus cutters enable you to work more easily and more efficiently – but it is essential that you have the right safety equipment and follow the appropriate procedures when using them. You should always wear personal protective equipment when using your grass trimmer or brushcutter, including safety glasses, face protection and safety boots – your grass trimmer user manual will include full details. Familiarise yourself with your grass trimmer before you use it for the first time, and make sure it is in perfect condition before each use so that you can work safely. You can ask your STIHL dealer to help prepare your grass trimmer for first use, as well as to advise you on appropriate safety equipment. However, please remember that personal protective equipment is not a replacement for safe working methods.
As with all power tools, preparation is key when using a grass trimmer. First read carefully through the operating instructions for your grass trimmer. Then ensure your working area is safe, observing all safety procedures necessary to prevent damage or injury.
Grass trimmers begin generating toxic emissions from the moment the engine starts. These gases may be odourless and invisible, so it’s important to only use your grass trimmer outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces. For your safety, you should never run your grass trimmer or brush cutter in an enclosed space, even for brief maintenance tasks: always make sure there is sufficient ventilation. Check your working area, including under foot, as uneven ground and plants can be stumbling hazards. While using your grass trimmer, be aware of any potential trip hazards in the grass, such as tree stumps and roots.
Maintain a safety radius: When using a brush cutter or grass trimmer, make sure that there are no animals or other people, particularly children, within a 15-metre radius, as there is a risk of serious injury from flying stones and other small objects. You must also maintain the same safety distance from objects such as vehicles and windows while using your grass trimmer, to protect them from damage.
Are you looking for the operating instructions for your grass trimmer or brush cutter, or do you want to access other product brochures? You can download the information you need free of charge from our website.
The start-up sequence for your STIHL grass trimmer depends on which model you have. You can find out what you need to do in the operating instructions or in our Starting your grass trimmer article.