Field Operations Directorate

Field Operations Directorate

Bulletin No: FOD CON 3-2010

Issue Date: 25 March 2010

Non-standard metal brush cutting accessories fitted to petrol driven brush cutters can fail catastrophically in-service. There is a risk of death or serious injury to operators and others in vicinity from ejected metal components. These accessories are manufactured from more than one component and rotate at high speeds Anyone using them should discontinue use of any non-standard metal cutting accessory immediately and consult the brush cutter manufacturer for guidance.

Portable, hand-held, combustion engine driven brush cutters are commonly used for cutting weeds, brush and similar vegetation, and are frequently utilised in ground-clearance operations connected with construction work, using a variety of standard cutting attachments.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has become aware of a dangerous practice involving the fitting of non-standard accessories, not approved by the manufacturers, to brush cutting machines. In particular, HSE are aware of the UK supply of chain flail attachments comprising of a cutting head incorporating lengths of metal chain. This alert is relevant to any such metal brush cutter accessory manufactured or assembled from more than one component.

See the following link to obtain full details of directorate:- HSE