Leaf Blowing & Clearance Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Equipment failure and maintenance — Conduct pre-use checks of guards, tubes, throttle, mounts and fasteners; stop immediately if abnormal vibration or noise occurs; follow service schedules; replace damaged nozzles and impellers; keep logs; only trained staff carry out maintenance; isolate battery or remove spark plug before servicing.
• Lone working and communication — Avoid lone working in high risk sites; if unavoidable, implement check in intervals and GPS/phone systems; share site plan and duration; ensure operator can hear alarms or phones while using hearing protection; pre-agree stop points; provide first aid kit; restrict to daylight hours.
• Dust, spores and bioaerosols — Pre-dampen dusty areas where practicable; avoid disturbing soil or construction dusts; wear FFP2/FFP3 RPE when visible dust or mould is present; blow with wind carrying dust away from people; rotate tasks; store PPE hygienically; avoid using blowers for cement or fine particulate accumulations.
• Manual handling and repetitive strain — Adjust backpack frames and waist straps for fit; alternate hands and vary stance; schedule micro breaks and rotate tasks; warm up shoulders and wrists pre shift; keep hose close to body and avoid twisting with a fixed foot; select lighter balanced tools for small sites; report early discomfort for action.
• Fatigue, heat and hydration — Brief crews to pace output; enforce rest, water and shade breaks; use breathable PPE; rotate strenuous tasks; monitor for heat or cold stress; plan workloads to avoid extended continuous use; encourage early reporting of fatigue; provide warm layers and gloves in cold conditions.