operating basic machinery week 2

The very knowledgeable and fun John Easton ran our 'operating basic machinery' tutorial. James Wood who is in charge of the estate team at the gardens took us up to the rtbg workshop where we were able to go through the correct startup procedures for a mower, slasher and whipper snipper. We were also shown the difference between the correct and incorrect tools for the job with different length handled shovels and tools. Biggest thing I think took away from this lecture (apart from the correct start up procedures) is to follow these procedures every single time, turn it off and tag it if something is not quite right (don't ignore it and keep going just because you want to get a job finished) and there is always a 'right tool for the job' and not to push any tool or machinery past it's main purpose. Plus never ever never forget to disengage the spark plug before touching the blades or it's goodbye fingers!!

 We also touched on correct lifting and bending techniques and I was able to visually demonstrate with the group the correct bending techniques for a safe back. John kindly let me share this as I'm very passionate about safe bending and lifting as i think your back's health is so important and this is ceratainly an industry that it will suffer greatly in if the techniques are not practiced every time.

John Easton running the group through correct start up procedure for the lawnmower.

Jarrod getting a feel for the slasher harness.