Fire Danger Period & Total Fire Ban tip 8 - Chainsaws and lawn mowers

Summer is the perfect time to get out in the sun and work on your yard, garden or farm.

Do you know the guidelines for using a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower during the Fire Danger Period or on days of Total Fire Ban?

During the Fire Danger Period can I use a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower?

If you are using a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower in vegetation that is not green (that is dry vegetation) you must comply with the following:

• The equipment must be free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of fire

• It must be fitted with an efficient spark arrester

• You must have an area of at least 3 metres around the machine cleared of flammable material.

Also, a person must be in attendance at all times the machine is being used, and must carry at least one of the following fire suppression equipment items:

• One knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres, or

• One water (stored pressure) fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water and maintained at the correct pressure, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres.

Work undertaken in GREEN vegetation is permitted, however CFA suggests maintaining equipment and carrying fire suppression equipment as described above.

Can I use a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower on a day of Total Fire Ban?

This should be avoided wherever possible on Total Fire Ban days because the risk of starting fires is extremely high and the impact of fire on these days may be much greater. If the work is essential, follow the Fire Danger Period guidelines. Note that the spark arrester, the knapsack spray pump and the water fire extinguisher referred to above must comply with the applicable Australian Standards.