Rakes (Download)
GARDEN RAKES http://www.bluestonegarden.com/images/D/d-16186-02.jpg Ever since there was farming and cultivation of food, there have been tools to help do the work The industrialization of farming would lead one to believe that some of these tools would be lost in history This is incorrect. Today we still have many of the tools such as garden rakes which our ancestors used in ancient Greece and early America. The quality of the products have gotten better, but the general use of the garden rake remains the same History http://historiccamdencounty.com/ccnews69.shtml A garden rake has a long handle with a head on it used to organize leaves, mulch, and sometimes stones The proper way to use a garden rake is hold it with two hands and run it across th e materials to be organized. The rake will consolidate the materials on the ground into a pile Description Leaf Rake -Leaf rakes have large, often somewhat triangular groups of teeth that are quite flexible. They are used to pull together piles of leaves. Different Types of Garden Rakes https://www.titchmarshbybulldog.co.uk/images/rake%20for%20web.jpg http://img2.timeinc.net/toh/i/g/0907_rakes/intro-rake.jpg http://www.myluxurycruise.info/gardentoolguru/wp-content/uploads/rake1.jpg The bow rrake , with large, thick, unbending teeth, both can level and work the soil. One of its uses is to prepare the ground for planting after the soil has initially been broken up . Bow Rake The adjustable leaf rake is similar to the normal leaf rake except the head can be adjusted to get into hard to reach places. Adjustable Leaf Rake http://s3.amazonaws.com/readers/2009/09/16/raking-bed_1.jpg http://img1.photographersdirect.com/img/12375/wm/pd1663211.jpg Safety Problems and Concerns Back problems from bending over Hand blisters Danger of striking a foot with the rake Stepping on the end when stored improperly, resulting in a head hit Encountering live electrical wires Fatalities and Injuries No fatalities were investigated by OSHA from 1990 thru 2009 Fatalities and Injuries One rake-related fatality, presumably in agriculture gave the following account: A man was unloading corn into an extremely large bin and there was a jam with the unloading. He used a garden rake which then unclogged the blocked corn. He was dragged into the bin and suffocated. Rakes tend to involve first aid incidents, insect bites, back strains etc . than death http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/stateface/mn/92mn001.html OSHA Regulations There are no OSHA regulations that specifically mention garden rakes. Safe Operating Tips Move the whole body and not just the spine to prevent back problems Switch sides for raking to reduce stress on just one side of the body Use the correct rake. If raking leaves, then use one made for raking leaves When storing the rake, make sure to do so with its face down properly leaning on something to where it cannot fall down Personal Protective Equipment Wear the proper PPE: Eye Protection Foot Protection Leg Protection Hand Protection PowerPoint Clip Art Gallery Safe Operating Procedures Stand over the raking area with legs firmly planted Grip the rake with both hands Move the rake back and forth over the surface to be cleared Organize the raked material into a pile Dispose of the leaves, rocks, etc. appropriately Think Safety Work Safely