Attachment C. Safe Use of Equipment in Wildlands.pdf

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Maintenance Operations Manual

13 - Fire Prevention and Fire Operations Section 13.010

Title: Safe Use of Equipment in Wildlands 06/13/19

I. Purpose

Reduce the risk of fire ignition in wildlands while operating equipment from which a spark, fire, or flame may originate.

II. Policy

Maintenance Staff must carry out all procedures in a manner that ensures safe operation of equipment to minimize risk of starting a fire in a wildland. Hired or contracted private equipment must meet the requirements of this policy.

III. Procedure

A. Equipment Inspection

1. Prior to use, inspect equipment for safe and operational condition, including a functional spark arrestor (re: Public Resource Code [PRC] 4442).

B. Weather Check

1. High risk operations (flailing, masticating, disking, grading in heavy brush, operating a mower or brush cutter equipped with metal blades, welding, grinding, etc. or any operation given current conditions that could start a fire) within or adjacent to any wildland areas will be conducted using the following protocols::

Whenever possible, complete projects with potential to start fires in wildland areas outside of Fire Season (May 1 through November 30, or as declared by the District) and plan operations so that areas of greatest risk are mowed early in the day.

No high-risk operations shall occur within a red flag area during a red flag event or within 24 hours of a predicted red flag event as determined by the National Weather Service.

National Weather Service Monterey Office Website: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/

Before beginning high-risk operations, a weather sampling will be taken. .

Weather samples will be taken every 2 hours if the ambient temperature is below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Weather samples will be taken hourly if ambient temperature is at or over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If one of the following conditions occur and the ambient temperature is at or over 80 http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/ degrees Fahrenheit, operations should not start. If one of these conditions occur while running equipment, all operations should cease immediately.

RH (relative humidity) is at 30 percent or lower.

Sustained wind speeds reach 10 mph or higher.

Maintenance Staff should assess the surrounding wildland fire risk conditions and make a judgment regarding what would be threatened if a fire got started. Maintenance Staff may choose to stop activity at a lower threshold than described above if it is determined to be a risk to life or property.

If ambient temperature is, 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, all high-risk operations will cease for remainder of shift.

If a fire district within District boundaries recommend a moratorium on mowing due to conditions, and we are aware of the moratorium, staff will not operate within their jurisdiction. Unless Area Manager contacts and informs the fire district of our mowing operations and deems staff can continue, and we are operating within our guidelines.

C. Operation

1. Be aware of risks related to driving and parking in tall, dry grass—particularly with catalytic converters.

2. Have an “Action Plan” in mind if a fire starts and have an “Escape Plan” if it gets beyond your ability to control with suppression equipment on-hand. Plan how to communicate with nearby coworkers or others threatened by fire.

3. If possible plan mowing operations so that prevailing wind will blow over areas that have already been mowed. If a fire starts, it will initially burn in mowed grass with a better chance of stopping the fire early.

4. Before starting high-risk operations using tractor mowers on District roads, a non-divertible pumper-equipped pickup will be assigned to the operation. An observer that is familiar with pumper operations; vehicle radio; must staff the truck. .. The employee acting as spotter will be in close proximity to high-risk operation.

Any deviation from having a pumper truck and spotter on site must be approved by Area Manager.

5. When operating a hand mower or small riding mower, staff must have one round point shovel with an overall length of at least forty-six (46) inches backpack pump water-type fire extinguisher available in the immediate area.

6. When on or near a wildland and operating stationary power equipment such as a generator, motor, welder, cutting torch, grinder or similar device from which a spark, fire, or flame may originate, all of the following are required (re: PRC 4427):

Clear away all flammable material around the area for a distance of 10 feet.

Have one round point shovel with an overall length of at least forty-six (46) inches backpack pump water-type fire extinguisher available in the immediate area.

7. When operating chainsaws and other portable gas-powered tools in a wildland, one of the following is required for use within 25 feet of the area (re: PRC 4431):

One round point shovel with an overall length of at least forty-six (46) inches or a fire extinguisher appropriate to provide fire control for the area and conditions.

D. Fueling

1. When fueling equipment, allow it to cool where there is no flammable vegetation that can be ignited by the hot exhaust, preferably in a dirt area.

2. See Safety Manual Chapter 1.7.00 regarding fire prevention requirements and Sections 1.6.5.4 to 1.6.5.7 regarding safe fueling of equipment.