Golf Course Operations Manual - 2015
Golf Course Operations Manual - 2015
Golf Course Operations Manual - 2015
Revised
January 2015
Contact Information
Devils Pulpit Maintenance Department
Devils Pulpit Maintenance Fax
519-927-5256
519-927-5012
Ken Wright
Rob Wright
905-584-2500
905-584-0555
Rosemary Allen
Alex Barratt
Dave Woodworth
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Condition of Employment
All new employees, as a condition of employment, are required to do the following:
1. Read the Employee Manual and sign the appropriate documents
2. Successfully complete the no-fail Passport to Safety test
3. Successfully complete the WHMIS test prior to the first day of work.
4. Successfully complete the Workplace Violence and Harassment test prior to the first day
of work
5. Complete employee payroll information forms prior to the first day of work.
6. Attend the Employee Orientation
Employee Orientation
All employees must attend the Employee Orientation session which includes:
Health and safety policies and procedures; and
Departments policies, and standard operating procedures.
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January 2015
The Greenskeepers:
Operates mowers and string trimmers in trimming greens, aprons, tees, around trees, fence
lines, banks and hillsides; edges cart paths; edges, rakes and maintains sand bunkers.
Sets tee markers and cups on greens daily; maintains ball washers; replaces tee towels
and flags when needed; removes debris; sands and seeds tee and drop area divots; and
cleans flower beds.
Maintain fuel for all types of equipment on a daily basis
Report equipment problems or failure to the mechanic immediately.
Returns all equipment to the designated location at the maintenance facility
Helps in project work; assists in the construction of new greens, tees and fairways; grades
and prepares soil base; lays sod; and seeds tees, greens and fairways.
Installs forms and lays walks and paths using gravel and asphalt mixes; excavates and
backfills ditches and trenches with hand tools; repairs and replaces pipe on irrigation
systems
May be asked to operate mowers, dump trucks or other light equipment.
Performs other duties as directed by his/her supervisor.
Waters and fertilizes tees, greens and fairways.
Under direct supervision of a certified applicator, sprays chemicals on landscaped areas.
Marks the course for cart control weekly and moves cart control barriers.
Replaces worn or lost ropes and signs; and may mark hazard and drop areas.
Employment standards:
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Non-life threatening injuries or illnesses are to be reported immediately to the First Aider on duty
by the injured or ill employee or attending employee. If you require professional health care or will
have lost wages beyond the day of the accident due to the injury, obtain the Employee WSIB Pack
from your supervisor. Please refer to the Devils Pulpit Golf Association Employee handbook for
more detailed information.
Procedures/Guidelines for the First Aid Kit
The First Aid Kit is there for everyones safety and there are two of them located in this facility. One
is in the staff lunchroom and the other is located in the mechanics shop. Anytime someone needs to
use the First Aid Kit, they must notify a manager/supervisor. The following are a list of people
that can be used to help when needed:
Devils Pulpit:
Ken Wright
Rob Wright
Rosemary Allen
Jesse Booker
Joel Archambault
Alex Barratt
Devils Paintbrush:
Matt Davidson
Michael Allen
Dave Woodworth
If at anytime materials are used from the First Aid Kit, it must be documented on the First Aid
Inventory sheet and as well as the Injury Reporting form.
The Devils Pulpit Golf Association strives for an accident free environment and staff safety is
our number one priority.
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January 2015
Working Hours
A regular workday at the Devils Pulpit Golf Association is normally 8 hours. The actual hours of
operation will fluctuate throughout the season. Employees are required to work on weekends as
scheduled. The weekend schedule will be posted in advance.
Starting times vary depending on the time of sunrise. In spring and fall, work starts at 7:00 am or
7:30 am. In the summer work begins at 6:00 am. Starting times will be announced one week in
advance.
We require that all staff are here ready to work in the lunchroom at least 10 mins prior to
actual start time.
Employees must be ready for work at these times (ie. Boots or shoes on, raingear on etc)
Job assignments will be handed out at this time.
Every staff member is required to sign in each work day using our Biometric Attendance System.
Upon your first day of work your fingerprint will be put into the system so you, and only you, can
sign in each day. You will sign in when you arrive for work and will be paid from 10 minutes
prior to the actual start time of the work day. At the end of the day you will then sign out and
get ready to go home.
For one weekend each summer, the golf course is closed for aerification. All staff are expected to
work during the aerifying process. This weekend will be announced to the staff well in advance to
the actual date.
Supervisors should be notified at least 1 week in advance if you are planning to take certain
days off in the summer. This allows proper time to make changes to the schedules. There are 4
long weekends throughout the golfing season and workers are required to work on the weekends
that they are scheduled for.
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January 2015
Shirt tucked in
Pants worn on waist with a belt
Pants hemmed to a proper length
Shorts and shirts are not to be rolled up
Clean clothing upon arrival for work
Torn clothing repaired or replaced
Hat on forward and straight
Boots tied up at all times
In keeping with our philosophy of professionalism, proper personal hygiene must be followed and
jewelry kept to a minimum. Multiple rings and earrings are unacceptable and pose a safety risk.
Long hair must be tied back as a safety precaution.
It is permissible to wear your own jackets and sweaters for warmth. These items should be
conventional and with a minimum of labels. Permissible colours are earth tones and darks.
Only Devils Pulpit hats are permitted at work.
Toques can be worn when required.
When in doubt regarding dress, consult with a supervisor.
Uniform Policy
As a member of the Golf Course Operations department, you are provided with a uniform consisting
of the following based on your employee status.
Fulltime Seasonal:
2 Pair long Pants
3 Golf Shirts
1 Devils Pulpit Golf Hat
1 Employee Handbook
Part-time Seasonal:
1 Pair long Pants
2 Golf Shirts
1 Devils Pulpit Golf Hat
1 Employee Handbook
2 Pairs of Shorts
1 light Sweater
1 Pair of Safety Glasses
1 Pair of Earplugs
1 Pair of Shorts
1 Pair of Safety Glasses
1 Pair of Earplugs
Additional items can be purchased if desired, and the cost applicable will be taken off your last pay
cheque.
All employees are required to obtain steel toe footwear and appropriate raingear at their own cost.
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January 2015
If you work to the end of your designated contract, the club will cover the cost of these items. If
your employment concludes here for any reason before the end of your contract, the cost of
your uniforms will be deducted from your last pay cheque.
You will be supplied with a booklet that details hole by hole mowing routes, health and safety rules,
clipping areas, bunker rake placements, contact info etc. This booklet is yours to keep and is
mandatory that you have it on you at all times as part of your uniform.
Any lost or broken booklets will be replaced at your cost. ($10.00 per booklet)
Small ziplock bags are available to keep books dry in our unpredictable climate.
For your use, the club provides sunscreen and bug spray.
It is mandatory for everyone to have a pair of running shoes as well as a pair of safety shoes/boots.
These safety shoes/boots must be CSA approved and replacement may be required if the wear and
tear exceeds the Devils Pulpit standards. These are to be worn while working on the golf course.
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January 2015
Lockers
You will have access to a locker where you can store any personal belongings. Upon your arrival to
work, a locker will have been supplied to you with your name on the front door.
The locker room must be kept tidy. This includes the locker doors being closed and all clothing
properly stored within the locker. During times of wet weather, wet clothing may be left hanging
outside the lockers until it dries out.
Locks may be used on the lockers. It is up to the individual to supply the lock if they choose to use
one, and supply your supervisor with the combination for health and safety reasons.
These lockers are owned by the Devils Pulpit and therefore are open to random locker checks for
safety and cleanliness inspections at any given time.
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January 2015
Lunch Break
You are given a paid 30 minute lunch break during an 8-hour shift. This means that you are getting
paid for 8 hours and ten minutes, but are only working 7.5 hours. Lunch break is to be taken at a
time that coincides with the work that is being done, but is never later than 12pm.
Although lunch break is a time for you to relax and recharge for the afternoon, you are being paid
and are still on the clock. If you decide you would like to leave the premises for lunch, you are
required to notify your supervisor, punch out, and complete your entire lunch break within half an
hour. Special circumstances are up to the discretion of the Supervisor.
Beverages
Employees are encouraged to carry water with them while they work. It is important that you
drink water during hot weather. You must provide your own water bottle. Water coolers are
available on the golf course for the use of golfers and employees. Please show courtesy and
consideration to golfers when they need to use the water coolers.
There is a coffee machine in the lunchroom. The club provides the coffee for you. You are expected
to provide your own mug/travel mug for the coffee. Logo and disposable mugs are not permitted
on the course and will be strictly enforced. Drinking coffee is preferred in the Maintenance
Shop area. It is a privilege, please don't abuse it or everyone will suffer.
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January 2015
Maintenance Facility
The Devils Pulpit Golf Association possesses one of the largest and most modern maintenance
facilities in the industry. As employees, we are privileged to have this facility. It is therefore
important that we take pride in its upkeep. This will ensure a more efficient, safe and tidy work
environment as well as fostering a professional atmosphere for our fellow employees and visitors.
It is the responsibility of the maintenance staff to keep the entire maintenance building and
surrounding areas neat and tidy at all times. To achieve this, staff must clean up after themselves,
which means properly disposing of garbage, washing and drying of dishes, keeping the lunchroom
clean and organized, keeping the fridge tidy, and following the appropriate guidelines as set forth in
this manual for the locker room.
A Shop steward will be around the facility ensuring the upkeep of the maintenance area. They have
specific duties outlined for them. This position is not to be taken for granted by other
employees. It is up to all employees of the Devils Pulpit Golf Association to tidy up after
themselves and ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
Employees are discouraged from using the telephones unless necessary. Telephone calls must be
made during lunch break or after work. Ask your supervisor or office administrator if you can use
the telephone.
Clubhouse
The Devils Pulpit is a private club. The clubhouse and its entities are specifically for the use of the
clubs members and guests. Staff are not allowed in the clubhouse unless specifically instructed by a
supervisor or for shelter from the weather.
South House
The South House is provided for out of town students while they are employed by the Devils Pulpit
Golf Association. These employees are aware of the certain rules that govern the upkeep and
activity within the South House. It is their responsibility to ensure that any visitors to the building
follow these rules.
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January 2015
Smoking
In accordance with the Ministry of Health, smoking is forbidden inside the maintenance facility.
There is a designated smoking area outside the maintenance building however, this cannot
interfere with your assigned task nor can it be visible to the golfers. As a result, smoking is
prohibited on the golf course and will be strictly enforced.
Smoking is also prohibited inside any of the Devils Pulpit Licensed Vehicles.
Utility Vehicles and Maintenance Equipment
Utility vehicles and maintenance equipment at the Devils Pulpit Golf Association are always well
maintained and in top operating order. Our maintenance equipment is often working in areas
highly visible to golfers. It is important that all vehicles and maintenance equipment are kept clean
and free of garbage. It is the responsibility of the operator when finished with equipment to
properly clean it. This includes rinsing the equipment, disposing of garbage left in the equipment
and removing any personal articles.
Any personal articles left in equipment, outside of lockers or in lunchroom at the end of the
day, will be considered garbage and will be disposed of.
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January 2015
Weather
It is expected that all staff show up for work in the morning unless specifically informed otherwise
by a supervisor. In the event of inclimate weather, it will be to the discretion of the supervisors as
to what action will be taken.
LIGHTNING is responsible for the death of hundreds of people on golf courses in North America
each year. As golf course employees it is important that we keep this statistic in mind. The Devils
Pulpit is equipped with a lightning detection system, which will sound one solid tone when
lightning is detected in the immediate area. At this time YOU MUST SEEK SHELTER at one of the
locations closest to the area you are working; clubhouse, gazebo, maintenance shop, front gate and
golf course washrooms. When it is safe to return to work an alternating tone will sound and your
supervisor will inform you.
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January 2015
Golfing Privileges
As an employee at the Devils Pulpit Golf Association, you have the privilege of golfing at either the
Devils Pulpit or Devils Paintbrush. It is important that the following guidelines are adhered to in
order to prevent confusion and maintain our playing privileges.
Notify Jesse or Matt at least two days in advance to book a time for golf.
Staff is expected to walk while golfing. Exceptions may apply.
Dress code as per club policy. If you are ever in doubt please ask a supervisor.
The driving range and putting green may be used before your tee time. Please allow
members to use these facilities if space is limited.
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January 2015
Non-Permitted Items
There are a few items that we do not permit on the golf course. There are no exceptions to the
following items.
Cell Phones
If you have a cell phone, you must leave it in your car or your locker and it must be off while
you are here. Your cell phone may not be used as a watch on the golf course. Purchase a
watch for this purpose
Back packs
You are not to carry around a backpack while on the golf course. Take what you need from
your locker before you leave the shop.
If any of these items are found on the golf course, they will be confiscated and returned to the
employee at the end of the work day.
If any of the above non permitted items are violated, the appropriate disciplinary action will
follow as outlined on the next page.
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First infraction: verbal warning from your Manager or Supervisor this conversation will be
documented and placed in the employees file.
Second infraction: written warning from your Manager, Supervisor or Human Resources
Manager. This letter must be acknowledged as received by the employee. The employee will be
provided with the opportunity to write a formal statement of dispute in regards to the written
warning and may choose to request a meeting with their Manager and/or Human Resources
Manager.
Third infraction: may be handled in one of two manners depending on the severity of the
infraction. 1) a final written warning with a clear statement that if any violation against Company
policy and/or procedure occurs again, termination of employment will result or 2) immediate
termination of employment.
If following an investigation an employee is found to have violated the DPGA Violence in the
Workplace Policy, Discrimination and/or Sexual Harassment Policy and/or Drug and Alcohol
Policy they may face immediate termination if their actions result in harm or discrimination
against a fellow employee.
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Greenskeeping involves many safety and health hazards. This is your training guide for safe work
practices to prevent accidents and injuries.
Important identified hazards in greenskeeping are listed below. Your safety training includes the
right and wrong ways to deal with these hazards.
Training Procedures
As a part of the Golf Course Operations department you will become skilled at doing a multitude of
different tasks to a high standard of excellence and safety. There is a formal process of training that
will ensure that these standards are met. An Employee Training Form (ETF) will be assigned to
each individual and will document the equipment, tasks and environmental hazards for which you
have been trained. You will only operate equipment for which you have been fully trained. A
supervisor will sign off on the (ETF) when you have completed the training objectives of a
particular piece of equipment or hazard.
Safety Protocols
The first step in operating any piece of machinery is to ensure that it is in a safe operating
condition. This will be accomplished by completing a Pre Use Inspection (PUI) each day. The PUI
form to fill out is located at the Equipment Key Box and PUI Station. Each machine will have a series
of safety tests that must be conducted and documented. If a machine fails any of the tests, the
employee must document the failure, and notify their supervisor or the mechanic immediately. If
necessary, the equipment will be locked out by the supervisor until the repair is complete. All other
equipment repair issues must be document on the repair log, and notified to the supervisor or
mechanic. Once the machine is repaired, the employee can use the machine.
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Hazard
Working Outdoors
Lifting and Carrying
Fueling mobile equipment
Driver Operated Power Equipment
Gas Powered Equipment
Pressurized Washer
Club car electric
2 Person Carry-All, EZ-GO, Yamaha, and 4 Person Carry-All
Workman
Backpack Blower
Line Trimmers
Rotary Mower
Hover (Fly)-Mowers
Sand Pro Trap Rake
Greensmaster 1600, Flex 21
Greensmaster 3200-D
Groundsmaster/Reelmaster 3100-D
LF Series Reel mower
Reelmaster 5400-D/5410-D
Groundsmaster 4500-D
Outfront Rotary Unit
Sprayers
TyCrop Material Deilvery System/Turfco Widespin 1550
John Deere, Massey Ferguson and Kubota Tractors
Skid Steer
Backhoe
Plate Tamper
Buffalo Blower
Sod Cutter
Jacobsen Overseeder
Turfco Tri-Wave Overseeder
Aerifiers
Rayco Brush Chipper
Tru-Turf/Salsco Speed Roller
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Working Outdoors
Heat
Sun
Bee Stings
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Rules
And Remember
If a load is awkward or too heavy for you, call another person, use a dolly or other mechanical assistance.
Do not attempt to lift it alone.
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Rules
Restrictions
Do not smoke or light matches, lighter or any other sparking device within 3 meters of fuelling point.
Increase distance on warmer days.
Do not overfill tank.
Where possible, do not fill fuel tank on grass.
Do not store fuel with oxidizers.
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Risks
Rules
Driving Rules
Restrictions
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Rules
Restrictions
Do not operate damaged or faulty equipment, equipment missing guards, and equipment presenting
mechanical difficulties.
Do not touch hot engine parts, mufflers, exhaust pipes, spark plug cords or other metallic parts while
the engine is turned on or immediately after shutting down the engine. They can reach high
temperatures during operation and can cause serious burns.
Do not wear loose clothing, scarves, jewelry, or unconfined long hair when operating equipment as it
may get caught in equipment.
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Pressurized Washer
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Rules
Restrictions
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Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Workman
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Backpack Blower
Risks
Sprains and strains from continuously carrying blower, holding nozzle and walking.
Cuts, eye injuries and punctures from flying debris.
Burns from hot metallic engine and adjacent parts.
Hearing loss from repeated exposure to motor noise.
Disease from long term regular exposure to hand or body vibration.
Fire or explosion from improper fuelling.
Rules
Restrictions
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January 2015
Hover (Fly)-Mowers
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Line Trimmers
Risks
Rules
Only trained and authorized staff can operate the grass trimmer.
Wear safety glasses and hearing protection provided.
Optional: wear a harness to reduce the risk of back injury when using gas powered trimmers. Adjust
harness according to manufacturers recommendations.
Shut the machine off before adjusting nylon cord.
Stop trimming until bystanders not wearing personal protective equipment are clear of work area
at least 10 feet.
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Rotary Mower
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Sand Pro
Risks
Rules
Read and understand the contents of the operators manual before starting and operating the
machine.
Wear personal protective equipment including: safety glasses, hearing protection, and CSA approved
safety shoes.
Always operate equipment in a controlled and safe manner.
Always turn machine off and lower rake when not in use.
Always keep feet on deck at all times when operating.
Restrictions
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Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Rules
Restrictions
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Risks
Rules
Restrictions
Use extra caution when mowing hills with the following slopes:
o 25 when mowing side hills.
o 10 when mowing uphill.
o 15 when mowing downhill.
o Do not operate on slopes that you are uncomfortable with.
Do not operate in unfavourable conditions.
Do not drive close to ditches, creeks or other terrain hazards.
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Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Rules
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January 2015
Groundsmaster 4500-D
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
Use extra caution when mowing hills with the following slopes:
25 when mowing side hills.
10 when mowing uphill.
15 when mowing downhill.
Do not operate on slopes that you are uncomfortable with.
Do not operate in unfavourable conditions.
Do not turn sharply.
Do not stop or turn off machine when on slopes.
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January 2015
Rules
Restrictions
Never operate Outfront Unit and attachments within 5 feet of bystanders not wearing personal
protective equipment.
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January 2015
Sprayers
Risks
Rules
Exposure to pesticides.
Collision with other person or vehicle.
Fire or explosion from improper fuelling.
Injury from falling off machine.
Only trained and authorized staff can operate sprayer.
Stay away from low branches and power lines when booms are in upright position.
Follow MSDS, Ministry of the Environment, and product label procedures for application and use.
Be cautious on steep slopes and wet grass, especially when tank is full.
Use first gear on manual transmissions, when climbing steep slopes.
Engage parking brake before getting off machine.
Only the operator may be on the sprayer at all times.
Do not apply in the area or downwind of other people not wearing personal protective equipment, if
required for product application.
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Rules
Make sure tractor has sufficient power and traction for pulling unit.
Travel up and down slopes, never across.
Lower MH-400 to transport position and collapse conveyor belt into transport position before travelling.
When parked on a slope, block wheels and set parking brake on tractor to prevent rolling.
Be aware of turning clearance, especially when optional attachments are mounted.
Make sure that the MHK-400 is connected to the tractor before loading.
Ensure that the rear jackleg and the hopper are in the down position before disconnecting the MH-400
from the tractor.
Restrictions
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Rules
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Skid Steer
Risks
Rules
Donts
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Backhoe
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Plate Tamper
Risks
Rules
Sprain and strains from continuously using plate tamper and continuously lifting.
Burns from hot metallic engine and adjacent parts.
Hearing loss from repeated exposure to motor noise.
Disease from long term regular exposure to hand and body vibration.
Fire or explosion from improper fuelling
Only trained and authorized staff can operate.
Wear safety glasses, hearing protection provided and CSA approved safety shoes.
Exercise caution when using tamper where stable footing and balance are not assured due to terrain.
Turn off engine and let cool before transporting or leaving tamper.
Follow safe lifting procedures and guidelines.
Report any mechanical problems immediately to supervisor or mechanic.
Restrictions
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Buffalo Blower
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
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Sod Cutter
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
Do not operate within 5 feet of bystanders not wearing personal protective equipment.
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Jacosen Overseeder
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
Never operate overseeder within 5 feet of bystander not wearing personal protective equipment.
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Rules
Restrictions
Never operate overseeder within 5 feet of bystander not wearing personal protective equipment.
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Aerifiers
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January 2015
Risks
Rules
Restrictions
Never operate aerifiers within 5 feet of bystander not wearing personal protective equipment.
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Risks
Rules
Restrictions
Never operate Brush Chipper within 10 feet of bystander not wearing personal protective
equipment.
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Risks
Rules
Restrictions
Never operate speed rollers within 5 feet of bystander not wearing personal protective equipment.
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By my signature below, I confirm that I have been provided with a copy of this manual and have
read it. All questions related to its content have been answered and issued clarified to my
satisfaction. I have a clear understanding of the policies and their impact on my employment
and/or contractual relationship with the Devils Pulpit Golf Association.
I understand that the Devils Pulpit Golf Association reserves the right to add, change, or modify the
above policies at their discretion, and that I agree to be bound by these modifications.
I have initialed all pages and signed below acknowledging that I have fully read and understood
Devils Pulpit Golf Associations Golf Course Operations Manual and will abide by these policies and
procedures during my employment with Devils Pulpit Golf Association.
Dated this ___________________________ day of ______________________, 20__________________.
__________________________________
Employee Name
______________________________
Position
_______________________________
Signature
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