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DHR - SAFETY ALERT MEMO 02-01

DATE: February 21, 2002

INCIDENT TYPE: Possible Injury

LOCATION: Statewide

TYPE OF WORK ACTIVITY: Landscape work using True Temper brand grass trimmer

THE ACCIDENT: Employees in District 4 have identified a problem with the True Temper brand #29L-shaped grass trimmer. As employees are using the tool the handle has come loose and the sharp, double-edged head flies off. No employees have been injured to date but this is a potentially dangerous situation for anyone in the vicinity of an employee using one of these tools.

CONCLUSIONS: True Temper brand #29 grass trimmers (Warehouse stock #3750-0015-5) are defective and should be taken out of service immediately.

RECOMMENDATIONS: All grass trimmers should be checked to verify that the head is firmly attached to the handle. Any of the True Temper brand grass trimmers should be returned to the warehouse immediately so that they can be returned to the manufacturer. Defective trimmers will be replaced with an AMES Model #19-426 trimmer. If you have any questions regarding the return and replacement of the defective trimmers, please call Les Carpenter at (916) 364-5810.

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES (916) 227-2640