PQM 2

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STRIKE TEAM
TRAINING MODULE
EMPLOYEE NAME: _____________________________________________

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Equipment Training Signature Sheet
Completed PQM Training
Completed Field Training
Employee
Signature
Trainer
Signature
Employee
Signature
Trainer
Signature
¾ Ton Quad Cab
Truck
1 Ton Truck for
5910 Mower
21” PushMower
(s)
Blower
Pole Hedge
Trimmer
Trailer
FlatbedTrailer
for 5910Mower
Line Trimmer
Small Chain Saw
16”?
Toro 5910
Mower
52” Zero-turn
Mower
Stick Edger
Gas Hedge
Trimmer

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Operations Training Signature Sheet
Completed PQM Training Completed Field Training
Employee
Signature
Trainer
Signature
Employee
Signature
Trainer
Signature
General Safety Rules
Preparation
Driving To Location(S)
& Onsite Preparation
GroundsMaintenance
Service Objective
Mowing Procedures
And Practices
Trimmer Operations
Edging Operations
Blowing
Weed Removal
Tree Pruning
Sucker Growth
Chain Saw Operation
End of Day Procedures

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INTRODUCTION TO PQM
INTRODUCTION
This PQM (Personal Qualification Module) begins with a Fundamentals section covering the
basic knowledge and principles needed to understand the equipment or duties to be studied.
You acquired knowledge during the orientation portion of this training along with your training
during the equipment familiarization phase of your training. If you have not been to this training
or if you need a refresher, please complete that training before continuing.
HOW TO COMPLETE
This Personal Qualification Module is designed specifically to aid you in understanding the
systems and fundamentals needed to complete the job on strike team. You should complete all
required fundamentals training including a full understanding of the equipment and owner’s
manual before starting this module. When you feel you have a complete understanding of one
fundamental or more, contact your Qualifier. If you are attempting initial qualification, your
Qualifier will expect you to satisfactorily answer all line items in the fundamentals. If you are
requalifying your Qualifier may require you to answer representative line items to determine if
you have retained the necessary knowledge for your position. All departments will require
completion of the written examination (quiz) portion for final qualification, you may be asked any
questions from the fundamentals required for this position.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................5
GENERAL SAFETY RULES AND PROCEDURES – STRIKE TEAMS ....................................................................6
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................10
PREPARATION ...................................................................................................................................11
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................12
DRIVING TO LOCATION(S) & ONSITE PREPARATION................................................................................13
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................14
Grounds Maintenance Service Objective...............................................................................................15
Mowing Procedures ...........................................................................................................................15
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................19
Trimming Equipment..........................................................................................................................20
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................23
Edging (before edging review Edger Operations Procedures)...................................................................24
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................26
Power Blowers ..................................................................................................................................27
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................28
Weed Removal ..................................................................................................................................29
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................30
Minor Tree Pruning ............................................................................................................................31
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................32
Sucker Growth...................................................................................................................................33
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................35
End of Day Procedures .......................................................................................................................36
Quiz..............................................................................................................................................37

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General safety rules and procedures - strike teams
The following sections provide general guidelines and requirements for Strike Team Operations
maintenance safety and have been prepared to assist, based on job descriptions and nature of
work.
From turf maintenance to horticulture, minor tree trimming and leaf collecting/mulching and
fertilizing, employees are responsible for safely maintaining grounds. Gardening tools and
mechanical lawn care devices such as lawn mowers, power blowers, and chain saws, present
special safety concerns for grounds maintenance personnel.
Potential accidents include the following:
• Burns from hot equipment parts
• Bruises or broken bones from flying projectiles
• Cuts, lacerations or amputations from whirling mower blades
• Electrical shock from faulty grounding or defective electrical cords
• Back strain from improper equipment usage
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Eye injuries from flying particles and debris
• Insect bites and injuries from poisonous plants
1. Discuss the basic guidelines to ensure optimum safety:
a. Read the equipment owner’s manual or obtain appropriate training
b. Use the right equipment for the job at hand
c. Inspect the equipment before each use
d. Know how to control and stop the equipment quickly
e. Wear personal protection equipment as necessary, including eye protection,
hearing protection, long pants, hard-soled, leather upper shoes, work gloves and
/ or nitrile disposable gloves
f. Apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin
g. Be careful to avoid fatigue and heat stress during the hottest months of the year.
h. Drink plenty of water
i. Take breaks/ lunch at designated times
j. Do not operate powered equipment if you are tired, sick or taking certain
medications
k. Take special precautions when working with electrical equipment. If you are
using an extension cord, take care not to accidentally cut it
It is important to keep pedestrians and bystanders at least 30 feet away when using powered
equipment.

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___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
2. Explain the following as they apply:
a. Hand Tools
i. Although hand tools tend to be safer than powered equipment, common
hand tools, such as rakes, shovels, and litter tongs cause thousands of
injuries each year. Follow these guidelines for using hand tools:
ii. Keep hand tools in good working condition
iii. Remove and repair damaged, split or rotten handles
iv. Always use hand tools according to intended design
___________________________________
3. Gasoline
a. Only use approved metal cans for gasoline storage. Gasoline should not be
stored in direct sunlight. Appropriate fuel should be used for power equipment
according to equipment specifications. Power equipment shall not be refueled
while running or while hot.
___________________________________
4. Safety Control
Staying aware of sight conditions, knowing your equipment and constantly being aware of your
surroundings can help you avoid accidents and injury. Of course, every employee should
always refer to the Daily Work Procedures.
a. Dress for the job.
i. Wear close-fitting clothes and long pants, hearing protection, eye
protection, good traction work boots and heavy gloves. Do not wear
loose-fitting clothes or jewelry which can get caught or hung up on a
machine and cause injury.
b. Know your equipment.
i. Each piece of equipment has unique features. Read operator’s manual to
familiarize yourself with the equipment. Report any minor or major
equipment problems to your supervisor immediately. Reporting problems
right away will help avoid potential hazards.

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c. Read warning labels and check safety features.
i. There are dangers associated with operating any power equipment so
pay attention to all warning labels and safety features on the equipment.
Always check the safety devices to ensure that they are in proper working
condition. Never operate equipment if the safety devices are not in place
or functioning properly.
d. Conduct daily inspections.
i. Evaluate and scan the park for any potential hazards or concerns.
e. Inspect your work area for hazards.
i. While inspecting your work area for debris, be on the lookout for bees, fire
ants, and poisonous plants. Taking note of potential area hazards will
increase your productivity as well as your safety. Also, avoid improper
working conditions such as overly saturated grounds, which can cause
slippery conditions.
___________________________________
5. Discuss possible materials that could be toxic or hazardous.
Do not attempt to remove anything you suspect may be toxic or hazardous. Items to avoid
include, but are not limited to the following:
POTENTIALLY TOXIC OR HAZARDOUS
Powders Chemicals Suspicious Packages Drums
Containers Weapons Hypodermic Needles DeadAnimals
Contact your immediate supervisor and/or emergency contact as the situation requires.
___________________________________

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6. Discuss avoiding hazardous situations.
a. Clean your equipment.
i. Clean out equipment, trucks, and/or trailers of loose debris using brooms
and/or blower as needed. Wash trucks as needed at designated wash
station. , use vacuum at EBS fueling island when refueling the vehicle.
b. Perform routine maintenance.
i. Refuel equipment for next business day.
c. Tend to repairs immediately.
i. If your machine requires any repairs, tend to them immediately. Delaying
machine and parts repairs will delay productivity. If repairs are overlooked
and the mower is reused, damage to additional equipment parts or
operator injury may result.
d. Maintain recommended maintenance schedule.
i. Refer to your operator’s manual for routine daily, monthly, quarterly, and
yearly maintenance procedures and maintain according to the
manufacturer's recommendations.
__________________________________

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Quiz
1. Which one of the following is NOT in the basic guidelines to ensure optimum safety?
a. Read the equipment owner’s manual or obtain appropriate training.
b. Be careful to avoid fatigue and heat stress during the hottest months of the year.
c. Use a wrench as a hammer.
d. Inspect the equipment before each use.
2. What one of the following would be considered a part of proper attire for your position?
a. Loose-fitting clothes
b. Long pants
c. Sandals
d. Loose-fitting jewelry
3. According to these safety regulations where would be an appropriate place to put gas?
a. A trashcan
b. Gatorade bottle
c. Clearly marked in designated metal gas can.
d. Old paint can
4. The following can help you avoid hazardous situations EXCEPT:
a. Cleaning your equipment
b. Working hard until you become overly fatigued.
c. Conduct routine maintenance on equipment
d. Tend to repairs immediately
5. In order to operate equipment safely, what is the most important safety control to
consider before operating?
a. Reading the operator manual
b. Wear sandals while operating
c. Wear plenty of sunscreen
d. Always mow grass from left to right

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PREPARATION
1. Discuss clocking in/out procedures.
_______________________________
2. Receive Safety Briefing:
a. Safety Briefing will be coordinated by your Supervisor
_______________________________
3. Discuss work order assignment from Supervisor or Crew Leader.
___________________________________
4. Discuss how to check out the vehicle from Sr. Storekeeper.
a. Inspect vehicle
b. Complete vehicle inspection by using the mobile equipment checklist (Refer
to Section 11 Forms: Mobile Equipment Checklist)
i. Report all damages or maintenance needs to supervisor
ii. Check all fluid levels and refill as necessary
___________________________________
5. Discuss how to check out daily equipment and supplies from Sr. Storekeeper.
a. Inspect equipment
b. Complete equipment inspection by using the mobile equipment checklist
(Refer to Section 11 Forms: Mobile Equipment Checklist)
c. Report all damages or maintenance needs to supervisor
d. Check all fluid levels and refill as necessary
e. Restock maintenance supplies needed for the day’s activities
f. Ensure adequate supply levels are checked out for assigned daily tasks prior
to departure
g. Load and properly secure all equipment and supplies on vehicle/trailer
6. Ensure that all equipment and supplies are secured on vehicle/ trailer.
a. Lock and secure all equipment and tools to truck/trailer for transport prior to
departure to avoid accident, or injury or theft
___________________________________

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Quiz
1. Which one of the following is a form used in the checkout procedure of daily equipment
a. The equipment owner’s manual
b. Section 9 Forms: Hand tools checklist
c. Section 10 Forms: Office supplies checklist
d. Section 11 Forms: Mobile Equipment Checklist
2. Which one of the following personnel is eligible to give a safety briefing
a. The mayor of Dallas
b. Your Crew Leader or Supervisor
c. No one you give your own safety briefing
d. Director of human resources
3. When is an appropriate time to clock out for your shift?
a. End of the day
b. When you come back from vacation
c. The beginning of the day
d. When you answer a personal phone call.

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DRIVING TO LOCATION(S) & ONSITE PREPARATION
1. Discuss driving safely and directly to work site.
a. No unscheduled stops
b. Drive posted speed limits
c. No tobacco use in vehicle per AD 2-15
d. No use of earphones
e. No cell phone use while the vehicle is in operation
f. Carry a spill cleanup kit that includes items such as a shovel. Ensure emergency
spill procedures are followed
g. Inspect containers for defects prior to transport.
h. Identify the safest and most efficient location to park the vehicle for unloading
equipment
i. Vehicle must remain visible to Park staff throughout the day while at park sites
park maintenance
j. Turn on vehicle hazard and beacon lights (if equipped)
k. Set vehicle emergency brake prior to exiting
l. Set out appropriate cones signifying work zone
m. Safely unload equipment
n. Turn off and secure vehicle, equipment, and supplies
_______________________________

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Quiz
1. Driving home to pick up your work shirt during your shift is okay to do in the City of
Dallas vehicle.
a. True
b. False
2. Inspecting your vehicle for work begins is a good idea
a. True
b. False
3. The use of tobacco in the City of Dallas vehicles is unauthorized due to what document?
a. The equipment’s owner’s manual
b. Sec.11
c. AD – 215
d. There is not a document that specifies such things.

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Grounds MaintenanceService Objective
1. The City of Dallas Parks will be maintained on a weekly, bi-weekly, bi-annually, and
annually cycle based on park classification
a. Weekly
i. Parks that typically have a recreation center, athletic fields, and parks
with high community involvement.
b. Bi-weekly
i. Parks that are typically for neighborhood use, highlighting natural areas,
and trails.
c. Bi-annually
i. Maintained areas such as natural areas and wildflowers. (Typically
January and July)
d. Annually
i. Maintained areas such as prairie and native grass areas. (Typically July)
_______________________________
Mowing Procedures
1. Mowing (before mowing review Mower Operations Procedures)
a. Mowing may include but not limited to the following:
i. Athletic Fields
ii. Park Turf Areas
iii. Reduced Maintenance Areas (natural areas and wildflower areas)
iv. Recreation Centers’ Lawn
v. Creeks and Shorelines
vi. Trail Easements
vii. Medians
viii. Gateways
ix. City owned facilities
x. Cemeteries
xi. Select frontage roads
_______________________________

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2. Determine which site(s) are scheduled.
a. Make sure all required PPE’s and safety devices are in place.
b. Determine which mower will be required to perform the task.
c. Adjust mower height to the area being mowed.
d. Determine which site(s) are scheduled.
e. Make sure all required PPE’s and safety devices are in place.
f. Determine which mower will be required to perform the task.
g. Adjust mower height to the area being mowed.
i. Bermuda Grass: 1”-3.5”
ii. St. Augustine Grass: 3”-5”
iii. Wild Flower Areas: 4”
iv. Prairie Grass Areas: 10”
_______________________________
3. Proper Mowing Practices
a. Remove all ground litter.
b. Always start your mower from the operator’s seat—never while standing beside
the mower.
c. Once you are ready to mow, engage the PTO (Power Take Off).
d. During mowing operation, take caution around humans, animals, and foreign
objects.
e. When engaging the blades, do so at the lowest recommended engine setting
rather than at full throttle.
f. Release the brake and gradually depress the foot pedal or control arms to begin
forward motion.
g. Start by making a perimeter pass with the discharge chute or grass catcher to the
inside—that is, away from the sidewalk, pavement, curb or whatever structure
borders the turf.
h. This will keep the mower from hitting curbs, trees, bushes, and any other
obstacles.
i. Always mow in straight lines, alternating directions and changing the pattern
every cycle, if possible.
j. If mowing long grass, use the highest cut setting for the first pass, then make a
second pass cutting the grass at a lower setting.
k. The perimeter pass will allow you to make U-turns in the grass, thereby
avoiding tire and grass stains on the concrete.

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l. Avoid rubbing objects.
v. Keep a safe distance from trees and other landscape features.
vi. Avoid hitting or rubbing the mower or its tires on any buildings, cars,
signs, trees, and other property features.
vii. Serious landscaping and property damage can occur, not to mention
unnecessary wear to your equipment.
m. Be extra careful on slopes.
viii. Always mow up and down slopes—never mow across slopes.
ix. Decrease your speed when mowing down slopes or around sharp corners
to help prevent tipping.
x. Maintain minimal ground speed and make wide gradual turns. Avoid
sudden starts, stops, and turns.
xi. Remember: if it looks dangerous, it almost certainly is dangerous so use
caution accordingly.
n. Unclog the deflection chute.
xii. Turn off the engine and make sure the blades are stopped.
xiii. To ensure safety, disconnect the spark plug wire if equipped, and use a
tool or stick to clear grass clippings.
xiv. NEVER clear the deck or chute with your hands and NEVER place your
hands or feet near the cutting blades.
_______________________________
4. Rotary Mower Operations
a. Arrive at the work site and select a safe location to park the vehicle
b. Cone off vehicle/trailer for safety - keep the vehicle within eyesight of workers
c. Scan/assess park for general hazards and maintenance needs - report
immediate concerns to supervisor
d. Lead worker assigns work details and assure all staff is using/wearing proper
PPE's
e. Safely unload equipment from the vehicle and properly secure/monitor unused
equipment to prevent theft
f. Remove all ground litter.
g. Always start your mower from the operator’s seat—never while standing beside
the mower.
h. Once you are ready to mow, engage the PTO (Power Take Off).
i. During mowing operation, take caution around humans, animals, and foreign
objects.
j. When engaging the blades, do so at the manufacturer’s recommended engine
setting rather than at full throttle.

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k. Release the brake and gradually depress the foot pedal or control arms to begin
forward motion.
l. Start by making a perimeter pass with the discharge chute or grass catcher to the
inside—that is, away from the sidewalk, pavement, curb or whatever structure
borders the turf.
m. Always mow in straight lines, alternating directions and changing the pattern
every cycle, if possible.
n. If mowing long grass, use the highest cut setting for the first pass, then make a
second pass cutting the grass at a lower setting.
o. The perimeter pass will allow you to make U-turns in the grass, thereby avoiding
tire and grass stains on the concrete.
_______________________________
5. Riding Mowers
In addition to the general guidelines for mower safety, follow these guidelines for riding mower
safety:
Read the equipment owner’s manual or obtain appropriate training.
6. Walk-Behind Mowers
In addition to the general guidelines for mower safety; follow these guidelines for walk-behind
mower safety:
a. Wear hard-sole leather shoes with good traction; never wear sandals around walk-
behind mowers
b. Do not bypass any safety device on the mower
c. Mow across slopes rather than up and down slopes
d. Work slowly and patiently when mowing tall grass or tough weeds; forcing the mower
may cause repeated clogs and engine stalls
e. Never leave a running mower unattended; if you stop momentarily, cut the throttle to idle
and make sure the mower will not roll away
_______________________________

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Quiz
1. The City of Dallas maintain athletic fields on an annual basis?
a. True
b. False
2. When adjusting the mower height for Bermuda Grass the appropriate height for the
blade is
a. 3 - 5 inches
b. 4 inches
c. 1 - 3.5 inches
d. 10 inches
3. What is the primary reason for a perimeter pass?
a. Avoiding higher grass stains on concrete
b. It is in section 11 of the employee handbook
c. The mower will not operate if you cannot make a perimeter pass
d. There’s never a reason to make a perimeter pass
4. What is the first step in unclogging deflection chute?
a. Disconnect the spark plug wire
b. Check gasoline tank
c. Place your hand or feet near the cutting blades
d. Turnoff engine
5. What is the proper footwear for walk behind mowers?
a. Sandals
b. Hard sole leather shoes with good traction
c. High heels
d. Sneakers

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Trimming Equipment
Follow the safety guidelines for trimming equipment such as hedge trimmers, string trimmers,
grass shears, and edger’s outlined in their operating manuals.
1. Trimming (before weed eating review Trimmer Operations Procedures)
a. Trimming may include but not limited to the following:
i. Athletic Fields
ii. Park Turf Areas
vi. Trail Easements
vii. Medians
viii. Gateways
x. Cemeteries
b. Trimming Procedures
i. Determine which site(s) are scheduled.
ii. Make sure all required PPE’s and safety devices are in place.
c. Proper Trimming Practices
i. Determine your most efficient direction.
ii. Trim inaccessible areas that mowers are unable to reach.
iii. Take caution around humans, animals, and foreign objects.
iv. If encountering a human or an animal, stop operation until they have
moved away to a safe distance.
2. Hedge Trimming (before trimming review Hedger Operations Procedures)
a. Hedge Trimming may include but not limited to the following:
i. Athletic Fields
ii. Park Turf Areas
vi. Trail Easements
vii. Medians
viii. Gateways
x. Cemeteries

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b. Hedge Trimming Procedures
i. Determine which site(s) are scheduled.
ii. Make sure all required PPE’s and safety devices are in place.
c. Proper Hedge Trimming Practices
i. Determine your most efficient height.
ii. Shrubs and similar vegetation shall be trimmed around buildings and
elsewhere in the landscape.
iii. Trimming shall be performed to maintain an aesthetically pleasing look
and preserve the health and integrity of the plants.
iv. The area shall be made to look neat.
d. Vines and tree saplings growing in shrubs shall be removed, including the root
system, by mechanical means.
e. Flowering shrubs should be trimmed after seasonal blooming.
f. Take caution around humans, animals, and foreign objects.
g. If encountering a human or an animal, stop operation until they have moved to a
safe distance away.
3. Trimmer Operations
a. Scan/assess park for general hazards and maintenance needs - report
b. Lead worker assigns work details and assure all staff is using/wearing proper
PPE's
c. Safely unload equipment from the vehicle and properly secure/monitor unused
d. Inspect trimmer to ensure all safety features are in place and the cutter head has
the adequate string to perform the job.
e. Stage trimmer and fuel on a non-porous location, a safe distance from target
vegetation. Allow line trimmer to cool off for a minimum of 3 minutes before
refueling.
f. Before starting, make sure that the area is clear of other employees, citizens, and
animals.
g. To properly start the line trimmer, refer to manufacturer’s recommendations.
h. Trim around all amenities in turf (e.g. bollards, fence lines, poles) and weeds
growing through hardscapes (e.g. expansion joints and crevices). In addition,
neatly trim all areas that the mowers are unable to access. NEVER STRIKE THE
BASAL BARK OF A TREE WITH ANY PART OF THE WEEDEATER.
4. Hedge Trimmer Operations
PPE's

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d. Inspect hedge trimmer to ensure all safety features are in place and the hedge
trimmer blade is in good working conditions.
e. Stage hedge trimmer and fuel on a non-porous location, a safe distance from
target vegetation. Allow hedge trimmer to cool off for a minimum of 3 minutes
before refueling.
animals.
g. To properly start the hedge trimmer, refer to manufacturer’s recommendations.
_______________________________

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Quiz
1. Is it okay to strike the basal bark of a tree with the Weed eater?
a. Yes
b. No
2. Before starting your equipment you should make sure the area is clear of all of the
following except.
a. Animals
b. Trash cans
c. Other Employees
d. Citizens
3. Under Proper Hedge Trimming Practices the purpose of trimming is to?
a. Create an aesthetically pleasing look
b. Create a visually displeasing look
c. Trimming is not necessary
d. None of the above.
4. Lead worker assigns all the following except.
a. Work details
b. Wearing PPE's
c. Using the proper PPE's
d. What vehicle you will use
5. Vines and tree saplings growing in shrubs shall be removed?
e. True
f. False

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Edging (before edging review Edger Operations
Procedures)
1. Edging may include but not limited to the following:
a. Athletic Fields
b. Park Turf Areas
c. Reduced Maintenance Areas (natural areas and wildflower areas)
d. Recreation Centers’ Lawn
e. Creeks and Shorelines
f. Trail Easements
g. Medians
h. Gateways
i. City owned facilities
j. Cemeteries
k. Select frontage roads
2. Edging Procedures
a. Determine which site(s) are scheduled.
b. Make sure all required PPE’s and safety devices are in place.
3. Proper Edging Practices
a. Determine your most efficient direction.
b. All turf shall be edged adjacent to all hard surfaces.
i. Edging shall be accomplished by a blade trimmer except along
established trails which shall be maintained with string trimmers.
c. Take caution around humans, animals, and foreign objects.
d. If encountering a human or an animal, stop operation until they have moved to a
safe distance away.

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4. Edger Operations
PPE's
d. Inspect edger to ensure all safety features are in place and the edger blade is
replaced between an inch (1”) to an inch and a half (1 ½”) of wear for the optimal
performance.
e. Stage edger and fuel on a non-porous location, a safe distance from target
vegetation. Allow edger to cool off for a minimum of 3 minutes before refueling.
animals.
g. To properly start the edger, refer to manufacturer’s recommendations.
_______________________________

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Quiz
1. Under Proper Edging Practices the purpose you determine your most efficient direction?
a. True
b. False
1. Edging should be accomplished by a/an _______ trimmer except along established
trails.
a. Wire
b. Blade
c. Concrete
d. Wooden
2. When edging if encountering a human or animal you should?
a. Stop edging immediately
b. Continue edging
c. Ask the human or animal to edge for you
d. Turn off edger and come back some other day

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Power Blowers
Because power leaf blowers produce air gusts up to 200 mph, you must follow all
manufacturers’ safety precautions; always walk towards your work when using a power leaf
blower and do not back away from your work.
 Be aware of pedestrians or others in the area. Always wear safety goggles.
1. Blowing (before blowing review Blower Operations Procedures)
a. Blowing may include but not limited to the following:
i. Athletic Fields
ii. Park Turf Areas
vi. Trail Easements
vii. Medians
viii. Gateways
x. Cemeteries
2. Blowing Procedures
a. Determine which site(s) are scheduled.
b. Make sure all required PPE’s and safety devices are in place.
3. Proper Blowing Practices
a. Determine your most efficient direction.
b. All clippings, dead leaves, and any other extraneous material shall be blown
and/or raked from the designated area, bagged and properly disposed of.
c. No blown material shall enter storm drains. Debris (clippings, etc.) shall not be
blown into streets or roadways.
d. This includes clumps of tall grass and weeds having been cut or trimmed.
e. Take caution around humans, animals, and foreign objects.
i. If encountering a human or an animal, stop operation until they have
moved to a safe distance away.
_______________________________

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Quiz
1. Determine which site is scheduled and making sure all required PPE is worn is the first
step in blowing procedures.
a. True
b. False
2. No blown materials shall enter storm drains.
a. True
b. False
3. After completing the blowing procedure all debris should be placed in?
a. In a civilians front yard.
b. The designated area, bagged and properly dispose of.
c. In empty trashcan surrounding the area.
d. None of the above

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Weed Removal
1. Weeds shall be removed from Landscape Beds:
a. Shrubs beds
b. Flower beds
c. Ground cover beds
d. Planters
e. Tree wells
2. Weeds shall be removed or trimmed from Hard Surfaces:
a. Cracks
b. Expansion joints in paved areas
c. Sidewalks
d. Areas covered with ornamental rock
e. Wood chips
f. Decomposed granite
g. Other park surfaces
3. Complete removal of all weed growth either by hand or with garden type hoe.
4. Weeds will be considered as any undesirable or misplaced plant, tree seedling or
sapling in unwanted areas.
5. Weeds will be removed every time service is scheduled unless otherwise specified.
6. Trimming of turf around valve box covers shall be performed at each visit.
_______________________________

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Quiz
1. Weeds shall be removed from all of the following except.
a. On private property
b. Flower beds
c. Planters
d. Tree walls
2. Removal of weed growth can be done by hand or by garden type hoe.
a. True
b. False
3. Weeds will be considered as any of the following except?
a. Undesirable or misplaced plant
b. Tree seedling
c. Sapling in unwanted areas
d. Wildflowers or Bluebonnets along the highway.

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Minor Tree Pruning
1. Tree Pruning (before starting pruning operations, review chainsaw procedures)
a. All Pruning should be done in accordance with the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) standards.
b. Pruning may include but not limited to the following:
i. Broken Limbs
ii. Hangers
iii. Clearance
iv. Dead/Diseased Limbs or stubs
v. Rubbing Limbs
vi. Pruning
c. Determine which limb(s) need to be pruned
d. Make sure all required PPE’s are in place. Determine tools needed to make the
proper cut
e. Plan your cut, making sure to have a clear and safe zone for the limb to be dropped
or lowered to the ground
f. Communicate plan and assign tasks to crew members
g. Place safety cones and signs a safe distance from work zone
i. Place flagger when trail, road or sidewalk adjacent to or within work zone
ii. Create alternate route if trail or road adjacent to or within work zone
h. If needed, remove all smaller limbs from the limb to decrease the weight
i. Find the same size or larger connecting branch
j. Find the branch collar (swelling at the base of the limb) and bark ridge (ridge of bark
on top of the limb), cutting on the outer edge of collar and ridge at a slight angle
away from connecting branch
k. For limbs larger than 2-inch diameter, use the 3-Cut Method:
i. STEP 1: Undercut, 1/3 of the way thru the branch, 12 – 24 inches from the
branch collar (this stops the bark from tearing)
ii. STEP 2: Make the second cut from the top all the way thru the branch, 2 – 3
inches beyond the undercut
iii. STEP 3: The final cut should be just outside the branch collar, supporting the
stub to prevent tearing
l. No Pruning shall be done within 50’ of any above ground utility line.
m. Pruning Paint
i. Pruning paint shall be applied to all cuts or wounds to oak trees, immediately
_______________________________

32
Quiz
1. Pruning may include but not limited to the following except
a. Broken limbs
b. Rubbing limbs
c. Hangers
d. Weeds
2. Plan your cut, make sure to have a clear and safe zone for the limb to drop or lower to
the ground.
a. True
b. False
3. For limbs larger than 2 inches in diameter, the following steps should be taked in the
three-cut method except.
a. Undercut, 1/3 of the way through the branch, 12/24 inches from the branch collar
b. Cut the branch straight through to save time
c. Make the second cut from the top all the way through the branch, 2/3 inches
above the undercut
d. The cut should be just outside the branch collar, supporting the stub to prevent
tearing.

33
Sucker Growth
Removal of sucker growth from the base of the trees shall be performed on all ornamental trees
on the properties, utilizing clean, sharp hand pruners designated for pruning. Line trimmers
shall not be used for this type of work.
a. Edge along all hard surfaces (e.g. sidewalks, curbs, etc.) adjacent to turf areas in the
most efficient pattern.
_______________________________
Chain Saw Safety
Chainsaws are ideal for trimming trees and cutting fallen limbs into smaller pieces.
Unfortunately, chain saws are associated with many serious injuries each year. Common
chainsaw hazards include the following:
a. Chain cuts
b. Falling trees and limbs
c. Strains and sprains
d. Burns from hot exhaust
To avoid injury, you must respect chainsaw hazards and handle chainsaws skillfully. In addition
to general lawn safety guidelines, follow these instructions for safely using chainsaws:
Read the equipment owner’s manual or obtain appropriate training
a. Ear protection, safety glasses or goggles are required when operating a chain saw
1. Chainsaw Operations
a. Arrive at the work site and select a safe location to park the vehicle
b. Arrive at the work site and select a safe location to park the vehicle
c. Cone off the vehicle for safety, keeping the vehicle within sight of workers when
not in use

34
d. Scan/assess park for general maintenance needs - report immediate concerns to
the Crew Leader
e. Crew leader conducts job briefing
f. Determine work zone, locating and placing all safety equipment needed
g. Stage chainsaw(s) and fuel on a non-porous location, a safe distance from target
vegetation
h. Before starting, make sure chain/bar are not in contact with anything
i. Before starting, make sure all individuals are clear of area
j. To start, hold firmly, with your foot thru handle, on the ground, or with the handle
secured between the knees
k. Secure your footing before makes the required cut
l. Never cut above shoulder height
m. Work on the uphill side of trees so they will roll away from you
n. With both hands on the chainsaw, begin the cut within the safe zone of the blade
o. When cut complete, secure chain brake or shut off the engine, if necessary to
take more than 2 steps
p. Sharpen or replace the chain as needed, in the staging area, not in work area
q. When a task is completed, clean chainsaw and sharpen the chain, before
securing chainsaw for transport
r. Scan/assess park for general maintenance needs - report immediate concerns to
the Crew Leader.
_______________________________

35
Quiz
1. Chain saws should be used to cut anything in your way.
a. True
b. False
2. Common chainsaw hazards include the following except.
a. Chain cuts
b. Chemical burns
c. Falling trees and limbs
d. Burns from hot exhaust
3. What is not a common personal protective equipment designated for chainsaw
a. Winter gloves
b. Safety glasses
c. Safety goggles
d. Hearing protection
4. When cutting is complete secure chain break and shut off the engine.
a. True
b. False
5. After a task is completed with the chainsaw which of the following steps should be taken
a. Leave chainsaw at the worksite to have it for the next day
b. Clean chainsaw and sharpen the chain before securing chainsaw for transport
c. Let your friend borrow the chainsaw overnight
d. Throw the chainsaw away

36
End of Day Procedures
a. When necessary use best management practices to refuel vehicle and/or equipment.
b. Return safely and directly to Service Center.
c. Conduct post-trip inspections.
d. Report any damage or maintenance needs to supervisor.
e. Return vehicle, equipment, and supplies to the warehouse or designated location.
f. Submit all completed forms and/or documents to designated supervisor or designated
location.
g. Clock out at designated time.
_______________________________

37
Quiz
1. What kind of inspections should be done before the end of the day?
a. Pre-trip inspections
b. Post-trip inspections
c. Back up inspections
d. None of the above
2. Report any damage or maintenance needs to supervisor
a. True
b. False
3. The following are things you can do before clocking out at designated time except?
a. Return vehicle
b. Return equipment
c. Return supplies
d. Return to work area

PQM 2

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