11 - Maintenance Operations
Proper maintenance facility design and operations helps provide a safe and enjoyable work environment for golf maintenance crews, in addition to golfers and onsite visitors.
Regulatory Considerations
Local and regional regulations may be in place by municipality or county. Consult the proper regulatory officials to determine any concerns.
Proper handling and storage of pesticides and petroleum-based products is important to reduce risk of serious injury or death of an operator or bystander. Fires or environmental contamination may result in fines, cleanup costs, and civil lawsuits if these chemicals are not managed properly.
Maintenance operations BMPs help promote environmental stewardship through waste management, disposal, and conservation measures.
Storage Areas
Chemical Storage
Store pesticides in an IPM Control Center; a lockable concrete or metal building. Store pesticides according to label requirements and away from fertilizer storage facilities.
The floor of the building should be impervious in case of accidental spills or releases. Locate the pesticide storage away from other buildings, especially fertilizer storage facilities.
If the fertilizer storage building is metal, then steps should be taken to protect the metal building from degradation by fertilizer (such as adding painted plywood around the walls). The use of a dehumidifier would be beneficial in protecting the fertilizer from water absorption. The building should be large enough to allow a small forklift to deliver fertilizer by pallet.
Best Management Practices
Storage buildings should have appropriate warning signs and placards.
Follow all PPE statements on pesticide labels.
Store PPE away from pesticide storage areas in an area that is easily accessible.
Develop an emergency response plan and educate all golf course personnel regarding emergency procedures on a regular basis.
Individuals conducting emergency chemical cleanups should be properly trained under requirements of federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Floors of chemical storage buildings should be impervious and sealed with chemical-resistant paint.
Floors of chemical storage buildings should have a continuous sill to contain spills and should not have a drain. A sump is acceptable.
Shelving should be fabricated from plastic or reinforced metal. Metal shelving should be painted to avoid corrosion. Wood shelving should never be used because of its ability to absorb spilled pesticides.
Automatic exhaust fans and an emergency wash area should be provided.
Explosion-proof lighting may be required. Locate fan and light switches outside the entrance to the building to facilitate ventilation of building before entrance of staff.
Maintain detailed records of current pesticide inventory in the storage facility. SDS for the chemicals stored on-site should be stored separate from the storage room, but readily accessible on-site.
Do not store large quantities of pesticides or chemicals for long periods of time. Follow a “first in, first out” principle to rotate products into use to ensure products do not expire.
Store chemicals in original containers; never store in containers that might be mistaken as packaging for food or drink.
Arrange containers so the labels are clearly visible. Securely fasten loose labels to ensure containers and associated labels are kept together.
Damaged labels should be replaced immediately.
Store flammable pesticides separate from those that are nonflammable.
Store liquid materials below dry materials to prevent leaks from contaminating dry products.
Ensure that oil containers and small fuel containers (service containers) are properly labeled and stored within the facility
Reference the Pesticide Management Section for additional pesticide storage BMPs.
Soil Storage
The soil storage area should have a roof and could be located in proximity to the fertilizer storage area. Deliveries may be deposited outside the storage bins and then pushed into the bin with a front-end loader.
Keep the area covered to prevent rain or moisture from reaching the material and wind from dispersing weed seeds into topdressing. Block walls that separate sand, topdressing, and rock should be filled solid with concrete. Ceiling fans could be installed to reduce moisture retention.
Equipment Maintenance & Storage
Equipment storage and maintenance facilities should be designed to prevent the accidental discharge of chemicals, fuels, or contaminated wash water from reaching water sources. Properly storing and maintaining equipment also extends the useful life of machines and reduce repairs.
Each piece of equipment should have a designated spot, delineated with colored lines, and indicated with its name or number and should be parked in the same spot every day. Proper location provides for identification of equipment if it develops a leak (oil, hydraulics, etc.) and increases accountability for maintaining optimal operating condition.
The facility logistics planning should allow for all equipment to be moved in and out of the storage area without having to relocate other equipment. Overhead doors located on both sides of the equipment storage area would allow for ease in moving equipment entering and leaving the building and providing air flow. Overhead fans in the equipment storage area facilitate air flow, in addition to reducing moisture on equipment.
Used oil from equipment should be properly managed and disposed of; including collection and storage in a container set on containment. Used oil should be analyzed as necessary to determine whether or not it is a hazardous waste.
Reference DEEP for additional information:
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Waste-Management-and-Disposal/Management-of-Used-Oil
Best Management Practices
Store and maintain equipment in a covered area complete with a sealed impervious surface to limit risk of fluid leaks contaminating the environment and to facilitate the early detection of small leaks that may require repair before causing significant damage to the turf or the environment.
Seal floor drains unless they are connected to a holding tank or sanitary sewer with permission from the local wastewater treatment plant.
Store pesticide and fertilizer application equipment in areas protected from rainfall. Rain can wash pesticide and fertilizer residues from the exterior of the equipment and possibly contaminate soil or water.
Store solvents and degreasers in lockable metal cabinets away from ignition sources in a well-ventilated area. These products are generally toxic and highly flammable. Never store them with fertilizers or in areas where smoking is permitted.
Keep an inventory of solvents and SDS for those materials on-site but in a different location where they will be easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Keep basins of solvent baths covered to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC).
When possible, replace solvent baths with recirculating aqueous washing units. Soap and water or other aqueous cleaners are often as effective as solvent-based products and present a lower risk to the environment.
Always use appropriate PPE when working with solvents and where pesticide residues may be present.
Never allow solvents or degreasers to drain onto pavement or soil, or discharge into waterbodies, wetlands, storm drains, sewers, or septic systems.
Collect used solvents and degreasers in containers clearly marked with contents and date; schedule collection by a commercial service.
Blow off all equipment with compressed air to reduce damage to hydraulic seals.
Equipment Washing
Equipment washing should be conducted under controlled conditions in an appropriate contained area with minimal risk to the environment to prevent adverse wash water runoff impacts whenever possible. Equipment washing guidelines and restrictions should be established that reduce the potential for pollutants to reach surface water, or groundwater.
Proper cleaning of equipment helps prevent residues from reaching surface waters, groundwater, drainage pipes, or storm sewers. The residues from washing equipment include grass clippings, soil, soap, oil, fertilizer, and pesticide.
A primary concern when washing mowing equipment is the nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients in grass clippings. Using compressed air to blow clippings off mowers before washing can help reduce the amount of nutrients that enter drains via wash water. The best practice is to have a dedicated wash area with a catch basin to collect remaining grass clippings. Clippings can be collected, then composted or removed to a designated debris area. When formal washing areas are not available, a “dog leash” system using a short, portable hose to wash off the grass at random locations, away from surface waters, wells, or storm drains, is an option.
For equipment with possible pesticide residue, BMPs should be followed to ensure that wash water does not become a pollution source. Captured wash water can be used as a dilute pesticide per label, or it may be pumped into a rinsate storage tank for use in the next application and used as a dilute pesticide per the label.
Best Management Practices
Brush or blow off accumulated grass clippings from equipment using compressed air before washing.
Wash equipment on a concrete pad or asphalt pad that collects the water. After the collected material dries, collect and dispose of it properly.
Washing areas for equipment not contaminated with pesticide residues should drain into oil/water separators before draining into sanitary sewers or holding tanks.
Do not wash pesticide-application equipment on pads with oil/water separators. Do not wash near wells, surface water, or storm drains.
Use spring-loaded spray nozzles to reduce water usage during washing.
Minimize the use of detergents. Use only biodegradable, non-phosphate detergents.
Use non-containment wash water for irrigation.
Do not discharge non-contaminated wastewater during or immediately after a rainstorm, since the added flow may exceed the permitted storage volume of the storm water system.
Do not discharge wash water to surface water, groundwater, or susceptible/leachable soils either directly or indirectly through ditches, storm drains, or canals.
Never discharge to a sanitary sewer system without written approval from the appropriate entity and ensuring appropriate permits have been obtained.
Never discharge to a septic tank.
Do not wash equipment on a pesticide mixing and loading pad. This keeps grass clippings and other debris from becoming contaminated with pesticides.
Solvents and degreasers should be used over a collection basin or pad that collects all used material.
Waste Handling
Facilities must properly dispose of waste. A golf course maintenance facility generates numerous kinds of waste. Fluorescent or LED lights, glass containers, plastic, tires, metal, paper products, solvents, chemical containers, batteries, used oils, used or contaminated fuel, paints, aluminum cans, and wood. It is imperative that a proper recycling and waste removal program is installed to minimize the quantity of waste reaching landfills and to comply with Connecticut’s recycling laws. Reference for DEEP recycling information, including items designated and mandated for recycling: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle/Recycling-Its-the-Law
Waste generated from pesticide activities must be disposed according to label instructions and is discussed more in detail in the “Pesticide Management” section.
Best Management Practices
Label all containers for the purpose of storing oils, solvents, degreasers, and fuels.
Maintain tally of all hazardous wastes generated so that the facility can handle the wastes properly depending on their generator status (CESQG, SQG or LQG).
Have separate areas designated and labeled for recyclables and waste.
Consult an expert in composting and recycling for optimal design and processes.
Waste Disposal Area
This area should be located away from normal employee activity, but close enough to be reasonably functional. Proper access for waste pick-up vehicles should be considered and a spill kit is recommended to address any spills that may occur.
Paper, Plastic, Glass, Aluminum Recycling
Office paper, recyclable plastics, glass, and aluminum must be recycled since these are among the list of Connecticut’s designated recyclable items (reference list at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle/Recycling-Its-the-Law). Place containers for recycling aluminum cans and glass or plastic soft drink bottles at convenient locations on the golf course.
Composting
Composting can reduce the amount of grass clippings and debris, such as leaves, or routine, healthy landscape trimmings that would normally go to a landfill. Composted materials can be used effectively to improve the soil for topdressing, non-putting surface areas, and donated or sold to offsite vendors.
Fuel Facilities
Fueling facilities should be designed, constructed, maintained and monitored to local or state codes. Check codes for regulations on storage tanks; aboveground storage tanks (AST) is the preferred storage method because it is easier to monitor for leakage. An underground storage tank (UST) must have leak detection monitoring for compliance. Leaks or spills must be contained or cleaned up immediately.
Proper fueling sites have impervious surfaces, spill containment and recovery facilities, located away from surface waters and water wells. Floor drains should be eliminated or removed unless they drain to containment storage tanks or pits.
Best Management Practices
Located on impervious surfaces under roofed areas whenever possible.
Fueling areas should have spill containment and recovery facilities located nearby.
A record keeping log of fuel added and discharged.
Visually inspect the tank for leaks and documented in an inspection log.
Have automatic shut off valves located away from pumps in case of emergency.
Post “No Smoking” signs near the fueling facility.
Properly and clearly label fuel storage tanks.
Maintenance Facility
Maintenance facilities accommodate needs such as lunch or break rooms for staff, equipment and supplies storage, and mechanics areas. All areas should be properly ventilated and well-lit. Numerous activities should be considered to help contribute to water, energy, and cost reductions:
Restrict water flow to the maximum necessary for adequate use
Use automatic shutoffs on faucets
Install 1.5-gallon tanks on toilets
Use motion detectors to turn on lights when staff is present
Employee Break Room and Training Area
Maintenance facilities should include an employee lunch/break room, which can also serve as a professional training area for technical seminars. The area should promote a clean, organized, and relaxed atmosphere. The size of the golf course operation and number of employees on the maintenance crew will determine the appropriate size of the lunchroom. There should also be adequate space for administrative and managerial offices. Important items to include:
Adequate tables/chairs for dining and training
One to five microwave ovens (reduces time for meal preparation)
One to two adequately-sized (energy saver) refrigerators
Drinking water with dispenser, coffeemaker, refreshment vending machine
Kitchen area with sink, water, sufficient cabinet area
Adequate space and organization, including light, easy-to-clean colors/walls, plus labeled containers for storage and kitchen utensils
Bins to collect mandatory recyclables (such as plastic or glass drink containers)
Erasable or electronic communication board
Air conditioned and insulated, with overhead fans for air flow
Mechanics Workshop and Office
Equipment is serviced and repaired in the mechanics workshop – it must be designed with adequate space for oil changes, reel grinding, and other jobs. An assortment of lifts (portable, flush floor mounted and beam supported) should be utilized to assist with moving equipment and minimizing risk of injury.
An overhead lube center (grease/oil dispensers supported by compressed air and connected to bulk drums) reduces the need for floor space and stores large drums out of the general view and work area. Necessities such as empty gas cans, towels and miscellaneous supplies can be stored in cabinets throughout the shop. Ensure all combustible products are stored in fire resistant cabinets. All wastes should be subjected to a waste determination and all hazardous wastes should be properly managed and disposed of.
Large work benches provide ease for working at waist level and can decrease risk of back injury. Large benches can also be fitted with underneath storage. An air-conditioned office with desk, computer, files, phone, and storage should be adjoining; a shatter-proof window facing the shop area would allow the mechanic a full view of the shop from the office. Lastly, a sink and hand dryer should be available in the shop.
Golf Course/ Workplace Safety
Golf courses are intensely managed landscapes with many staff members working onsite daily, along with daily golfers present and playing throughout the course. This level of activity creates the possibilities for injuries to occur and a necessity for various programs to assure safety while working or playing on a golf course property.
While golfers have the responsibility to safely drive their golf cart and avoid injuring other golfers with their clubs and golf balls, the management of each course is usually responsible for keeping them safe from lightning strikes by installing a lightning detection system. Those systems detect lightning strikes at a designated distance from the course (usually 5 miles). They include a siren which alerts players of approaching storms via a loud horn. It is mandatory that golfers cease play and seek shelter when the alarm sounds. A different tone indicates when it is safe to resume play on the course.
Best Management Practices
Install an automatic warning system to alert golfers of approaching lightning storms.
Hire a professional to conduct a facility-wide safety evaluation.
Invite insurance company representative to help identify workplace hazards at the facility.
Be familiar with OSHA safety requirements.
Set up a regular schedule for safety training with staff.
Regularly discuss PPE usage and maintain a supply for staff.
Provide training for key staff in CPR and first aid protocols.
Develop an emergency response plan.
Establish a hazardous communication program (SDS sheets).
Schedule safety training programs and mock drills.
Install emergency wireless call boxes around the golf course.
Set up a first aid supply area with an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and notify all staff of its storage location.
Interface with local EMS.
Acquire videos or written overviews of safety issues for staff training.
Important topics for safety training include workplace safety and emergency response; hearing and eye safety; safe operation of mowers; back safety and lifting; fire prevention; utility vehicle safety; heat stress; sun protection; hazard communication; slips, trips and falls; chainsaw safety; blood-born pathogen guidelines; etc.
