How to Ensure Push-Power-Mower Safety

It’s time to mow the lawn again. You are ready, full of energy. The tank is full; you pull the chord and let the engine ‘roar’. Are you really ready? Are you conscious of what you are doing? You are not wearing those sandals again? What about your eyes – what! No goggles? And did you sleep enough last night? What are some steps you can take to increase your safety when using a power mower?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. The first consideration is power supply. If you are using a fuel-powered mower, do you store fuel in a metal can in a cool location? When you pour fuel watch for spills (use a funnel). Do not overfill your mower. Clean up spills with a rag that you place in a metal container when you are through wiping up. If you have an electrical mower, make sure you untangle the chord completely before using and do not plug in the power until you have the mower properly positioned on the lawn ready for use. Make sure the extension chord is not under the mower.

2. The next consideration is to main safe distance from the blades. You should never turn a running mower up or over. Additionally, wear proper safety goggles and shoes when cutting grass. If the mower is loud, wear ear protection.

3. The next safety consideration is to be aware of your environment. Make sure all toys, rocks, tree branches, and objects are removed from the lawn area before you begin mowing. Pets and children should be safely located.

4. Lastly, while mowing you should not mow when grass is wet. Wet grass increases the load on the mower making it more difficult to handle. Additionally, you can easily slip on wet grass and expose yourself to possible injury. Wet grass can cause electrocution if you are using an electric mower that has a short or exposed circuit or chord. Other considerations are not to move too fast and slow down into your turns, never run a mower over dirt or gravel, and use caution when reversing.

Tips & Warnings

• Never attempt to cut vegetation that is too large for the mower’s capacity.
• Wait until the mower power is off before moving the mower to a storage location.
• Neatly wind up an extension chord when mowing is complete and powered off.
• Periodically clean underneath the mower to remove grass, soil, and other substances that may have accumulated.
• Make sure mower blades are kept sharp.
• Do not operate a mower that produces an unusual noise.
• Make sure you keep up with mower maintenance requirements.
• Do not allow children to operate a power mower.
• Always be aware of what is happening around you while mowing.
• Store your mower in a safe, secured location.
• Always walk behind a moving mower.
• Never operating a mower when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never life a mower that is too heavy.
• Do not tilt a gasoline-powered mower in order to avoid spillage.
• Do not remove safety shields from your mower.
• Make sure all bolts and screws are tight before operating your mower.
• Never leave a power mower running unattended.
• Do not wear loose clothing when operating a mower.

[caspita]

on 11/11/2009 Great presentation in the article Ensure Push-Power-Mower Safety!