Lawn mowing safety

Each year hundreds of Americans are badly injured while mowing their lawns. Most of these accidents occur because of improper use of lawn mowers, heat stroke and lifting problems. This article gives tips on how to dress, preparing to mow and the proper mowing procedure.

Always wear heavy, non-slip shoes that provide traction as well as guard against hard or sharp items that are hidden in the grass; NEVER operate a lawn mower in your bare feet.

Never listen to the radio using earphones while mowing your lawn. This prohibits you from hearing other sounds while operating your lawn mower.

Be smart! Use safety glasses when mowing grass. Bits of grass, dirt, leaves and other objects can be discharged from your mower, rebound off the house or fence and hit your face. Glasses also protect your eyes on windy days. Carry snug-fitting leather gloves for the purpose of removing plugged grass or making adjustments to your mower.

Always mow in the daytime when grass is dry. Wet grass can cause your feet to slip. The mower or lawn tractor can also slip in wet conditions. If you slip, your feet and legs can come in contact with the mower’s blades, causing injury or loss of limbs. Wet grass can clog your mower and cause the need for you to clean it. Manual turning of the blades can cause your mower to start even when the motor has been turned off. If your mower becomes plugged, be certain to disconnect the spark plug wire before touching mower blades for cleaning. If you are using an electric mower, wet grass can cause shock or electrocution. Wait for grass to dry or mow the lawn on a dry day.

Walk the entire area of your lawn before starting your mower. Pick up rocks, toys, sticks and other debris that can be struck and thrown by your mower. The smallest object can become a deadly missile when thrown by your mower’s blades that move at speeds up to two hundred miles per hour. Be aware of stumps, tree roots, pipes or rocks that stick out of the ground.

Be certain that your children and family pets are not in the area where you plan to mow. It’s best if you send them indoors to assure their safety. They may dart in front of the mower or be struck by and object the mower kicks out. It is not worth the risk.

Always give your mower a thorough check before starting it. Many older mowers have no safety devices. New mowers are equipped with a rear skirt and a chute guard, which prevent objects from being thrown from the blades. Many also have a retaining post to hold the spark plug when the mower is not being used as well as a bail bar that stops the engine when it is released. Always be certain that safety shields and deflectors are in place.

Never disconnect mower safety features. They may cause some inconvenience but they can save you a trip to the hospital.

Make sure that all nuts and bolts are tight. Lawn mowers vibrate and can loosen fasteners. Add oil and gas outdoors while the engine is cold. Wipe all spills and allow the mower to sit while residue evaporates.

Inspect the grass chute and install the grass bag before starting to mow. Adjust mower height as well. Inspect cords on electric mowers to assure they are in good condition. Always use CFCI grounded plugs for electric mowers. These protect you from shock and electrocution.

Before using a mower for the first time, be sure you are familiar with how it works and what the controls do. Be sure to read the operating manual and follow all safety tips.

Make any necessary adjustments to your mower before starting it. Never reach under a mower when the blade is still rotating.

A hot engine can ignite gas fumes. Never refuel while the mower engine is running. Refuel only after the mower is shut off and the spark plug disconnected. Always allow the mower’s engine to cool for fifteen minutes and only fill the gas tank three-quarters full. This allows the gas to expand in response to a hot engine and the sun’s heat.

Never leave a mower unattended while the engine is running. Be extra cautious about riding mowers. Lower the mowing deck and remove the key.

If it is necessary to remove clumps of grass from the discharge chute, shut the engine off, be certain the blades have stopped rotating and disconnect the spark plug wire. Never put your hands under a lawn mower while it is running. Be certain to avoid contact with the hot manifold and exhaust system. Muffler temperatures can reach as high as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Never allow children to ride on power equipment or trailers pulled by lawn tractors. A child can easily fall into the mower’s path.

Try to move in a forward direction at all times. Push; don’t pull a hand mower. You can accidentally fall, pulling the mower onto your feet. If you have a riding lawn mower and must go backward, come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse and always look behind you as you back up.

If you are operating a riding mower, always mow slopes up and down so the tractor won’t tip sideways. With hand mowers, mow slopes across. This gives you better footing. If slopes are very steep, you may want to plant a decorative ground cover. This eliminates the need to mow.

When turning a walk-behind mower, always keep four wheels on the ground. If you tip the mower, the blades are exposed and can send debris flying through the air.

Never operate a mower while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These make reflexes slow and you are putting yourself in grave danger. Always make sure you have full concentration while mowing.

When lifting, bend your knees and lift with your legs. This will prevent back injuries.

If you follow the tips in this article, you will ensure that you and your family have a safe summer and enjoy your yard to its fullest potential.