Mowing the lawn is considered one of the most important aspects of lawn care and maintenance. However, this chore can also be dangerous. Oftentimes, people tend to put off this job and then end up rushing in order to finish before dinner or just before their friends or relatives arrive for a weekend visit. This usually leads to accidents. In a data gathered in 2014, there are an estimated 81.908 individuals who were hospitalized due to injuries inflicted by a lawn mower. This article will discuss some of the best lawn mower safety tips.
Preparing a Push Lawn Mower
Always make sure to wear safety goggles or safety glasses when using push lawn mower. Even when just doing some repair or adjustment to the lawn mower, it is still advisable to wear a safety equipment for your own safety. This is because there are tendencies wherein objects get thrown from a push lawn mower which can cause serious injuries.
When using a push lawn mower, it is also recommended you wear sturdy, steel-toed work shoes. In terms of apparel, you need to wear close-fitting shirts and slacks that can cover your arms and legs. Also, do not operate a push lawn mower wearing only sandals or lightweight shoes, and barefoot.
Before Powering Up the Push Lawn Mower
Before you power up the machine, take a short walk around the lawn check the area to be mowed. Get rid of any hazards such as bones, sticks, stones, toys, wires and other debris from the lawn. These things can jeopardize your safety as they can easily be picked up and thrown by the lawn mower blades.
You also need to come up with an efficient mowing pattern. This is because that push lawn mower tends to discard materials as the machine moves. There are tendencies that a push lawn mower can cause discharged material to fly through the air. Therefore, make sure to avoid taking the lawn mower near bystanders and other obstructions.
Operating the Lawn Mower
When the lawn mower is in motion, make sure to prioritize safety as there have already been many injuries recorded. Most of these injuries occur as a result of the machine being pulled over the foot during a fall. If you yourself tripping or falling, make sure to release the handle right away to avoid any injuries.
Do not pull the machine back toward you when walking with a push lawn mower. If there is a need to do so, you need to keep in mind some safety tips. First, make sure to always look behind and down you to avoid tripping. Step back a little from the machine to fully extend your arms. Ensure that you maintain a balanced footing at all times. Pull the machine back slowly, no more than hallway toward you.
When moving the lawn mower, ensure to mow across the face of the slopes rather than up and down. Be careful when changing direction on slopes. Always keep an eye for bumps, holes, rocks, ruts and other hidden objects which can injure you.
When you find yourself crossing gravel drives or roads, ensure to stop the blade completely. If the machine starts vibrating abnormally, quickly stop the engine and check the machine for any issue. Vibration is generally a sign that the lawn mower is having trouble operating. If the issue persists, make sure to take it to a certified technician or repair center. Sloped yards can also cause severe injuries. If you are looking to operate the push lawn mower on a slope, make sure to take extra caution. If possible, do not use the push lawn mower on a slope greater than 15 degrees to avoid hurting yourself. Additionally, you need to steer clear from drop-offs, embankments or ditches. It is also not advisable to mow wet grass as it can cause you to slip.
Protect Kids and Pets
Young children and pets are usually susceptible to injuries. Therefore, you need to keep them indoors while you are mowing. Also, don’t let children below the age of 12 years old near a push lawn mower or let alone operate one.
Lawn Mower Maintenance and Repair
Always make sure to keep the push lawn mower in good condition by following the maintenance steps indicated on the user manual provided by the manufacturer. Check for any wear and tear on the blades and belts. Replace any
worn-out part as soon as possible. For part replacement, make sure to use original parts or any parts recommended by the manufacturer. If you think the repair is something beyond your capacity, it is best to bring the machine to the manufacturer or a certified technician for a professional checkup.
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