Mowing is one of the most daunting and time-consuming home maintenance tasks that most people look forward to especially during summer weekends. However, operating a lawn mower seems like an easy task but the reality is that it requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure the user’s safety. There is an estimated 60,000 injuries reported annually because of improper use of lawn mowers. This is according to the report of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. This article will tackle some of the most important lawn mower safety tips you need to remember.
A lawn mower is a powerful machine and caused several injuries through the years that led to partial or complete amputations. The impact of traditional lawn mower can be likened to the force of a .57 magnum pistol. Also, the speed of a lawn mower’s blade is so fast that it can send bacteria and viruses deep into the wound which can cause severe infection.
1. Learn how to operate the machine properly
Before you start using the lawn mower, especially to for first-time users, it is ideal to read the instruction manual first. Also, do not remove any safety accessories that came along with the machine. Only add fuel when the machine is not running, not when the engine is running or hot. If you need to attend to something else, always make sure to turn off the machine and do not leave it unattended when it is still on.
2. Properly maintain the lawn mower
When you will be using the machine for the first after being housed for a long time, ensure that you have it serviced to check whether it is working properly. When inspecting or repairing the machine yourself, make sure that the engine is turned off prior to doing any work on the lawn mower. In order to reduce the risk of overheating and fire hazards, ensure that you remove all unnecessary debris such as grass clippings off the lawn mower. To do so, you can use a broom handle or stick but don’t use your hands or feet as you may end up hurting yourself.
3. Use caution and dress yourself properly for the job
This is one of the common mistakes people tend to commit as they usually mow their lawn on their house clothes. When mowing your lawn, it is best that you wear goggles, long parts, protective glass and sturdy shoes. Mowing the lawn wearing flip flops or barefoot is not recommended.
4. Monitor your children when mowing the lawn
This is one of the most important things you need to remember as kids tend hurt themselves with a lawn mower as they consider it as a toy. You need to keep the children away of a running lawn mower and out of the work area if possible. Also, children are not allowed to two behind or ride a lawn mower even with adult supervision.
5. Survey the yard before mowing
Make sure to clear the area from small objects like rocks, twigs, woodchips and small toys as these objects tend to get caught in the lawn mower blades. Also, be careful when mowing hilly areas of the lawn. Use a push mower when mowing across slopes in order to reduce the risk of pulling the mower over your feet. On the other hand, you can use a riding mower when mowing up and down slopes to avoid tipping over the mower. Although many mowers in the market can cut wet grass, it is still advisable that you avoid cutting wet grass.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Mowing
Before mowing your lawn, make sure that children are safe by keeping them indoors or at a safe distance away from your work area. If weather is bad, you might as well skip mowing the lawn and try another day. Also, you need to mow your lawn with enough daylight to avoid injuring yourself. Make sure that all safety equipment such as the grass catcher, shields, protective guards, and other safety equipment are properly attached to the machine before mowing. If you are using an electric-based lawn mower, you can make use of a ground fault circuit interrupter to reduce the risks of getting electrocuted.
Things to Keep in Mind while Mowing
Make sure that you wear proper clothes for the job such as safety goggles, close-fitting clothes and sturdy shoes. Be cautious when mowing near trees, corners or any obstacles that may block your view as tall grass can block your view of bums, holes and other hidden objects. These debris could be picked up and thrown by the blades of the lawn mower, which can lead to serious injuries. If the lawn mower hits a debris, you need to stop mowing and turn off the machine. Inspect the machine for any damage. If the machine is indeed damaged, do not use the machine until you have it repaired. If not necessary, do not mow in reverse or pull the lawn mower backwards. Be aware of the presence of your children and let them know the dangers of mishandling a lawn mower.
