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LAWN MOWER SAFETY TIPS

Like many homeowners, you may use a lawn mower to help maintain your property. Lawn mowers are helpful tools, but they can also be very dangerous. Each year, many thousands of people suffer deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, crushed and broken bones, burns and other injuries due to improper or careless use of lawn mowers. Most of these injuries can be prevented by concentrating and using common sense.
Here are some basic tips for staying safe:

Maintain your Lawn Mower

• Keep lawn mowers in good working order. When using a lawn mower for the first time in a season, have it serviced to ensure it is working correctly.
   
• Be sure the motor is off before inspecting or repairing lawn mower equipment
   
• Use a stick or broom handle (not hands or feet) to remove debris in lawn mowers

Operate your Lawn Mower Properly

• Read the instruction manual before using the mower
   
• Do not remove safety devices, shields, or guards on switches
   
• Add fuel before starting the engine, not when it is running or hot
   
• Do not leave a lawn mower unattended when it is running. If you must walk away from the machine, shut off the engine
   
• Stay away from the engine cowling, as it can become very hot and burn unprotected flesh

Use Caution

• Wear protective gloves, goggles, sturdy shoees and long pants. Never mow barefoot, or in sandals or flip flops
   
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages before operating a lawn mower
   
• Hands and feet should never be used to touch the lawnmower blade under any circumstances, even if the engine is off. If there is debric obstructing the blade, once you clear it, the blade can quickly swing around and cause serious injury

Keep Children Safe

• Teach children to stay away from all running lawn mowers
   
• Children should not be allowed to play in or near where a lawn mower is being used
   
• Never allow a child or another passenger to ride on a mower, even with parents. Doctors commonly see children with severe injuries to their feet caused by riding on the back of a ride-on mower with a parent
   
• Children should be atleast 12 years of age before operating a push mower, and 16 to operate a ride-on lawn mower

Consider the Terrain

• Remove stones, toys and other objects from the lawn before you start mowing
   
• Use caution when mowing hills and slopes. Mow across slopes with a push mower to avoid pulling the mower over your feet if you happen to slip. Mow up and down slopes with a riding mower to prevent the mower from tipping over. Do not cut wet grass.