Lawn Mower Safety Tips
Every year people are injured seriously enough by lawnmowers to require emergency room treatment. Most all these injuries are the result of human error.
Become familiar with your mower.
Before using your mower for the first time read the owner's manual. Follow all safety and operating instructions.
Proper clothing is essential to protect you from injury.
Always wear non-slip shoes instead of sneakers or sandals. Steel-toe safety footwear offers the best protection against the blade. Wear long pants to help protect your legs from debris that can be thrown from under the mower. To prevent hearing loss caused by exposure to the high noise levels use ear plugs.
Never leave a running mower unattended.
Children can be drawn to a running mower. Never leave the key in the ignition of a self-starting mower.
Always start the mower outdoors.
Never operate mowers in areas where carbon monoxide can collect, such as a closed garage, basement or storage building.
Inspect the area
Before mowing, be sure the lawn is free of any debris, which can get caught up in the blades and become a projectile.
Blade safety.
The mower blade has to be sharp and travel at a high speed in order to perform efficiently. Never! attempt to unclog or work on a lawnmower while the engine is on. If a hand or foot gets under the mower while the engine is running you can sustain serious injury.
Disconnect the sparkplug wire.
Disconnect the spark plug wire any time it is necessary to reach under the mower, this insures that the engine cannot start.
Check for frayed or cut wiring.
If you are using an electric lawnmower check for frayed wires before you start mowing. Always keep an eye on the cord as you mow.
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