subject: Lawn Mower Safety For A Safer Summer [print this page] Ahhh, the smell of freshly mowed grass. If you don't suffer from allergies it's a welcome smell of Spring and Summer. All over the country people have lawns to be mowed. And on the evening news and in newspapers all over the country there are reports of injuries caused by lawn mowing. Sometimes we just don't understand how a routine chore such as mowing the lawn can cause so many accidents. Most of the time accidents happen because they weren't observing the basic safety rules:
*Children under the age of 12 should not be allowed to use mowers. Only mature teens with adult supervision should operate a mower. Children under the age of 16 should not be allowed to use rider mowers.
*Keep all safety features such as guards, shield, deflectors and warning decals intact. They are there for your safety.
*Do not override the safety control that stops the lawn mower from running when handle is released.
*Wear proper clothing while mowing. Wear sturdy shoes, never mow barefooted. Wear long pants to protect your legs. Leave dangling jewelry inside the house. And watch out for loose baggy clothing as they can get tangled in moving parts.
*Before mowing clear the yard of rocks, toys, sticks, and any other type of material that could become a flying object.
*Unless it is absolutely necessary do not pull the mower backwards or mow in reverse. Always, look for children behind you, especially if you are mowing in reverse.
*Use an attached grass catcher to collect grass clippings. If a grass bag not available the opening should be covered with a plate.
*Refueling should be done outside with the mower off. If refueling after mowing, turn mower off and let cool. If you spill gas, wait until spilled gas has evaporated and there is no danger of fire.
*Always start mowers outside.
*Blade settings and wheel height should be done with the mower off and spark plug removed or disconnected, and should only be done by an adult.
*Eye protection and hearing protection should be worn.
*Keep children inside or in a completely separate area away from where you are going to mow.
*Before removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the chute, or crossing gravel paths, driveways or other areas turn off the mower and wait for the blades to completely stop.
*If using a riding lawn mower do not permit children to ride with you.
*Do not operate a lawn mower while under the influence of alcohol, or other mind altering substances. If taking medication that doesn't allow you to drive, you should not be operating a power mower.
Full attention needs to be given to the task of lawn mowing. Injuries usually entail deep cuts, sometimes loss of fingers and toes, burns, eye and other injuries. Some are minor injuries while others are very serious. Injuries occur to the one operating the mower and to those who may just be standing nearby.
By taking advantage of these safety rules you may be preventing injuries to yourself, to family members and others that may be in the vicinity. You also will be saving yourself money in doctor bills and possible hospital bills for injuries sustained by yourself or others. And there is always the possibility of lawyer fees if a passerby is accidentally hit by a rock or other debris flying out from underneath the mower.
So save yourself the grief and just follow the safety rules recommended.
by: Donna Randol
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