Safety Tips for All Kinds of Lawn Mowers

Lawn mowers are such common sight during the spring and summer months that you may forget that they can be dangerous. The fast-spinning blades of gas-powered mowers pose a greater safety risk than reel mowers, so if you can get away with the rotating, cylindrical blades of a reel mower, it may be a safer choice.

Here are some helpful safety tips for all kinds of lawn mowers.

An Empty Lawn

Pets, children, and toys should all be inside (or at least well away from the lawn) before you mow. Check the lawn for sticks and other objects before mowing.

Children

According to experts, children under the age of 12 should not operate a gas-powered push mower. And children should be 16 years old before they are allowed to operate a riding/driving mower. Lawn care is a popular money-earning chore for kids in the summer, but the under-12 group is the most likely to sustain an injury.

Experts also warn that young children should never ride on a riding mower in an adult’s lap or in front of/behind the adult operator.

Clothing

When operating any mower, don’t wear loose clothing that could get caught in the mower. Long hair should be put up in a bun or similar style, not tied back in a braid or ponytail. Safety glasses are important to avoid rocks and other debris that might get flung out of the mower’s spinning blades. Footwear should be sturdy and thick – no sandals or light sneakers. And finally, ear protection in the form of earplugs is another good idea.

Mower Safety Features

For maximum safety, consider the following safety features on your mower:

* Foot shield on the back

* “Operator presence” control – this is a thin piece of metal that runs along the inside of the mower’s handle. The operator has to push this piece of metal down when he or she seizes the handle for the mower to start. When the operator presence control is released, the mower stops moving forward.

Riding Mowers on a Hill or Slant

When using a riding mower on slanted ground, sources say you should drive vertically, or up and down the slant, not across it. If you ride across it, you run the risk of toppling over sideways, down the hill.

Gasoline

Because of its flammable nature, you should use a lot of caution when handling it. Never smoke while filling a mower, and be very careful to avoid spills. Always turn the mower off before filling it, and store gasoline away from heat sources (such as a hot water tank or the running mower itself).

Wet Grass

Don’t mow wet grass – it can jam the blades and/or the grass deflector/chute. Wet grass can also cause you to slip and fall.

Push, Don’t Pull

Pulling a mower toward you can be very dangerous. If you slip, the mower could go over your foot.