Lawn Mower Safety Tips and Checklist (How to Avoid Accidents)
With the weather warming up, many homeowners are getting their riding lawn mowers out of storage and ready to go for the season. But before you start mowing, it’s important to review some safety tips to help prevent accidents.
Lawn mower accidents can happen to anyone, even the most experienced users.
Each year, approximately 8,800 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to lawn mowers. Most of these accidents are due to user error, so it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers before you start mowing.
Lawn mower safety is very important, especially if you have small children or pets.
By following some simple safety tips and using the checklist in this article, you can avoid becoming a statistic.
Why Does Lawn Mower Safety Matter?
Lawn mower safety is often overlooked, but it is important to be aware of the potential dangers they pose.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that riding mowers and garden tractors made after July 1, 1987 will have the new safety features. Most manufacturers have already put them on early 1987 models.
Lawn mower safety is important for a number of reasons:
- Every year, thousands of people are injured by lawn mowers, and many of these injuries are serious. One of the most common lawn mower-related injuries are cuts and lacerations. The blades on a lawn mower can cause deep cuts, and if they hit bone, they can cause serious damage. In addition to cuts and lacerations, lawn mowers can also cause burns, eye injuries, and even amputations.
- Second, lawn mowers can be expensive to repair or replace if they are not used properly. The most common problem is the engine. If the engine fails, it can cost hundreds of dollars to replace it. Another problem that can occur is the blades. Over time, the blades will become dull and will need to be replaced. This can also be a very expensive repair.
- Finally, lawn mowers can be a source of environmental pollution if they are not used properly.
Different Types of Lawn Mowers with Their Own Safety Features
Push Lawn Mower: Safety Features
A push lawn mower is a great option if you have a small yard. They’re easy to maneuver and are typically very lightweight. But because they’re lightweight, they can also be easily tipped over.
So, be sure to keep children and pets away from the area when you’re using a push lawn mower. And, even if you are using a push lawn mower with a mulching feature, always wear protective gear while you operate it. That way, should you accidentally tip over or otherwise hurt yourself while using it, your helmet and other safety gear will protect you.
Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers: Safety Features
Self-propelled lawn mowers have a safety feature that prevents them from being used on slopes greater than 15 degrees. This is to prevent the operator from losing control of the mower and injuring themselves or others.
To use the self-propelled feature, the operator must first engage the brake by depressing the handlebar. Then, they must push down on the lever located on the right side of the mower. This will engage the self-propelled feature and allow the operator to release the brake. The mower will then move forward at a walking pace.
| TIP |
|---|
| If at any time during operation, the operator needs to stop, they can do so by releasing the lever on the right side of the mower. This will disengage the self-propelled feature and allow the operator to use the brake to stop completely. |
Riding Lawn Mowers: Safety Feature
Here are a few things to keep in mind when operating a riding lawn mower:
Always read the owner’s manual or handbook before operating the machine. This will help you understand how to operate the mower safely and correctly.
Second, make sure you have the proper safety gear before starting the engine. This includes wearing close-toed shoes, long pants, and eye protection.
Third, be aware of your surroundings as you’re mowing. Avoid obstacles such as rocks, tree roots, and ditches. And watch out for children or pets who could enter your path.
Zero Turn Lawn Mowers: Safety Feature
Zero Turn Lawn Mowers have a variety of safety features that make them a safe investment for any homeowner. Some of the safety features include:
-A rollover protection system that prevents the mower from flipping over if it hits a hidden object while in operation.
-An operator presence system that shuts off the blades if the operator steps away from the machine.
-A blade stop system that engages the brakes and stops the blades from spinning when the lever is released.
These safety features make zero turn lawn mowers a safe option for anyone looking for a new lawn mower.
Lawn Mower Safety Checklist for General Protection
- Operators must know the lawn mower safety instructions provided by manufacturers for the specific machines.
- Read and recognize all the safety labels on your machine. Another aspect of lawn mower safety is to review the operator’s manual and familiarize yourself with all of the controls before operating any outdoor equipment.
- Owners must only allow people who understand these instructions to operate these machines.
- The work area must be clear of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades. Make sure the area and surroundings are clear of other people or obstacles before mowing.
- Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone; we are not playing hockey, we are using a dangerous machine.
- Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass bagger on or the mower guard in place. Stop the machine immediately if anyone enters the area. Most of the accidents occur when the machine is turning, so slow down before turning.
- Never leave the machine alone with the engine running; always turn off the blades, set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key before dismounting.
- It is important to mow only in daylight or, on the other hand, with good artificial light. It’s just a little thing you should keep in mind about lawn mower safety; remember, a mower is not a toy.
Lawn Mower Safety for Operator Protection
- The first rule for the operator to get ready for lawn mower safety is to read the operator’s manual thoroughly, in order to get the needed knowledge before starting to use any mower.
- People using the machine must be of sound mind and body and cannot be under the influence of alcoholic drugs or medications that cause drowsiness or impair their ability to operate the equipment.
- Operators must have correct vision, not an impaired vision problem, as well as enough dexterity to manage the machine without having incorrect judgment. The mower is specifically designed to be operated by only one person. It’s just a little thing you should keep in mind about lawn mower safety; never allow another individual to ride on your unit or its attachments..
- High level safety means you must wear clothing that will cover your arms and legs. Safety shoes with steel plates will protect feet from blades and can avoid injuries produced by these parts. Eyes can be shielded from flying debris by wearing safety glasses when using a lawn mower.
- An injury can happen if the operator puts his or her hand in the path of the blades when objects are plugged into the blades. So, remember to stop the engine to properly perform the job.
What Shouldn’t I Do When I’m Using a Riding Mower?
When using a riding lawn mower, there are several things you should avoid doing in order to stay safe:
- First, never mow on a slope.
If you own a riding lawn mower, it’s important to never mow on a slope. Mowing on a slope can be dangerous, and it can also damage your lawn mower. When mowing on a slope, the blade of your lawn mower can hit rocks or other objects, which can damage the blade and cause it to break. Additionally, mowing on a slope can cause your lawn mower to tip over, which could lead to serious injury. If you must mow on a slope, be sure to go slowly and be careful not to damage your lawn mower.
- Don’t try to clear a clogged chute directly with your hand.
If your riding lawn mower’s chute is clogged, don’t panic. You can clear it with a few simple steps. First, disconnect the spark plug to prevent the engine from accidentally starting. Then, use a putty knife or screwdriver to loosen the clog. Be careful not to damage the chute in the process. Finally, clear away any remaining debris and reattach the spark plug. Your lawn mower will be up and running in no time!
- Pay attention to your lawn condition and surroundings.
Look out for any obstacles that could cause you to trip or lose control of the mower. This includes rocks, sticks, and anything else that could damage your mower. Also, be sure to avoid any puddles or wet areas. These can wreak havoc on your machine and cause you to slip and fall.
- When mowing, dont go faster.
Rushing can lead to mistakes and accidents. And finally, when you’re finished mowing, take a few minutes to clean off your machine. This will prolong its life and keep it operating well for many years.
- Don’t let the grass build up too high before you mow.
It’s important to keep the lawn trimmed so it doesn’t become a fire hazard. You may notice that grass grow after foresty mulcing but you just leave it as it is. It is important to trim them to prevent getting too high.
Children and Pets’ Safety
Children’s and pets’ safety is important to consider when operating this type of machinery. There are many potential dangers that come with using a lawn mower, and children (including pets) are especially vulnerable to these dangers.
The first rule for children is to never allow them to operate a lawn mower; whether it be a riding or walk-behind lawn mower. A lawn mower is not a toy, and cutting grass is not a child’s play.
Once the importance of lawn mower safety has been acquired, we must be totally strict with this safety, and even increase it for children.
In the case of teenagers, be sure that they are tall and weigh enough to manage the mower. Children should be kept away from the area being mowed and under the supervision of an adult who is also responsible. Before and while reversing, check behind and below for young children.
Children are often attracted by movement, and more attracted if that movement has clear colours, such as lawn mower colours.
Be sure to keep your pet away from the area where you’ll be using the lawn mower. If possible, put them in a secure area inside the house or in the backyard.
| TIP |
|---|
| Use extra care when mowing near blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects where children are able to hide. We all know that children like to play at all times. Therefore, think about your kids and your neighbors’ and have in mind lawn mower safety all the time. |
Lawn Mower Safety Tips and Checklist (How to Avoid Accidents): Conclusions
Lawn mower safety is important because these machines have the potential to cause serious injuries. Every year, thousands of people are injured by lawn mowers. Some of these injuries are very minor, but others can be quite severe.
In some cases, people have even been killed by lawn mowers. That is why it is so important to follow all of the safety precautions when using a lawn mower.
In conclusion, following these lawn mower safety tips and checklists in this article can help avoid accidents.
The most important thing to do is to read the operator’s manual for your specific model of lawn mower and follow all safety instructions.
