HOUSEHOLD SAFETY - Lawn Mowing Safety Tips

Lawn Mowing Tips

Before beginning your grass cutting chore this summer, take a few moments to review some safety mowing tips.

- Ensure that cutting equipment is in good condition and is provided with proper machine guarding.

- Clear areas to be mowed of stones and other debris. These can be ejected with great force through the discharge chute.

- Wear safety toe shoes or metal toe guards when operating power mowers and powered hedgers.

- Wear eye protection (goggles or safety glasses with side shields or a (face
shield) when operating power mowers, when there is danger from flying rocks, dirt, etc.

- Wear earplugs or earmuffs if equipment has been identified as producing hazardous noise levels.

- Be sure the grass is dry. Wet grass is slippery underfoot and can clog both the discharge chute and the blades.

- To prevent exposure to carbon monoxide fumes, always start gasoline powered equipment outdoors.

- Never adjust or leave the machine without stopping the motor. Injuries often occur when operators attempt to unclog the discharge chute while blades or the motor is running.

- Always watch your footing, particularly on slopes. Steer a hand mower across slopes, never up and down. Then if the machine gets out of control, you will be out of the way.

- To protect your feet, always keep the mower flat on the ground. Never lift, tilt, or pull it toward yourself. Never raise the mower to use it to trim the tops of shrubs or hedges.

Submitted by Atlanta Federal Safety & Health Council