LAWN MOWERS, EDGERS, AND MORE: SAFETY TIPS

Ever heard the saying "Be careful what you wish for?" Well, we wished for it and now we have it, that part of the season that is warm and as comfortable as we allow it to get.  The off-set is that our yard and everything that grows loves it too.  I just finished mowing my yard and I had forgotten how long it took and the unseen holes, rocks, tree limbs and anything else that can fall from the sky, to run over.

With that said I went to several sites looking for a combination of safety tips that I could learn from and also pass on:

·        Wear sturdy shoes while mowing.

·        Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. (Remember the riding lawn mower is not a chipper and will throw large objects, especially tree limbs quite a distance, but that is another story.)

·        While the lawn is being mowed, keep others away to ensure their safety.

·        Do not allow children to operate lawn mowers. A good rule: If you're not comfortable with them driving your automobile, you should not allow them to operate a lawn mower - whether it's a walk-behind or riding mower.

Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

·        Mow across a hill (not up and down) to avoid falls. Do not mow on a steep hill.

·        Keep the mower flat on the ground. Never lift the mower.

·        Shut off engine when adjusting mower height.

·        If you hit something, stop the mower and turn it off. See if the mower is damaged before starting the machine.

Standard Safety Feature: Operator Presence Control (OPC) ensures that the blade comes to a complete stop within three seconds after the blade control is released.

Help The Environment: Mowers equipped with a mulching feature will finely cut and re-cut grass clippings and return them to the turf. These clippings provide moisture and nutrients to keep your yard greener and healthier, and

  

Riding Mowers

Riding mowers are one-person machines. Never carry passengers or tow children in carts or trailers while mowing. (Remember that country song about drinking and driving a riding lawn mower, not a good idea. You could end up with a DUI on your record if you are on a public street and I can just imagine the looks when you tell that story! I have been in court, prosecuting another case, when I saw a man plead guilty to DUI on a lawn mower.)

·        Always start the machine from the operator's seat.

·        Mow up and down on slopes over 5 degrees - never across.

·        Go slowly on hills and around corners to prevent tipping.

·        Never operate a riding mower on slopes over 15 degrees.

·        Always look down and behind for people and objects before, and while, backing up.

·        Do not allow a child to operate a riding mower (see above).

·        Watch for holes, ditches and embankments.

Standard Safety Feature: Operator Presence Control (OPC) automatically stops the engine and powered attachments when the operator leaves the seat

Leaf Blowers Hand-Held And Backpack:

·        Never point the blower nozzle at people or pets.

·        Follow local ordinances about when to use a leaf blower. Do not use very early in the morning or very late in the day.

·        Use the lowest possible throttle speed.

Chain Saws
2-Cycle And Low Emission 4-Cycle

 (There is no mixing of oil and gas on a 4 cycle):

·        Make sure the saw chain is not touching anything before starting the engine and the chain is tightened to manufacturer's specifications.

·        Check to see if the bar chain oil reserve is full.

·        Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! You need to use two hands.

·        Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down.

  

Edger / Trimmers
Wheeled And Walk Behind:

·        Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts while engine is running.

·        Stop the engine when crossing gravel or any place where thrown objects might be a hazard.

·        Do not over speed the engine.

·        If you hit an object, stop the engine immediately. Turn it off and check for damage. Repair anything before restarting.

Garden Tillers Front-Tine And Rear Tine:

·        If you hit an object, stop the tiller immediately. Turn it off and check for damage. Repair anything before starting up.

·        Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts while engine is running.

·        Stop the engine when crossing gravel or any place where thrown objects might be a hazard.

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