Lawnmower Safety

Lawnmower accidents are not unusual.  In 2011 83,291 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for lawn mower injuries including 3,780 kids 14 or under according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

Riding mower overturns occur primarily in grassy areas such as golf courses, community parks and sports fields and not when mowing residential lawns.

A Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) is a structure designed to reduce the possibility of an operator being crushed or otherwise injured in the event of an off-road vehicle overturn.  When operating a mower with a ROPS the operator must use a seat belt to stay protected within the safety of the ROPS.  Seat belts should not be used if the mower is not equipped with a ROPS so that the operator has a chance to jump clear in the event of an overturn.

Studies have found that the common control warning against operating on steep slopes is often unheeded or unknown.  Warnings are not enough.  Operator training is needed.

Here are some safety tips for using lawnmowers:

• Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it.  Know how to quickly shut off the mower in case of an emergency.

• Inspect the mower for signs of damage before operation.
  
   
• Wear personal protective gear like ear, eye and foot protection.  If you are sensitive to grass, weed, etc. wear a dust mask.
  
  
• Before starting to mow pick up rocks, glass, tree branches and twigs, wire, and any other object which could become a lethal missile if thrown out by the mower blades.
  
  
• Observe the location of fixed objects, such as pipes, lawn sprinkler heads, and curbs that could damage the mower or break off.
  
  
• Clear the area of people and animals.  Watch for vehicle and pedestrian traffic that could be affected by flying dirt or debris.
  
  
• Keep all guards and shields in place when the engine is running.  They are designed to protect you and others from being hit by thrown objects and to prevent contact with hot engine parts and moving components.
  
  
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting the mower. 
  
  
• Use an approved safety can with a self-closing spout, flash arrestor, and a flex spout when adding fuel.  Always refuel outdoors in a well ventilated area.
  
  
• Do not pull a mower backward or ride it in reverse unless absolutely necessary.  If you do mow backwards, carefully look for children behind you.
  
  
• For riding mowers, mow up and down the face of slopes, never across them, because the wheelbase is longer than the tread (the unit is more stable that way).  Mow up and down slopes with non-riding mowers and avoid slopes greater than 20 degrees.
  
  
• Shut off the engine and be sure the blade has stopped completely before emptying the grass catcher, attempting to free obstructions from the discharge chute, adjusting the cutting height, or performing any operation that could place hands or feet near the blade.
  
  
• Never operate any piece of equipment with an inoperable or bypasses safety interlock switch, regardless of how experienced and/or knowledgeable you are of the equipment.

Printable Version