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First, it is important to maintain your mower before
you start using it. Clean all debris left over from
the last year before they can become a fire hazard.
Make sure you have a clean air filter and that all
belts are tightened per manufacturers
recommendation. Check that all safety devices are in
place and functional. Use your mower specific user
manual to help you to prepare.
One
of every five deaths caused by a lawnmower involves
a child. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
estimates that most lawnmower deaths to children
occur when a child falls off a riding mower and is
run over, or when a child is in a moving mower’s
path. Sadly, in nearly every situation, tragedies
can be prevented if parents or guardians take a few
precautions.
Several features in newer lawnmowers have improved
safety. For example, the safety shutoff lever must
be depressed in order to keep the mower running. The
rubber flap at the discharge helps to prevent
objects from being thrown by the blades. However, no
safety feature is foolproof.
Whether you use gas, electric, riding or push
mowers, keep the following tips in mind:
·
Before using a lawnmower, read the manufacturer’s
directions to familiarize yourself with the
controls.
·
Clear objects such as bottle caps, rocks, nails,
etc., from the lawn. A lawnmower can hurl objects
with great force for a long distance. Keep children
a safe distance away.
·
Don’t wear sandals or go barefoot when you mow the
lawn. Steel-toed shoes are much safer. Safety
goggles will protect your eyes.
·
Lawn mowers are loud. Wear proper hearing protection
such as ear plugs.
·
Cut
the grass when it’s dry. Wet grass clogs the mower
and you may be tempted to remove it with your hand.
Mowing wet grass with an electric mower increases
the chance of electric shock.
·
When using electric mowers, be careful not to run
over the cord. Make sure you are using a grounded,
three-pronged plug. If possible, try to use a ground
fault circuit interrupter receptacle.
·
Fill the lawnmower with gas in a ventilated area
when the mower is cool. Don’t smoke while filling
the mower. Store the gas in an approved container.
Avoid filling the gas tank to the top. If you spill
gasoline, wait for it to evaporate before starting
the lawnmower.
·
If
you have a riding mower, don’t allow extra riders.
These machines are not designed to carry more than
one person and many children have been injured or
killed while riding as passengers. |
