Every year 200,000 people are injured while using lawn mowers and weed cutters. Most are due to unsafe operation and children under age 15 are at particularly high risk. Below are safety tips for you, your family, or anyone you know who may be doing yard work with power tools this summer.
TIPS FOR USE OF ALL MACHINERY
- Read all safety information in the operating manual before use. If you have been using the machine for a while, re-read the instructions to be sure you are familiar with specific safety precautions.
- Do not tamper with safety devices and check them before use.
- Wear eye goggles and ear protection to muffle sound.
- Do not operate when ground is wet and slippery or light is dim (such as at dusk).
- Do not allow young children near the area of operation. Children are attracted to these activities. Keep aware and do not assume that children will stay away from the area. Be sure they are supervised by another responsible adult.
- Do not allow anyone near the machine while in operation. Blades are very sharp and could cause severe injury to a bystander. Debris that is thrown from the machine can also lead to injuries.
- Clean the area before beginning operation.
- Turn off blades when crossing a sidewalk or driveway.
- Allow the blades to stop completely before moving from the operating position. Do not attempt to repair or adjust the machine settings while running.
- Stay clear of hot engines and ensure that others do also.
Remember that mood altering drugs and/or alcohol should not be used when operating machinery.PUSH MOWERS
- Do not tilt a push mower. Keep all wheels on the ground.
- Do not put hands or feet under the mower.
- Try not to move the mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. If moving backwards, look down and behind you first.
- Wear sturdy full coverage shoes (not sandals) and long pants.
- Mow ACROSS an incline.
ELECTRIC MOWERS
- Use grounded extension cords and do not use a frayed cord.
- Mow AWAY from the cord.
- Do not use in the rain or if the mower is wet.
- Turn the mower off before walking away for any reason.
- Remove the cord directly from the outlet without yanking.
RIDING MOWERS
- Do not give children rides on the power mower, even with the blades off. They can fall off and be injured or interfere with the machine’s safe operation. They may also continue appearing in the unsafe proximity of an operating machine for another ride.
- Do not reverse the machine unless absolutely necessary and use extreme caution if doing so.
- Avoid steep inclines and mow UP AND DOWN a slight incline. See your safety manual for specific instructions about use on a slope.
WEED CUTTERS
- Wear work boots and long pants.
- Lay machine down in a clear area before starting.
- Keep the muffler side away from you to avoid burns.
- Be aware of balance and good footing at all times, especially on slopes.
- Do not raise cutting head above knee height.
- Direct debris away from you.
- Lower the throttle speed near people or cars.
- Shut down machine immediately if it begins to shake or vibrate.
- Disconnect the spark plug before cleaning out the grass guard.
HANDLING GASOLINE
- Do not smoke when filling the gas tank or allow anyone to smoke in close proximity as you do so.
- Store gasoline in a container with a UL, FM, or CSA label.
- Keep gasoline outdoors.
- Do not store a fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water heater or other appliances.
- Put containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
- Wipe up any gasoline spills immediately and move the machine away from the area. Wait until vapors have fully dissipated before starting engine.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool, before adding fuel.
- Never over-fill the fuel tank. Immediately replace gas cap and tighten securely.
Following these safety guidelines will help to protect you and your family from injury this summer. When doing these or other outdoors activities in the heat, be sure to also stay hydrated, reapply sunscreen often, and go indoors to air conditioning for breaks from the heat!
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