 |  |  |
What harm can a thing like a lawn mower do? Don’t be surprised if we tell you the fact that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that each year lawn mowers injure over 110,000 people seriously enough to require treatment in hospital emergency rooms. I am sure now you’ll find this article more interesting. Hey we are not making you afraid but a lawn mower can be very hazardous if not handled properly.
So here are a few tips from our side to make you and your lawn happy.
1. Do read the instruction manual no matter how boring it is. It is going to pay back whenever you have some trouble. Once you go through all the instructions and safety measures you will get to know how to handle your mower thoroughly.
2. Make sure your lawn is entirely clean before you start mowing. No twigs or toys or pebbles or plastics. Objects picked up and hurled by the blade cause many injuries, even deaths.
3. Mow your lawn when the children are at school and the pets are asleep. We mean keep them away while you mow. But if kids are around don’t give in when they ask to mow. Even if they are grown up and can mow still don’t leave them alone and give them all necessary instructions.
4. Handle your mower the way it is instructed in the manual if it says push then don’t pull. Every mower has its own specific motions.
5. Fill your mowers tank in an open area doing so in an enclosed area can cause building up of combustible fumes.
6. While filling gas don’t smoke and keep away any open flame from the tank.
7. And please don’t store petrol or any such fuel in unmarked containers in your home.
8. Don’t fill the tank when engine is running or it is still hot after you have mowed.
9. It is better to fill the tank every time before you mow and fill only as much is required.
10. Remove the spark plug before doing any maintenance work on your lawn mower.
11. Don’t start your mower engine in an enclosed area.
12. Don’t leave your mower engine running. Turn it off whenever you leave it even for a few minutes.
13. Maintenance should be done only when engine and all the power controls are off.
14. Always wear closed sturdy shoes and long pants while mowing.
15. Also keep clear from discharge chute as any object can come hurtling at great speed while you are mowing.
16. Whoever is going to operate the mower should be trained and given all the requisite instructions. Also he or she should be observed until its safe to let the person mow alone.
17. Every protective device should be in place before starting the mower. Shields and guards can protect you from serious injury in case of any mishap.
18. Don’t let small kids ride with you on the mower. A rider can be thrown off from mower and can get run over. You’ll also get distracted if there is someone by your side which is not good from safety point of view.
19. Use your mower only for mowing. Playing with such a machine can have lasting repercussions.
20. Drive up and down slopes when operating a riding mower and mow across the slope when you have a walk behind mower. A mower if overturns can cause serious injuries.
21. Getting the service done by experts is always a better option but you still should keep your mower clean and checked especially in mowing season. If you have any doubt about repair or while changing blades ask a service person. Also get your mower inspected annually.
22. Manufacturers have made operator-presence safety stops that stops the blades within 3 seconds after controls are released. Brakes may have to be adjusted, but this safety feature should never be overlooked. The trailing toe shield and the discharge chute protection should be operational.
23. Don’t mow your lawn if it is wet and adjust cutting height before beginning.
24. Except if your electric mower is labeled "double insulated," always plug it into a grounded (3-prong) outlet.
25. Last but not the least use earplugs to prevent hearing loss.
© UK Lawn Mowers.com 2008
| | |
