No Short Cuts to Safety With Lawnmowers

The green grass of spring and summer brings with it the chore of mowing.

"Mowing a lawn seems like a very simply job -- just push the mower and let the machine do the work. But there is a lot more to it if it is to be done safely and without accident," says George Maher, safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "Safety needs to be a top concern, especially when young people in the family are assigned the task."

Anyone who is new to the job of using a powered lawnmower should know about the hazards of operation and maintenance, and the responsibilities of safe operation, Maher says. "There’s always an element of danger with any power equipment, but if that equipment is properly used and maintained that danger can be managed."

Before allowing a youth to operate a lawnmower, consider the following:

• Is the operator large enough to fully control the machine and reach all controls?
• Does the operator have the maturity to handle the job?
• Is the operator responsible enough to recognize safety hazards and problems?
• Does the operator know how to do the job safely and correctly?

Give the lawnmower a safety check, too.

• Is the blade on tight?
• Does the gas tank leak?
• Are the wheels dependable?
• Are all shields in place?
• Do the controls work correctly?

Finally, give the lawn a check. Hazards can lurk in the unmown grass.

• Are all toys and other objects removed?
• Is the area clear of people and pets?
• Have you taken note of steep hillsides?
• Are you aware of where the clippings will fly?
• Will your mowing pattern direct clippings away from people, pets and houses?

No matter who does the mowing, they need to dress safely, Maher says. Sturdy shoes are always a necessity. Leather shoes can reduce the degree of injury if a foot were to slip into the blade. Mowing the lawn while barefoot is a sure invitation to disaster. Long pants may deflect any objects flying out from under the mower deck.

"Mowing the lawn usually involves considerable sun exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer," Maher says. "Workers, including youngsters, exposed to the strong rays of the sun need to be protected. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, a broad-brimmed hat, long pants, and sun block. Skin cancer is much easier to prevent than to treat or cure."

When starting a mower, be sure to keep your clothing away from rotating parts and your feet from under the mower deck. Be careful to control long hair for the same reason, Maher notes.

Many mowers have a place on the deck to place your foot on to hold the mower steady while pulling the starting rope. "Use it," Maher says. "A mower that is jumping around as you try to start it is dangerous and out of control. Be sure that self-propelled mowers are out of gear before starting the engine."

Be sure to mow across the slopes with a push mower and up and down the slopes with a riding mower. "If you have to lean over on a riding mower to keep your balance, you are in a very dangerous situation," Maher says. "It is hard to imagine that there would be no injuries when a riding mower and operator tips over and rolls down a hill."

Push mowers should be used across the slopes to reduce the chances of your foot slipping under the mower and being cut by the whirling blade. For the same reason, a mower should not be pulled through the grass as you walk backwards -- slipping will very likely put a foot in the blade.

"If an area of your lawn is too steep for safe mowing, perhaps it should be terraced or otherwise landscaped to make it safer and more usable," Maher notes.

Do not refuel the mower as soon as it runs out. Let it cool down, Maher advises. Many mowers have the muffler dangerously close to the fuel tank where spilled gasoline can easily ignite.

Also, clean the mower after it has cooled. Remove all grass clippings to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fire the next time the mower is used. Remember to disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

"Fill the fuel tank and check the oil after cleaning since gasoline and oil will probably leak from the mower when it is tipped. Be sure to reconnect the spark plug before storing the machine," Maher says. "By keeping safety in mind and your mower in good condition you’ll be ready to mow again when your lawn needs it."

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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