Operating a lawn mower. 7 Lawn Mower Safety Tips: The Complete Guide For Preventing Accidents

Lawn Mower Safety Tips: The Complete Guide For Preventing Accidents

Oh, how many of us love the smell of fresh-cut grass—and the intrinsic rewards that come with a morning (or afternoon) of honest labor. The truth about mowing lawns, though, is that it can be a little dangerous if you aren’t in the know about best safety practices.

Learn how to prevent accidents with these seven lawn mower safety tips (plus the surprising stats on lawn mower accidents that’ll give you incentive to follow them closely).

Read Your Instruction Manual Before Operating

Every lawn mower comes with a safety manual. Don’t sweat if you can’t find yours, because it’s likely available online with a quick search. We know it may not read like a great American novel—but it’s still the best way to understand the ins and outs of your device.

Nearly every lawn mower instruction manual has a section on preventing lawn mower injuries. Definitely read this section.

Also, keep in mind that operating a push lawn mower can be strenuous exercise for some. If you have any pre-existing health concerns, make sure you check with a doctor before operating a push mower.

Dress Safely

Yikes! than 6,394 Americans are injured each year in lawn mower accidents, according to a study done at Johns Hopkins University. Many of those injuries are severe burns and cuts. By dressing appropriately to mow, you can drastically reduce your risk.

When mowing, you should always wear:

Hearing protection such as earplugs or utility earmuffs is also recommended.

Remove Yard Obstacles Before Mowing

Scan your yard and do a quick walkthrough to remove obstacles that could damage your lawn mower or potentially be thrown at you by the blade if you run over them.

Objects to look for include:

You should also be careful mowing over wet grass. If it just rained, wait until the grass dries to lower the risk of slipping. Mowers don’t generally work as well on wet grass, anyway.

Can You Mow Over Wood Chips?

Always avoid mowing over wood chips, as well as gravel, stone, mulch, or other terrain that could damage your mower. Even if it’s a short distance, it’s best to let the mower shut off for a couple seconds to cross an area that isn’t grass.

Never Touch a Hot Engine

Even mowing for a few minutes in warm weather can increase the temperature of your lawn mower’s engine significantly. The metal surrounding it can get very hot, so avoid touching it for at least ten to fifteen minutes.

Never Add Fuel or Oil to a Hot Engine

Similarly, if you need to add gas (or even oil), wait until the engine cools down. Set it in the shade or in your garage or shed for at least twenty minutes to let it cool. (Leave the door open if it’s in a small, confined space.)

A hot engine and exhaust fumes can turn a small spill of oil or gas into chemical vapors or a full-blown fire. Better safe than sorry—go cool down with some water or tackle another yard project while the temperature drops.

Regularly Tune Up Your Lawn Mower

Regular lawn mower maintenance keeps your device fuel-efficient, effective at cutting grass, and prolongs its life. It also ensures your safety when mowing. This should be one of the first things you do each spring to get your lawn mower ready.

Some basic lawn mower tune-up steps you should take each year (if not every other year):

Properly taken care of, a lawn mower should last 10 years. Ask a local lawn mower tune-up shop in your area for help if needed.

Keep your push mower, riding mower, reel mower, weed trimmer or edger maintained and clean with these tips.

Educate Family Members on Safe Mowing Practices

Young children shouldn’t mow without adult supervision. Generally speaking, 12 is a good age to pass down the reins and have your children mow. Wait until they’re at least 15 or 16 if you own a driving mower. Walk them through best safety practices. Above all else, be a role model they can look up to and pass on your safety tips.

If your lawnmower starts with a key or has a remote starter, keep it away from where children can reach it.

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

Mowing the lawn is the quintessential summertime chore.

Parents and kids alike take to the front yard to get it ready for the annual game of Thanksgiving flag football or to earn a few bucks for the piggy bank.

Unfortunately, many of those people also end up in emergency rooms.

While working with power mowers may be common, taking your safety for granted could leave you with a serious injury or worse.

“Remember, you’re dealing with something that has a motor on it and has no brain,” says Neal Denton, Extension Agent and Co-Director of the Knox County Extension in Tennessee. “It cuts anything it touches.”

Most people underestimate the danger, he says, and find themselves at the emergency room.

“There’s no way, if you get your foot or hand under there, that [blade] is going to miss,” Denton says.

Know the Dangers

A September 2018 study from Johns Hopkins found that close to 6,400 injuries every year come from lawn mowers.

Nearly half of the more than 50,000 lawn mower injuries studied were lacerations. Fractures and amputations were common, and the most likely to be injured were hands or wrists followed by feet and toes.

That’s what Denton hears most, he says, cuts on feet and toes from slipping.

Based on that, it’s pretty easy to see the danger lawn mower blades pose.

Men were far more likely to be injured, the data says, and usually in the hand by rotating blades. Young children were often injured by hot surfaces or on their lower extremities.

Researchers say this shows that when adults or older teens get injured, it’s when they stuck their hands in to remove debris.

Special Risks for Children

When the children were injured, it’s from running out to the lawnmower when an adult was cutting. Or by getting their feet caught in the mower while sitting in the operator’s lap.

Children are especially at risk.

A study published in June 2017 American Journal of Emergency Medicine found out just how much.

Between 1990 and 2014, it says, roughly 212,258 children under 18 went to the emergency room for a mower-related injury. That’s nearly 12 for every 100,000 American children.

Not all were injured directly from the lawnmower. Half of those injured, if not with direct contact from the lawn mower, were hit by flying projectiles.

It’s getting better, but mowers remain dangerous. The injury rate dropped almost 60-percent over the 25-year study period. Still, the authors conclude, “Lawn mower-related injuries continue to be a cause of serious morbidity among children.”

Lawn Mower Safety Improves

Safe mowing starts with the right lawnmower and the right safety features.

In 1982, a safety standard for walk-behind power rotary mowers developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission took effect.

Ever since, those mowers must meet mandatory safety measures aimed at keeping hand and feet away from the moving blades.

The rule means mowers must be outfitted with certain safety devices:

Blade brake control

This stops the spinning blades in three seconds when the operator releases their grip on the controls. If the operator isn’t in control of the machine, the blade doesn’t spin. That rule has some caveats, too, that result in further safety features. If the mower has a manual start only, the blade must stop without shutting down the engine. That is, unless it has a 360-degree foot shield or a pull cord at the top of the handle.

Foot shield

One must be installed at the rear of the mower to stop the operator’s feet from slipping under the mower deck. These shields are strength-tested, the CPSC says. They either close automatically or prevent operation of the mower when open. Some mowers that catch clippings mean this shield must be removed. If that’s the case, the mower won’t start unless either the foot shield or grass catcher is in place.

Labels

All new mowers sold since the safety standard must come with a warning label near the discharge chute telling operators to keep hands and feet away from the chute. Those labels also have to show that the mower meets CPSC blade safety requirements.

How Young is Too Young to Mow?

So when can you delegate mowing to your kid so you can sit back and relax while they do the hard work? There are no legal restrictions or age limits, so it’s up to parents to decide.

Kids need to be both mature enough and physically capable of operating the mower. Take the time to properly train and teach them how to operate it safely. Make sure they take proper precautions such as eye protection and never mow in bare feet.

Supervise them while they work until you’re confident they can manage it by themselves.

For a little extra training, Denton says the extension offers courses to middle schoolers every spring on proper and safe lawn mowing.

Once that’s done, they’re good to take over your favorite summertime chore.

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

What you do before cranking up the lawnmower is just as important as what you do behind it.

Denton’s No. 1 piece of advice? “Just don’t be dumb with it.”

He also adds some steps most people probably skip, saying that if you just filled up the gas tank, give it a second to evaporate.

Messing with spark plugs or other components can ignite those fumes.

“It only takes a spark to make a torch,” he says.

Also, if it’s the start of spring and you’re cranking up the mower for the first time, take it easy.

Denton says it’s common for people to throw out biceps and shoulders when they give the pull cord that first wrenching after winter.

Lawn Mower Startup Safety Checklist

The Mississippi State University Extension lists the essential safety tips to check off the list so you start out on the safe foot:

• Read the operator’s manual. Knowing proper operation and safety guidelines goes a long way.
• Dress appropriately. That means long pants, close-fitting clothes, sturdy shoes, safety glasses and hearing protection.
• Check yourself. Mowing requires physical ability. Double check your handle on the controls and ability to physically push it around the yard.
• Check your equipment. Fill the gas tank before you start. Check and adjust oil, tire pressures, belts, cutting height and mower blades. Everything must be in good working order.
• Clean up the yard before mowing. Pick up objects in the lawn; everything from sticks, twigs and rocks to kids’ toys, cans and bottles.

Denton makes a special point about eyewear, especially for weedeaters or other trimmers.

He also recommends sun protection: a wide-brim hat and sunscreen, especially if you’ll be out for a long time.

Once you’re ready to go, survey the mowing area. Take note of the area you plan to mow and how you plan to mow it.

Make sure the discharge won’t be turned toward people, pets, homes, streets or cars.

Is there any debris you can’t pick up? Like a gravel path or driveway?

Ohio State University says to make sure the mower is turned off and the blades have stopped completely before crossing gravel paths.

And when mowing, make sure you can always continue to push the mower forward.

Never pull a mower toward yourself, which can lead you to slip under the mower.

If you’ve got check marks by all that, you’ll be winning that flag football game and getting compliments on your lawn before you know it.

Riding Mower Safety Tips

That big riding lawn tractor is the pride of your garage. It makes quick work of your yard and leaves it looking great. Denton says they’re somewhat safer, too.

They keep you up off the ground and away from the blades, but that doesn’t mean they’re foolproof.

8 Riding Lawn Mower ‘Don’ts’

Riding mowers require some extra safety considerations. Here are eight things you should never do on a riding lawnmower, compiled from Denton, the Kansas State University Extension and the AAP.

• Make sharp turns at high speeds, especially on a hill. Denton says if you have to adjust your weight to make the turn, it’s too steep. Find a safe place to turn around, as they also tip over backward, he says.
• Let children ride as passengers.
• Mow wet grass, which can clog up machinery and cause you or the mower to slip.
• Mow without enough daylight or in bad weather.
• Put hands or feet under a running mower. Always shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug first.
• Use a mower without all guards in place.
• Dismount a running mower.
• Back up the mower with the blade spinning. Kids, pets and more can sneak up behind you. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Post-Mow Safety

Lawn cut? Good. But you’re out of the woods. You still have to get the mower back to storage, safely.

When parking the mower, make sure to lower any raised components that may pinch or crush unwary fingers later.

Stop the engine, remove the key and put it in a secure place. This will keep kids from hopping on top and starting the mower just like they saw you do.

Remove grass and debris. Clean and service the engine as needed. Lock up the storage room or garage, and you’re all done.

Keep up with good preparation and operation, and you can be confident that each and every lawn mowing job will be successful and safe.

“Pay attention. Be aware of your surroundings,” Denton says. “Just pay attention.”

Derek Lacey

Formerly the agriculture writer for the Hendersonville Times-News, Derek Lacey’s articles have appeared in U.S. News World Report, The Charlotte Observer, News Observer, and The State. He has won 15 awards from the North Carolina Press Association and GateHouse Media, for pieces ranging from news features and investigative reporting to photography and multimedia projects.

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Lawn Mower Safety Tips

You may not think of mowing the lawn as a particularly hazardous activity. After all, these are ordinary household tools that don’t require any special qualifications to operate. Believe it or not, thousands of people are injured by lawn mowers each year, and that’s just here in the United States. These lawn mower safety tips can help you avoid a similar fate!

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How Do Lawn Mower Accidents Occur?

It may come as no surprise that most lawn mower injuries are caused by the rotating blades of the mower. If given the chance, these blades will cut into hands and feet just as readily as they will cut blades of grass. Worse yet, they often deliver harmful bacteria to the wound site. Amputations can result from these wounds if the infection is not properly treated.

Mower blades can also launch loose objects and debris into the air like missiles, and even a small projectile can become lethal when traveling at high speed. Meanwhile, the hot engine of the mower can cause burns if touched with bare skin.

Preventing Lawn Mower Accidents

Those horror stories might have you a little spooked, but don’t sell your lawn mower just yet! Most lawn mower accidents can be avoided by following a few simple precautions.

• Consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions on how to operate and maintain your mower. Many accidents can be traced back to maintenance issues. Inspect your mower before each use, and never operate a mower that needs repair.
• Keep your mower blades sharp, and adjust the spindle periodically to ensure the blades are evenly balanced.
• Before each mowing session, comb your lawn for small objects and debris.
• Wear goggles, hearing protection, work gloves, long pants, and sturdy close-toed shoes when operating your mower.
• Make sure the safety features on your mower are fully enabled and working properly.
• Never insert your hands or feet under the cutting deck to remove grass or debris. Even when the mower is powered down, the blade can still rotate. If you need to remove debris from the mower deck, turn off your mower, disconnect the spark plug, and dislodge the object using a stick or broom handle.
• Avoid mowing when your lawn is wet. Wet grass can clog up the cutting deck and cause your mower to behave unpredictably.
• Avoid backing up the mower unless absolutely necessary.
• Don’t allow children under age 12 to operate a push mower, and don’t allow children under age 16 to operate a riding mower.
• Keep children and pets off the lawn while you are mowing.

Responding to Accidents

Even very cautious people sometimes get into accidents, and you should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If you get injured mowing the lawn, seek medical attention right away. Yes, even for a minor cut! Remember what we said about bacteria? You don’t want to lose a hand just because you nicked it on your mower blade. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Once the wound is clean and protected, you can head to an urgent care clinic, or call your health care provider for advice on how to proceed.

If you suffer a more severe injury than a minor cut, you should head to the hospital right away. If your lawn mower blade severs a finger, save the finger in a sealed plastic bag wrapped in moist gauze or cloth. Place that bag inside another bag filled with ice, and hurry over to the emergency room. Every second counts when it comes to reattaching a severed body part.

In summary, lawn mower safety is all about treating lawn mowers with the respect they deserve as potentially dangerous pieces of equipment. When you take that to heart, safety precautions become a matter of common sense.

If you have any questions about lawn mower safety, feel free to ask the qualified staff here at Issaquah Honda-Kubota. We welcome our neighbors from Bellevue and Renton, WA.

Lawn Mower Safety: Types, Hazards, and Control Measures

Lawn mowing is a necessary chore for homeowners in the United States. Each year, there are thousands of accidents involving lawn mowers. Many of these accidents could be prevented by following some simple safety tips. This blog post will discuss the different types of lawn mowers, their hazards, and control measures that can help keep you safe while mowing your lawn.

Lawn Mower

A lawn mower is a machine that uses one or more revolving blades to cut grass surfaces to an even height. The height of the cut grass may be fixed by the mower’s design but is usually adjustable by the operator, who controls the rate at which the grass is cut. Lawn mowers are typically used for residential landscaping or for maintaining large grounds such as golf courses and parks.

Lawn mowers work by using one or more spinning blades to cut the grass down to a uniform height. The blades are usually powered by an internal combustion engine, although some models may be electric-powered. The blades’ cutting action severs the grass at the base of the blade, causing it to fall away from the rest of the lawn.

Lawn mowers are essential equipment found in many homes with a yard in the United States. They enable homeowners and groundskeepers to comply with municipality codes and maintain neat and good-looking lawns by cutting down grass. Many children and teenagers also earn extra money by mowing lawns during the grass-growing season. However, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a lawn mower can be extremely dangerous if not operated properly. In 2010, more than 250,000 people treated for lawn mower-related injuries. Lawn mower injuries went up 3% in 2010 compared to 2009. Unfortunately, 40% of these injury cases were serious enough to require treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Furthermore, nearly 10,000 of those injured were children with a mean age between 5-10 years. Each year more than 600 children undergo amputations as the result of lawn mower-related injuries.

Types Of Lawn Mowers

Lawn mowers are classified into four categories: manual lawn mowers, motorized lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers, and other types of lawn mowers such as robotic and hover lawn mowers.

Manual Lawn Mowers

Manual lawn mowers are the most basic type of mower. They have no engine or motor, so they require you to push them around your lawn. Manual lawn mowers can be a great option if you have a small lawn and don’t mind doing a little extra work. They’re also usually much less expensive than powered lawn mowers.

One advantage of manual lawn mowers is that they’re very environmentally friendly. Since they don’t have an engine or motor, they don’t produce emissions. They’re also much quieter than powered lawn mowers, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors when using one.

Another advantage of manual lawn mowers is that they’re very easy to maintain. There are no engine parts to worry about, so you won’t have to do any tune-ups or other maintenance tasks. All you’ll need to do is keep the blades sharp and clean, and you should be good to go.

The main downside of manual lawn mowers is that they can be a bit of a workout. If you have a large lawn, pushing a manual mower around can take quite a bit of effort. And if your lawn is hilly, it can be even more of a challenge.

A manual mower is an excellent option if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly, easy-to-maintain lawn mower. Just be prepared for a little extra work if you have a large lawn.

Motorized Lawn Mowers

Motorized lawn mowers are powered by gasoline or electricity and are more powerful than manual mowers. They can cover larger areas of ground more quickly, making them a convenient option for people with large yards.

A motorized lawn mower can be convenient if you have a large lawn. However, they are more expensive than manual mowers and produce emissions that can harm the environment. They are also quite loud, so you’ll need to be careful not to disturb your neighbors when using them.

Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric lawn mowers are powered by a battery or an extension cord connected to an outlet. They are quieter than gas-powered mowers and produce no emissions.

There are two main types of electric lawn mowers: corded and cordless. Corded electric lawn mowers must be plugged into an outlet, while cordless lawn mowers run on batteries.

Electric lawn mowers have a number of advantages over gas-powered mowers. They are much quieter, so you won’t disturb your neighbors while mowing the lawn. They also produce no emissions, so they’re better for the environment. Electric lawn mowers are usually lighter and easier to maneuver than gas-powered ones.

The main disadvantage of electric lawn mowers is that they need to be plugged in or have their batteries charged, which can be inconvenient. They also may not have enough power to tackle very large yards.

Robotic And Hover Mowers

Robotic and hover mowers are the newest lawn mowers on the market. They are battery-powered and self-propelled. They are best suited for large yards with complex terrain. Robotic mowers are programmed to mow in a specific pattern and can be set to run at certain times of the day or night. They return to their charging station when they’re finished mowing.

Hover mowers are similar to robotic mowers but don’t have wheels. Instead, they hover above the ground on a cushion of air. This allows them to maneuver around obstacles more easily.

Robotic and hover mowers have a number of advantages over traditional mowers. They are very quiet and produce no emissions. They are also very easy to maintain since there are no engine parts to worry about. And they can be programmed to run at specific times, so you don’t have to be home to operate them.

The main disadvantages of robotic and hover mowers are their high price tags and their unsuitable for very large yards.

Lawn Mower Accident Prevention Techniques

What can be done to prevent lawn mower accidents? The following practices will prevent most accidents:

Read The Entire Operatorʼs Manual

Before using a lawn mower, it is important to read the instruction manual carefully. The manual will explain the different safety procedures that should be followed when using the lawn mower. It is important to follow these procedures carefully to avoid injury. Additionally, the manual will also provide helpful tips on how to operate the lawn mower. By following the instructions in the manual, you can ensure that you will be able to use the lawn mower safely and effectively.

Train Operator

The operator of a lawn mower must understand how it works and can use it safely. Always demonstrate how to use the lawn mower safely before letting anyone operate it. Watch the operator closely until you are satisfied that they can handle the lawn mower without any problems.

Check Your Lawn Before Mowing

Before you mow your lawn, take a few minutes to clear away any sticks, stones, toys, bones, or other objects. This will help prevent damage to your lawn mower and keep your lawn looking its best.

If you find any particularly large or tough objects, you may need to remove them with a shovel or rake. Be careful not to damage your lawn in the process. Once you’ve cleared the area, you’re ready to mow!

Check Guards And Shields

Before starting your lawn mower, it’s important to check that all of the guards and shields are securely in place. These safety devices are designed specifically to protect you from injury, so it’s crucial that they’re properly installed and functioning properly. By taking a few moments to check the guards and shields before mowing, you can help prevent serious accidents.

Dress Properly To Do The Job Safely

When using a lawn mower, it is important to dress properly in order to do the job safely. This means wearing sturdy shoes, preferably steel-toed safety shoes. NO bare feet are allowed, and neither are sandals or sneakers. If you are not wearing the proper footwear, you could be seriously injured if the lawn mower kicks up a rock or other object. So please, take the time to dress properly before using a lawn mower. Your safety depends on it.

Handle Gasoline With Care

If you’re running low on gas, it’s best to fill up your tank before you run out completely. However, if you need to fill up while you’re still mowing, make sure to turn the mower off first. Let it cool for a few minutes so the gas doesn’t vaporize and cause an explosion. Then, fill up the tank outdoors and be careful not to spill any gas. Wipe up any spills immediately.

Keep All Persons And Pets Away From Mowing Area

It is important to keep all persons and pets away from the mowing area while the blade operates. A mower blade can pick up and throw objects with force sufficient to seriously injure or kill. You can avoid potential accidents and injuries by keeping people and animals out of the area.

No Riders On Riding Mowers

Most riding mowers are not designed to carry extra riders. This can be dangerous for both the rider and the mower operator. Extra riders can be thrown from the mower and run over. They can also distract the operator, increasing the possibility of mistakes.

For these reasons, it is always best to say “no” to small children who ask to ride the mower with you. Keep them safe by keeping them off the mower.

No Horseplay Around Lawn Mowers

Playing with a lawn mower is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injuries. Use a mower only for its intended purpose – to cut grass. Do not allow children or anyone else to play with the mower, as this could result in an accident. Keep your hands and feet away from the blades, and never try to remove debris while the mower is running.

Do Not Use Riding Mowers On Steep Slopes

Operating a riding mower on a steep slope is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or even death. If you must mow a steep slope, always drive up and down the slope, never across it. And when using a walk-behind mower, be sure to mow across the slope, not up and down it. By following these simple safety tips, you can help prevent a tragedy from occurring.

Take Care Of Your Mower

The operator presence switch should stop the mower immediately when you release the control. Clean and safety-check your mower during the mowing season. If you have any doubts on how to adjust or repair your mower or sharpen your mower blade, see an expert. An annual inspection by an experienced service person is always a good idea.

Store Fuel In A Safe Place

It is important to store gasoline in a safe place, away from any heat source. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable liquid that can be dangerous if improperly handled. Keep gasoline in a secure location, such as a garage or shed, and remind everyone in the household to handle it with care.

Use Earplugs To Preserve Your Hearing

If you enjoy working in the yard and using lawn mowers, it’s important to take steps to protect your hearing. The loud noise generated by lawn mowers can cause damage to your hearing over time, so it’s important to use earplugs or other forms of hearing protection when operating them.

A variety of earplugs are available on the market, so it’s important to choose a pair that will be comfortable for you to wear while working. You may also want to consider using earmuffs in addition to earplugs, as this can provide even more protection from the noise.

Never Bypass Safety Features

As a lawn mower operator, it is important to always follow safety protocol. One key safety feature is the operator-presence safety stop. This feature is designed to shut off the lawn mower blade if the operator is no longer present. Manufacturers include this safety feature to help prevent accidents.

Despite the importance of this safety feature, some operators choose to bypass it. This can be extremely dangerous and should never be done. Bypassing the safety stop can lead to serious injury or even death if the operator is not careful.

If you are operating a lawn mower, always follow safety protocol and never bypass the operator-presence safety stop. This simple precaution can help prevent accidents and keep you safe while operating a lawn mower.

Mower Safety Guideline Summary

Before Starting Mower …

• Put on close-fitting clothes and sturdy, non-slip shoes.
• If the lawn is wet – wait!
• Go over the lawn carefully to pick up stones, wire, toys, and dog bones – anything the mower blade might pick up and throw.
• If your electric mower is not labeled “double insulated,” never plug it into anything but a grounded (three-prong) outlet.
• Adjust the cutting height before starting the mower.

While You Mower …

• Never run the mower over gravel, stones, or hard, immovable objects like pipes, rocks, or sidewalk edges.
• Mow advancing forward whenever possible so you can see where you are going.
• Keep the electric mower cord out of the cutting path.
• Stay clear of the blade housing and the discharge chute.
• Never point the discharge chute at others.
• Turn off the mower before you leave it – even for a moment.

Be Sure To …

• Disconnect the spark plug or power cord before working on your mower.
• Treat gasoline like the volatile fuel that it is.
• Keep the power cord of an electric mower in near-new condition.

No! Allowing a child to ride on a riding mower is never safe. Extra riders are distracting, block controls, and easily fall off. The child can suffer serious injury from the rotating blades of the mower.

No! Keep your child inside while cutting the grass.

• Children often run from behind into the mower’s path, causing serious injury.
• The mower operator is often unaware the child is around or cannot hear the child approaching.
• Children can be injured by toys, rocks, and other objects thrown by the mowing blade.
• Injuries from flying objects can result in blindness, loss of limbs, and even death.

Always keep yard tools out of the reach of children. These include weed eaters, power saws and trimmers, all a possible risk for injury. Keep all gasoline, insect killers and fertilizers labeled and away from children.

• Always read the operator’s manual carefully.
• Do not mow in reverse.
• Know how to stop the mower quickly.
• Leave all safety features and warning labels intact.
• Always clear the mowing area of toys, sticks, and trash before mowing.
• Never allow a child to control a mower.
• Keep children and pets inside while mowing.
• Never leave a running mower unattended.
• Wear proper clothing, including hard shoes and eye protection.
• Children can also be burned by touching the mower. Keep children away from the mower at all times.
• Always stay alert while mowing. Watch for children coming into the mowing area. Headphones are not recommended.
• Never mow on wet grass.
• Never mow in the dark or at twilight.
• A walk-behind mower can usually be operated by a child who is 12 years old. It is advised that a riding mower be operated by no one under 16 years of age.
• Safety instruction and adult supervision are highly recommended and encouraged.
• Consult your operator’s manual for further instruction and guidance.
• Maturity, coordination, and judgment are recommended for the safe operation of any piece of machinery.