Safety Tips for the Summer Mowing Season
Mowing the lawn is as much a part of spring as the reappearance of robins and the return of warm weather. No matter where you live or how much grass you need to cut, safety is an important consideration. Lawn mowers can be very dangerous, but many people do not treat them with the respect they deserve. Every year these simple machines send thousands of people to hospital emergency rooms. If you fail to take the proper safety precautions you — or someone you love — could become one of those sad statistics.
Mowing the lawn safely is not difficult. All it takes is some knowledge and some preparation. Making these safety precautions and preparatory steps part of your regular routine is the best way to keep yourself and your family protected:
- Wear appropriate clothing when mowing the lawn. That means no flip flops or sandals— choose shoes that protect your feet. It is also a good idea to wear long pants instead of shorts
- When shopping for a new mower, look for safety features that stop the blades when the mower stops moving. Choose a model with a control that prevents it from moving forward if the operator lets go of the handle.
- Do not allow children under 12 to operate walk-behind mowers, or those under 16 to operate riding mowers. Even older kids should be closely supervised when mowing the lawn.
- Pick up rocks and clear obstructions before mowing the lawn. Remove brush from around trees and bushes
- Keep kids away from the yard while it is being mowed. Children can run behind the mower in the blink of an eye and get injured.
- Never pull a walk-behind mower backward. Try to avoid using reverse gear on riding mowers, and always check the area behind the mower before backing up.
- Never refuel a mower in an enclosed space. Fill the mower outdoors, and always make sure the engine is cool before refueling.
- Turn off the mower and wait for the blades to completely stop before removing clumps of grass, rocks or other obstructions
- Do not allow children to be passengers on riding mowers. Keep the kids away from the mower while it is in use.
Keep these important safety tips in mind throughout the spring and summer seasons. Mowing the lawn is an important part of home maintenance, but mowing the lawn safely is even more important. Follow these tips and be safe.
Contact a company that offers lawn mower repairs for more information and assistance.
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