Landscaping - Rotary Power Lawn Mowers

What should you do before using a power lawn mower?

Training Personal Protective Equipment Preparing the area Preparing the mower There are many tips in other Landscaping OSH Answers documents.

• context Read, understand, and follow the manufacturer's operating manual.
• context Make sure you have been fully trained on how to operate the mower. For example, your supervisor should demonstrate how to use the mower, and observe you working with it until satisfied that you can operate it safely.
• context Know the controls and how to stop the machine quickly.
• context Wear long pants, close-fitting clothes and non-slip safety toe footwear (no bare feet, sandals or sneakers!)
• context Wear hearing and eye protection.
• context Wear protective gloves when attaching or cleaning the blade.
• context Portable music players are not recommended since they can be a distraction to the operator.
• context Check the yard before mowing - clear the work area of rocks, bottles and debris that might be thrown by the blades.
• context Keep people (especially children) and pets away from the work area. A mower can throw objects in any direction.
• context Do not mow wet grass (walking on wet grass is a slipping hazard for you and more likely to cause the mower to clog).
• context Inspect the mower before starting it. Make certain that the blade is sharp and secured.
• context Replace thin or worn blades.
• context Make sure the blade stopping controls are effective. Adjust as necessary.
• context Make sure that shields and other guards, such as the rear drag shield and the discharge deflector, are in place and working properly.
• context Adjust wheel height before starting mower.
• context Turn off the engine before adding fuel. Fill the engine when it is cool, not while it is still hot after it has been used. Use a funnel to prevent spillage on the engine. Fuel up outdoors, then wipe up all spills.
• context Do not smoke when refueling!
• context Restart engine at least 8 metres (25 feet) from where you refueled to avoid igniting vapours.
• context Store gasoline safely - outside and away from any heat source.
• context If using an electric lawn mower, use the recommended grounded extension cord, and follow the applicable electrical safety procedures described in Powered Hand Tools - Basic Safety for Electric Tools.
• context If using a cordless electric (battery-powered) lawn mower, use the recommended battery and follow safety procedures in the manufacturer's operating manual.

What should you do when using a power lawn mower?

• context Start the lawn mower outdoors.
• context If your electric mower isn't labelled "double insulated," never plug it into anything but a grounded (3-prong) outlet. Use a ground fault interrupter (GFI) for additional safety.
• context Set mower at the highest cutting level when operating on rough ground.
• context Always push the mower in a forward direction.
• context Watch for hidden hazards such as holes, roots, drain pipes, chains, ropes, and insect nests.
• context Cut the throttle to idle and make sure the mower will not roll when stopping to pick up debris.
• context Proceed slowly into tall, heavy grass to avoid choking the mower or stalling the motor.
• context Use caution around low hanging branches and shrubs.
• context Operate a "push" mower standing up straight, not bent over. Do not pull the mower toward you (or your feet).
• context Mow across slopes. Your feet are less likely to slide under the mower and the mower cannot roll back. (This method is opposite from operating riding lawn mowers that are driven straight and down inclines.)
• context Make turns slowly and gradually.
• context Shut off mower, ensuring the blade has stopped rotating, and disconnect the spark plug wire (or disconnect an electric lawn mower) before tipping the mower by the handle to expose the underside for maintenance.
• context Stop the lawn mower immediately if the blade hits any hard object, inspect the blade, and make the necessary repairs before using the mower again.
• context Keep hands away from the blades. Use a stick to unclog or remove grass from the mower (after you have turned off the mower).
• context Turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
• context Mow away from the power cord if using an electric powered lawn mower.
• context Disconnect electric lawn mowers, turn off and remove safety key on battery-operated lawn mowers or turn off gas-powered mowers immediately after use and before unclogging the blades, or before doing repair work or maintenance.
• context Take frequent rest breaks, especially on hot days.