Lawnmowers are super helpful for saving time, but they're also really powerful machines. So, it's crucial to be careful when using one, especially if you're new to lawnmowing. Even experienced folks need to be reminded of the safety basics.
So, to help you stay safe and keep your lawn looking good, we put together the top 10 safety tips to be aware of. These easy-to-understand guidelines will help you mow your lawn without any accidents or injuries.
Ready? Let's deep dive!
Using Lawnmowers Safely
There are several ways that someone using a lawnmower can get into trouble. The biggest danger is falling off the lawnmower or accidentally running over someone, especially with ride-on lawnmowers. Lawnmower operators must be cautious of their surroundings to avoid accidents.
Children specifically need to be educated on staying away from lawnmowers and to be looked after around lawnmowing operations. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, there have been hundreds of lawnmowing injuries sustained in Australia.
Injuries from lawnmowers can range from small cuts and burns to more severe problems like losing a body part or breaking bones. Let's go over the top 10 ways to prevent these injuries while taking care of your lawn.
Top 10 Lawnmower Safety Tips
In order to avoid sustaining any injuries while operating a lawnmower, it’s important to follow some essential lawnmower safety tips. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand put together five tips for keeping safe which we have expanded below.
- Never use your hands to dislodge debris from a lawnmower – always use a tool once the lawnmower has been switched off and unplugged.
- Don’t lift a lawnmower from the bottom – even when the machinery is unplugged, due to the sharp blades at the bottom of the machine.
- Never cut the grass with a lawnmower when the ground is damp or wet. This is to avoid any slippage, instability, or potential mechanical faults.
- Read the lawnmower manual before using it. This will ensure you know exactly how to operate the machinery.
- Never remove any safety guards or switches on your lawnmower. These are there for safety and to avoid any casualties during usage.
- Don’t have more than one person operate a ride-on lawnmower at any time to prevent any incidents from occurring.
- Ensure regular maintenance of your lawn mower, including keeping blades sharp. This is to avoid any faults and to encourage the stability of the machine.
- Never drink alcohol prior to or during lawnmower operation.
- Always wear the right equipment for lawn mowing, including appropriate footwear, gloves, and goggles for body protection.
- Never allow children near a lawnmower, particularly during its operation.
We've summarised this in the infographic below; you can download it for easy access whenever you have to operate your lawn mower.
Other Lawn Mowing Safety Tips
There are some additional pointers to help ensure safety when operating or choosing a lawnmower:
#1 - Buying Your Lawnmower
Always ensure that your lawnmower complies with Australian Standard AS3792.1. If you’re choosing a ride-on lawnmower, consider one that doesn't cut when it's moving backward for additional safety.
Likewise, buy your lawnmower from a verified dealer, and ensure it works according to the accompanying manual. If it’s a second-hand lawnmower, it’s always worth getting it looked over by a verified dealer.
#2 - Operating Ride-On Lawnmowers
If you're using a ride-on lawnmower, it's important to receive proper training beforehand. Here are some tips for safe operation:
- Remove debris from the surrounding areas of the lawnmower before usage, and it should be operated slowly with caution.
- Feet should always be kept on the lawnmower’s decking, and it’s imperative to check around you before reversing or steering in any direction.
- Slopes should be moved across vertically and not horizontally, and the blades should be completely switched off before descending the machinery.
#3 - Lawn Mowing Around Children
It's important to keep children away from lawnmowers and ensure they are never allowed to operate them. They should be closely supervised whenever the lawnmower is in use or even when it's left unattended.
As an extra safety measure, it's a good idea to safely store the lawnmower's key after you've finished using it. This way, you can prevent unauthorised use and reduce the risk of accidents.
Summary
Practicing lawnmower safety is essential to ensure that you can maintain a well-groomed lawn without putting your health and the safety of others at risk. By following these top 10 lawnmower safety tips, you can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful lawn while minimising the chances of accidents or injuries.
Remember to prioritise proper training, adhere to safety standards, and keep a close eye on those around you. By doing so, you'll make lawn care a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
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