A step-by-step guide on assembling, operating, and maintaining the tool is often included in your new lawn mower. However, you can’t usually find safety guides in the user manual and a list of all the do’s and don’t of using a lawn mower.
Thus, if you’re unfamiliar with the tool before using one, ensure to research the basic rules of how to use one to avoid unexpected instances that may result in serious injuries.
Below are five safety tips you should apply before using such a tool:
1. Wear the proper attire.
First and foremost, you must dress the part. You’ll need long pants to protect your legs, long sleeves to cover your arms, gloves for hand protection, close-toed shoes to avoid foot injuries from thrown objects, and safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Although wearing the proper attire can be uncomfortable, it would be best to prioritize safety before anything else. Dressing for this type of job will enable you to work smoothly and confidently, decreasing the risk of injuries.
And yes, many people get injured when mowing their lawns. You can check this page to see the statistics for lawn mower injuries, and you’ll see that these accidents are more common than you may think.
2. Check the space thoroughly.
Don’t just start mowing right away without pre-tidying your space. There might be objects in the ground that might be struck by the machine. So, walking through the lawn and removing any blocking objects is best.
Allocate enough time if you plan on mowing a large space to ensure safety and smooth mowing. This step is really a part of keeping your yard well-maintained.
Most of the time, these are the usual reason behind unexpected accidents of either the operator itself or bystanders. So, you may not get injured by the mower itself but by the things obstructing your path that can hit you.
3. Plan your path.
You can’t just go around with your machine running without planning your movements firsthand. To make your path safe, always move forward and never backward.
Moving your lawn mower backward can cause severe injury since the machine could slip and directly run on your leg or feet. Make sure you have a clear idea of how you’re going to move around your lawn in an organized manner.
Aside from that, firmly grasp the handle of your mower when using the machine to ensure that it won’t slip off, which may cause damage and accidents.
4. Always pull the plug after use.
Another notable safety tip when using this machine is permanently shut off the rotating blades right after use. Based on statistics, most of the injuries caused by these machines are when the user unintentionally forgets to pull the plug. Thus, before you leave your work, ensure that the tool is completely turned off.
5. Beware of burns.
Other than lacerations, you can also acquire burns when using a lawn mower. So, before using one, you must be aware of how hot the engine and exhaust can be when used. This is why it’s advised to wear long sleeves when mowing.
To avoid such incidents, always keep off your arms and hands in the engine. Aside from that, when it’s time to refuel, make sure that your tool is far from ignition fuels that could start a fire.
Final Words
Accidents are unpredictable, but you can sure make a way to protect yourself from them. You must be aware of the safety tips you can apply when doing a task that might cause injuries, like mowing your lawn. So, if you’re planning to mow your lawn, follow the safety guides above.