8 Vital Tips for Lawnmower Safety
The hum of lawnmowers starting up one by one reverberates around the average Kiwi neighbourhood for at least half the year. Both young and old purchase and use lawnmowers, and it’s not uncommon to see even children out taking care of their parents’ yards in exchange for pocket money.
With no visible dangers, lawnmowers don’t look all that hazardous, but they can be. To avoid being one of the over 21,000 people who experienced a lawn mowing-related injury in a five-year period, take note of some of these vital tips for mower safety below.
Always Read the Manual
The lawnmower you borrowed from your neighbour may not be the same as the one you purchased for yourself. Every make and model is different, and there can even be significant differences between models from the same manufacturer.
Before you fill up with fuel and get ready to start mowing, take a moment to read through the user manual for your unique mower. Familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s recommended ‘do’s and don’ts’ and ensure you’re well aware of your mower’s safety features before mowing gets underway.
Wear Protective Clothing
It’s not uncommon to see people mowing their lawns in jandals, shorts, and a t-shirt. While that’s appropriate attire for relaxing in the sunshine or heading to the beach, it’s less suitable for mowing your lawns with a machine featuring a blade turning over 2,000 RPM.
Even if the sun’s shining, safety gear can be a crucial consideration. Invest in earmuffs for ear protection, a tough pair of shoes, long pants, gloves, and even safety glasses if your lawn might contain debris or backs onto hard materials like gravel.
Perform Routine Maintenance
Many people are transitioning towards electric mowers to help the environment, but they’re also enjoying how very little maintenance they require. Aside from blade sharpening, you don’t generally need to worry about too much.
Petrol mowers can be much different. You have to sharpen and replace blades, check and top-up oil and fuel, and even replace the spark plug from time. All this maintenance is essential, so whether you’re mowing your lawns frequently or infrequently, get into the habit of checking these components before you get to work.
Clear Your Lawn of Debris
Children’s toys, pet toys, and general debris can wreak havoc on your lawnmower while also being a hazard. The fast-spinning blades underneath your mower have the potential to flick up debris and seriously injure whoever is pushing the mower.
Before you mow your lawns, always walk around your property and inspect it for anything potentially damaging or dangerous. Large sticks, stones, toys, and hard materials are all potential hazards hindering your mowing experience.
Select a Mower That’s Right For You
No two lawnmowers are the same, with some being heavier, lighter, larger, and smaller than others. Take your time to purchase a mower that’s right for you, rather than being driven by price alone.
Self-propelled lawn mowers are popular for people with sloping sections or who need a helping hand. Light mowers are generally ideal for small areas, and larger ones often suit medium to large sections.
The more suitable a mower is for your needs and capabilities, the easier it may be to control it and the safer you might be while operating it. If you’re unsure what type of mower you require, talk to your local lawn mowing retailers.
Never Let Children Under 12 Mow Your Lawns
Getting the kids involved with household chores is an excellent idea. It gets them off their screens and generally provides them with an opportunity to earn pocket money. However, there is a right and wrong time to introduce them to the lawnmower.
A 12-year-old is often seen as capable of mowing lawns, but you know your children better than anyone. Wait until they have the maturity, strength, and coordination to undertake this task safely. Don’t forget to run them through the most appropriate safety tips before they get started.
Take Care When Refuelling
One of the most frustrating things when mowing your lawns is running out of fuel halfway through. You might think nothing of opening the fuel tank and topping it up so that you can continue, but this isn’t a safe practice.
Fuel is highly flammable, and exposing it to a hot tank may not be the best choice. Get into the habit of refuelling before mowing or turning the engine off and waiting at least 20 minutes after running it before filling it.
Hire the Crewcut Team to Help
There can be a lot involved in running a mower safely. You have to maintain it, wear safety equipment, and make sure you’re confident using the lawnmower you own. If you’d prefer to enjoy a nice lawn without all the effort, contact the friendly team at Crewcut to take care of all the hard work for you.