Mower Safety

Safety & Training

Proper Instruction & Information Is Critical:

Do not use any lawnmower without proper instructions. Only trained operators are allowed to use the lawn mowers. Proper training must include a review of the operator’s manual and a skills evaluation to ensure operators understand the equipment’s features and can use it safely.

PPE Requirements

Body: Long-sleeved shirt and long-legged pants without loose areas that could create a pull-in hazard.
Feet: Anti-slip, enclosed, ankle-height, leather boots.
Eyes: Safety glasses with side shields or wraparound lenses; appropriately shaded.
Ears: Earplugs or muffs when operating or around noisy equipment.

Safe Operation

Equipment operators must be trained and qualified to operate all types of lawn mowers they may be required to use. Training must be documented and kept on file. Before mowing an area, the equipment operator must ensure that the area is free of people and hazards. Hazards may include uneven or soft terrain, holes, foreign objects, sprinkler heads, and other obstructions (e.g., roots, hoses, cords).
Lawn mowers may not be left unattended. Engines and any other power take-off or drive systems shall be shut off before the operator dismounts the mower. Mowers must be disengaged when moving from one job to the next and when passing over curbs, gravel, or similar surfaces.
Mower blades must not be set too low, creating contact with rock or soil; typically, this is below 1 inch.
Mowing hills and slopes requires the operators to follow special precautions and manufacturer instructions as to the use and limitations of the equipment. A pre-survey and approach needs to be established. All hills, slopes, and banks that exceed the safe operating limit of the equipment must be mowed with a walk-behind mower in accordance with the equipment’s safe operating instructions.
Mow during daylight hours, but be mindful of the signs and symptoms of heat stress. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
If blade inspection, repair, or cleaning is required during work, shut off the mower and ensure the blade has stopped rotating. Disconnect the spark plug wire or unplug the power cord to ensure the mower will not start while your hands are near moving parts. Avoid touching hot parts.
When refueling gas-powered lawn mowers, make sure the engine is not running or hot. Fuel outdoors at least 20 feet from any possible ignition source. Move well away from the fueling location and its lingering fuel vapors before starting up the mower. Wipe up any spilled gasoline immediately.
When using an electric mower, mow away from the cord. Always use a grounded cord that is not frayed with a grounded three-prong outlet.

Safety DONT’S

Do not operate the mower with more than one person riding on the equipment
Do not overfill the gas tank or over-tighten the gas cap after refueling.
Do not use a mower as a gator or cart to move equipment
Do not use an electric mower in rain or other wet conditions