Mower Safety

Proper instruction & information is critical:

Do not use any lawn mower without proper instruction. Only trained operators are allowed to use the lawn mowers. Proper training must include a review of the operator’s manual, as well as a skills evaluation to assure that the operators understand the features of this piece of equipment 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 wrap around lenses; can be appropriately shaded.

  • Ears: Ear plugs or muffs when operating or around noisy equipment.

Safe Operation

  • Equipment operators must be trained and qualified to operate each of the different types of lawn mowers that they may be asked to use. Training must be documented and kept on file. Before mowing an area, the equipment operator must make sure the area to be mowed is clear of people and hazards. Hazards may include uneven or soft terrain, holes, foreign objects, sprinkler heads and any other type of obstruction they may encounter (roots, hoses, cords, etc.).

  • Lawn mowers may not be left unattended. Engines and any other power take-off or drives shall be shut off before the operator gets off the mower. Mowers must be disengaged when moving from one job to the next and when passing over curbs, gravel, or similar surface.

  • Mower blades cutting-height must not be set too low creating contact with rock or soil, typically lower than one inch.

  • Mowing hills and slopes requires the operators to follow special precautions and manufacturer instructions as to 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 in daylight, but be mindful of the signs and symptoms of heat stress. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.

  • If blade inspection or any type of repair or cleaning is needed during work, shut off the mower and assure the blade has stopped rotating. Disconnect the spark plug wire or unplug the power cord to assure the mower will not start while 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 DON’Ts

  • Do not operate mower with more than on person riding on equipment

  • Do not over-fill the gas tank or over-tighten the gas cap after refueling.

  • Do not use mower as a gator or cart to move equipment

  • Do not use an electric mower in rain or other wet conditions