Mowing Safety
Mowing safety tips for every property owner.
Mowing your property can be a leisurely activity – until an accident happens.
All types of outdoor power machinery require safety precautions to prevent accidents. For ride-on mowers, one of the hazards is improper handling of blades which may lead to injuries. Also, there is an added risk of causing injuries to pets or other people in the household if you do not follow preventive measures.
This guide will explain why you should prepare before mowing and what safety precautions to take when you start mowing your property to improve your mowing safety.
Correct preparation is essential before mowing
Being prepared before mowing your property will help you prevent injuries. That way, you’ll be able to mow with ease and comfort, and at the same time minimising any risk to yourself, the equipment or any person in your household. Mow with safety.
Avoid mowing your property during the hottest part of the day from 10 am to 2 pm. Instead, schedule your mowing activity early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Small children, pets and the aged must stay away from the areas you intend to mow to prevent any risk of injury.
Check the area for any debris or obstacles that may damage the mower or cause physical harm: this includes rocks, large branches or sticks.
Apply sunscreen with SPF 50+ at least 20 minutes before you mow. Remember to wear a broad-brimmed hat to keep your eyes shaded from the glare of the sun and to let you mow with less risk from the sun.
Always wear safety attire. These are: • Safety goggles or wraparound sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS/NZS1067:2003 to prevent any debris flicked by the mower blades from entering the eye. • Closed shoes, gloves, and long trousers will prevent skin irritants, cuts, insect bites and puncture injuries, especially if you’re planning to mow parts of your properties with thick shrubs and weeds. • Mowers can produce sounds at more than 100 decibels. Listening to sounds at over 85 decibels for long periods can cause hearing damage, so wear earplugs or ear defenders.
Check your fuel level. If you need to add fuel to your mower, do it before starting the engine and not when it is running or hot.
Reading the manual of your ride-on mower will provide you with specific information on how best to operate the equipment safely. This will help you be familiar with any safety requirements of your mower.
How to mow safely
Now that you have prepared adequately for mowing, it is essential to remember these safety mowing tips to avoid accidents and mow with safety:
Not all ride-on mowers are built for mowing on steep slopes. Choose a mower that is designed for steep incline work. If you have to mow on a slope, it is safer to mow up and down, not across. Should there be an obstacle and you need to make a turn, do it when you are going up; not when going down.
To prevent your ride-on mower from rolling over, drive slowly, especially when turning. For additional protection, install a Roll-over Protection System (ROPS) on your ride-on mower. Ask your local dealer for advice.
Watch out for gravel patches when mowing. Do not go over rocky patches when the blades are turning.
If you have a small child in your household, don’t let them sit on your lap.
Whenever you need to change the blades or unclog the chute, always turn off the mower. It’s also best to detach the spark plug to prevent any chance that the mower will turn on.
Always focus on your mowing. Avoid distractions such as using the phone.
Keeping your mower and other outdoor power equipment in excellent condition will help ensure that you can mow without a hitch.
Remember that safety doesn’t happen by accident. With proper preparation and by following safety precautions, you can prevent any possible injuries and accidents. Plus, using the rough terrain mower such as the Razorback all-terrain mower will allow you to efficiently and safely mow even on steep slopes and undulation.
Be proactive. Safety is your responsibility.
Arrange your onsite demo today! Or simply call us on 1800 088 567 and ask to speak to a Razorback Product Specialist!
References
Lawnmower safety, Omcpowerequipment.co.nz
Gardening safety, Betterhealth.vic.gov.au