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Lance
Fluegel and Bradley
Rein
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
- Review
the instruction manual if you haven't used the mower for
awhile.
- Be
sure that all safety devices are in position and working
-- rear shield, grass chute deflector, handle upstops (not
on electric models), and "dead man control."
- Wear
close-fitting clothes, sturdy non-slip shoes, eye protection,
and hearing protection.
- Fill
the fuel tank out of doors when engine is cold. Wipe up
any spills.
- Do
not smoke while fueling the engine.
- Adjust
cutting height and blade condition-- sharpen if necessary
(engine must be shut off).
- If
your electric mower isn't labeled "double insulated" never
plug into anything but a grounded 3-prong outlet. Use a
ground fault interrupter (GFI) for maximum safety.
- Pick
up all debris in the lawn -- anything the mower could pick
up and throw.
- Be
sure grass is dry before cutting, to prevent the operator
from slipping.
- Do
not allow children or pets near the mowing area.
- Never
allow children to operate power mowers. Wait until they
are physically and mentally mature enough to handle the
job.
- Start
the mower outdoors near the area to be mowed.
- Do
not push a running mower over gravel, stones, or hard objects
such as pipes, rocks, or sidewalks.
- Push
the mower forward -- do not pull it.
- Mow
across the slope so if you slip you are less likely to get
your feet in the blade.
- Keep
electric cord out of the mowing path.
- Keep
hands and feet clear of the blade housing and the discharge
chute.
- Do
not run with push powered mowers.
- If
using a push powered mower be careful to not overdo your
work capacity especially on hot days.
- Take
frequent rest breaks especially if the operator is out of
condition.
- Point
the discharge chute away from people, pets, buildings, windows,
and glass doors.
- Turn
the mower off if you leave it for even a moment.
- Disconnect
the spark plug wire before working on the mower.
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Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This document
is
8831-R
,
a series of the the Cooperative Extension, the University of
Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719. Publication date: May 1989.
Lance
Fluegel, Safety Coordinator and Bradley Rein, Engineering
Specialist, the College of Agriculture, the University of
Arizona, Tucson AZ 85719.
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