Safety precautions when using a lawn mower
Lawn mowers can be a hazardeous gardening tools if not handled porperly. In the next article we will cover the most common injuries, mishaps and the precautions for avoiding them.
The most dangerous part of the lawn mowers are the rotating blades. These can reach such high speeds that the blade’s kinetic energy is high enough to severe any finger or limb of an uncautious user. Needless to say that under no conditions it is allowed to put the hands near them if the lawn mower is turned on and blades twisting. Also never induce a direct contact with a jammed blade! After turning the machine off the knives might be in motion for seconds afterward so it is important to wait a bit before proceeding.
Also great risk can be induced by the stones and other solid objects caught up from the ground and thrown out of the machine’s rotating parts. If the mower strucks any foreign object always, turn it off and disconnect it immediately and ensure no damage has been done to the knives and none of them got loose. When operating a lawn mower make sure there are no children or pets around, keep them in safe distance from the power cord (in case of electric lawn mower) or the machine itself.
Avoid using loose clothing and make sure no hair, dress or gloves can get in touch with the lawn mowers moving parts. The shoes and boots should be slip-free. Safety goggles are also a must.
When operating an electric lawn mower pay attention to the electric cord. Be sure it is never in the way, accidentally cutting it might have fatal outcome. Some products are fitted with so-called RCD which stands for residual current device. In case of inadvertent cable damage the electricity supply is cut off immediately.
When using a lawn mower always be aware of the surrounding but keep the eyes on the grass for objects which can get caught by the blades. Never use lawn mowers under effects of drugs and other pills lowering the concentration and after finishing the job always clean the mower, especially the blades and the rotating parts and store it on a safe place.