 |
|
|
| |
Almost 10,000 children are injured in lawnmower accidents each year. These
accidents often result in the amputation of a limb. Furthermore, the driver of the
mower is almost always a relative of the victim. This not only means the injured
child experiences great physical pain, but it often psychologically damages the
driver who feels responsible for the accident.
Children younger than 15 years of age have the most mower accidents of any age
group. Most of these injuries are caused by the unsafe use of power lawn mowers
rather than a mechanical problem. Only properly trained children 12 years or
older should be allowed to mow the lawn alone.
Follow these guidelines for safe mowing:
Always:
- Read the owner’s manual before mowing.
- Make certain teens who mow the lawn understand safety guidelines.
- Wear steel-toe shoes, protective eyewear and long pants.
- Be sure people – especially children – and pets are out of the yard
while mowing.
- Make sure the grass is dry.
- Clear the yard of sticks, stones and other debris that may be ejected at high
speed while mowing.
- Use a power mower that has a device that stops it from moving forward when
the handle is released and a riding mower that will not cut when in reverse.
- Turn off the blades when crossing a sidewalk or driveway.
- Let the engine cool 10 minutes before refueling. Gas spilled on a hot engine
could cause a flash fire.
- Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance work on a mower.
- Stay clear of a hot engine. Mufflers can reach up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mow across an incline with a walk-behind mower.
- Mow up and down an incline with a riding mower.
Never:
- Override the mower’s safety functions.
- Mow at dusk or at night.
- Allow passengers on a riding mower.
- Adjust the mower height, clean or remove the grass chute with the
engine running.
- Drink alcohol before or during mowing.
- Smoke when filling the gas tank.
- Leave the mower unattended while the engine is running.
|
|
| |
|
|
