Properly maintaining and operating lawnmowers. Objective To instruct employees on how to safely...

Properly maintaining and operating lawnmowers

Objective

• To instruct employees on how to safely maintain and operate a lawn mower to prevent incidents

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background

• U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission

• Each year:

• 800 children are run over by riding mowers or small tractors

• 20,000 people are injured

• 75 people are killed

• One in five deaths involves a child


Background

• Amputee Coalition of America

• More than 600 children undergo mower-related amputations each year


Proper maintenance

• Make sure the motor is off before inspecting or repairing the mower

• Use a stick or broom handle to remove/clean debris

• Do your best not to use your hands or feet


Proper maintenance

• Read the operator manual

• Follow the recommended routine maintenance schedule and technical specifications

• Keep a record of routine maintenance

• Reminder of when it was last completed and when the next is due

• Properly store the lawnmower


Proper maintenance

• Make sure the mower has the correct regular oil fuel filter, and oil filter

• Most mowers need an oil change after 25 hours of use

• Check the manual for this mower

• ONLY use approved fuel containers

• Must be clearly labeled


Before use

• Walk around the mower to check for any leaks, missing parts, and/or guards

• Check the surrounds

• Safety concerns

• Possible trip hazards

• Make sure you have adequate training to operate this mower


Safe operation

• Do not remove safety devices, shields, or guards on switches

• Add fuel BEFORE starting the engine, not when it is running or when hot

• Never leave a mower unattended when it is running

• If you walk away, shut it off


Safe operation

• Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles

• Never mow barefoot or when wearing any type of open-toed shoes or heels

• Be aware that flying debris can travel at more than 100 mph


Safe operation

• Wear the proper PPE

• Safety glasses/goggles

• Protect eyes from flying debris or splashing fuel

• Gloves


Safe operation

• Wear the proper PPE

• Ear plugs

• The noise level from a typical gas-powered mower is 85-90 dB

• Reflective safety vest

• Always wear when operating a mower near mobile vehicles


Safe operation

• Long pants are recommended when mowing

• Don’t mow over gravel, stones, or other hard objects

• If anyone comes near the mower, turn it off

• Never allow anyone to ride with you on the mower


Review

• DO check your mower before use

• DO keep up with routine and scheduled maintenance

• DO wear the proper PPE at all times while mowing

• DO pay attention to your surrounds

• DO get the proper training


Review

• DON’T leave your mower running while unattended

• DON’T drink alcohol while on the job

• DON’T remove any safety guards

• DON’T fuel while the engine is hot

• DON’T allow others to ride with you on the mower


Safety quote

“Know safety, no injury.

No safety, know injury.”

~Author Unknown


Properly maintaining and operating lawnmowers. Objective To instruct employees on how to safely...

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