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

Background Amputee Coalition of America More than 600 children undergo mower-related amputations each year SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safe operation Wear the proper PPE Safety glasses/goggles Protect eyes from flying debris or splashing fuel Gloves SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Safe operation Wear the proper PPE Ear plugs The noise level from a typical gas-powered mower is dB Reflective safety vest Always wear when operating a mower near mobile vehicles SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

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

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

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

Safety quote “Know safety, no injury. No safety, know injury.” ~Author Unknown SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.