During the growing season, a healthy lawn should be mowed about once per week. But while this chore is a weekly routine for many homeowners, no one should get in the habit of taking safety shortcuts. From cuts to burns, lawn mowers are responsible for many types of injuries. Rather than having to take an unplanned trip to the emergency room, here are five ways you can mow your grass with safety in mind. 

5 Essential Lawn Mower Safety Practices

1. Clean Before You Cut 

Prior to mowing, survey the yard and remove any obstructions that could become projectiles—including branches, portable sprinklers, storm debris, toys, and rocks. It’s also critical to keep others—especially children and pets—out of the yard while you’re cutting. 

2. Shield Your Body 

If you’re using any type of lawn equipment, it’s important to dress for protection. When mowing, for instance, you’ll want to wear boots that will prevent you from slipping on the ground. You’ll also want to wear long jeans, gloves, and goggles to shield yourself from projectiles. If your mower motor is 85 decibels or louder, wear ear protection to prevent hearing damage. 

3. Fuel Up Completely 

A mower’s motor—and the surrounding components—can get extremely hot. If you have to fill up in the middle of cutting, the tank area could be hot enough to burn you or spark an explosion. To play it safe, fill the tank up completely before you get to mowing. 

4. Be Aware of the Blades

If something gets stuck in the blades, turn the mower off and carefully dislodge the obstruction with a stick or handle. You should never touch the blades unless you’re sure the equipment is totally powered down, with the spark plugs removed. Even if the mower seems to be off completely, it may contain enough stored energy to move the blades fast enough to make an incision. 

5. Move in the Right Direction

During operation, keep the mower moving forward. Pulling backward could cause the lawn mower to hit your feet or legs, resulting in an injury. If you’re on a hill with a push mower, cut from side to side, rather than up and down the slope. If you’re using a riding or zero turn mower on a hill, do the opposite and direct it up and down the hill. Sticking with these patterns can help prevent the equipment from rolling over. 

When you need a mower to safely take on your lawn with confidence, turn to Bryant’s Outdoor Equipment for a wide range of solutions—including push, riding, and zero turn mowers. Providing Dothan, AL, customers with top-notch power tools and lawn equipment for over 15 years, this retailer will connect you to the right resources for your yard. Their knowledgeable staff also provides lawn mower repairs to keep your equipment running safely and efficiently. For more information on their offerings, visit this power equipment shop online or call (334) 794-4419.