Lawn Mower Safety Guide

Lawn mower safety tips

When using an electric mower, ensure that the cable is kept well away from the cutting blades —never run over the cable.

Shut pets indoors and don't allow children to play on the lawn while you are working, and certainly don't give small children a ride whilst you are cutting the grass - as shown in picture to the right.

Do not leave electric mowers plugged in to the mains, or petrol-driven motor mowers running when unattended.

Hover mowers must be used with caution, especially on uneven sites. Do not run them over the edge of a lawn since the air cushion effect will be lost and the blades will scalp the surface.

When cutting a grass bank, wear sturdy shoes with a good grip and work from the top of the bank in sweeping arcs from side to side, not up and down. During very dry periods, leave the grass cuttings on the surface, provided the lawn is free from weeds. This will help to conserve moisture.

At all other times, use the grass box on the mower or sweep up the cuttings afterwards. A continual return of cuttings leads to soft, weak turf and encourages worms and fungi. Empty the grass box before it spills over and, with rotary mowers fitted with a grass box, clear the guide slot occasionally to ensure free passage of cuttings, especially when the grass is damp Always switch off the power before putting your fingers anywhere near electric cutting blades.

Thoroughly clean and dry all lawnmowers before putting them away — use a stiff brush or a rag to clean the blades. Finish by wiping an oily rag over all bare metal, especially the blades. Oil all moving parts regularly to ensure smooth operation. You will need to spend some time on this cleaning routine, but it takes much less effort than trying to operate a neglected machine.

Check and adjust the cutting action of cylinder mowers several times a year. Sharpen or replace the blades as necessary. Blunt and maladjusted blades tear the grass rather than cut it, resulting in bruised, brown tips soon after you have mown.

And last but not least, maybe you shouldn't race your lawn mowers around the garden nor the local neighbourhood. Whilst lawn mower racing is indeed a sport, take heed that lawn mowers are actually dangerous pieces of equipment and should certainly only be raced under the right conditions and in the right place too.