Power Equipment Safety
Power equipment safety is an integral part of owning and using lawnmowers, chainsaws, generators etc.
Before operating any lawn care equipment, ensure that you are completely familiar with the manufacturers operating instructions. When in doubt, contact an authorized dealer for your particular brand for help with operational familiarization. Never remain in doubt. The emergency room is the wrong place to start asking questions.
Always take your equipment for a trial run before using it under load. Get to know your equipments capabilities and limitations. Familiarize yourself with the controls and safety functions, fuel source and proper mixtures as well as all of the preventative maintenance steps that can be taken to extend the life of your equipment. Knowing how your equipment works is the best preventative measure against user injury.
Do not work in isolation. If a work partner is not available, let those closest to you know where you will work and what type of work you will be doing.
Always remember that children and power equipment don’t mix! Children and teenagers under the age of 16 should never operate machinery. Teenagers 17 and up should never operate power equipment unsupervised. Many teens are mature and capable enough to operate the equipment properly, but accidents can occur. Operators of any age should always have good comprehension of how these machines work, and a well-rounded sense of good judgment.
Simple things like knowing to how store and pour fuel, maintain and clean your equipment and tell-tale signs of potential problems will help to avoid future, costly issues. Be pro-active rather than re-active.
When it comes to combustible fuel and the various ratios of oil fuel mix. Always re-fuel in well ventilated areas away from ignition sources (i.e. pilot lights, burn piles). You should never smoke while handling anything that could ignite.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS: Before taking on any job, it is important to dress appropriately for the task and the envirionment. Work clothing should be functional and form fitting. Loose clothing; when worn around gasoline powered equipment is a recepie for disaster. Shirts and pants should be comfortable and durable providing adequate coverage for all extremities.
Follow all manufacturers recommendations! Gloves, boots and protective eye wear are ideal for most jobs. Don’t hesitate to use task specific personal protective equipment (i.e. chainsaw chaps, ear plugs, helmet, face shield, etc).
Never wear opened toe shoes, sandals, or work barefoot! Lawnmowerpros.com recommends wearing the most protective footwear possible such as steel-toed boots/shoes.
– Jason Foreman
