Power Equipment Safety

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-210 -- More Projects »

Figure A

Each year thousands of people are injured, sometimes seriously, by electric and gas-powered lawn equipment. Manufacturers have incorporated all kinds of slick safety features in their product designs, especially in the past 10 years. Among mowers, one of the best safety features is the automatic shut-off switch (figure A).

But no matter what steps manufacturers take to make their products safer, this machinery must be used properly. Even with these safety features, accidents can happen, the most common of which involves objects being propelled from the discharge shoot or from beneath the mower deck. If while mowing you run over an object--whether a stick, a stone, a golf ball or whatever--that object can be hurled by the mower blade at incredible speed, fast enough to cause serious injury to anyone unfortunate enough to be in its way. Make children play inside while you mow, because there's no such thing as a safe distance from a flying projectile.

Figure B

Also, don't let children mow the lawn until they've demonstrated a clear knowledge of and respect for one of the machines. Unless they're tall enough to see beyond the mower deck (figure B)--that is, see what's in front of them--they're better off playing baseball or video games. A lot of people are injured by mowers when they leave the engine running while removing the grass catcher. If the mower isn't equipped with the proper shut-off switch, and many older models aren't, objects can fly out of the discharge shoot.

Mowing Slopes

Figure C

Mowing on slopes is hazardous, especially on a riding mower. When mowing slopes, drive up and down the grade rather than across the face of the slope. And when going uphill, drive as if riding a horse--lean forward so the mower doesn't "pop a wheely." Also, empty the grass bags when only half full (figure C), because the full weight of the bags may cause the mower to tip over.

Be sure to empty grass bags before storing the mower because decomposing grass clippings can, in some cases, generate enough heat to cause a fire.

Blowers and Weed Whackers

Figure D

Blowers are relatively safe devices, but don't direct the nozzle at anyone because of the risk of eye injury. For victims of respiratory problems, wearing a mask will cut down on the amount of dust that finds its way into lungs (figure D). Actually, the biggest threat posed by blowers is ear damage, because of their noise level. For that reason, wear a pair of earplugs. The same is true of weed whackers, which can cause a good deal more than ear damage. The cutting heads of these things spin at incredible speed, enough to send objects flying into eyes, which is why it's a good idea to wear safety goggles. By shooting out little pieces of dirt, rock, and sticks as they cut, they can also do a number on legs, so wear pants.

Figure E

Another problem caused by blowers and weed-eating machines results from the vibrations they produce, which can cause something akin to tennis elbow in the joints of the arm and hand. Many newer models come equipped with antivibration devices, but if any pain follows prolonged use of these machines, take more breaks while working. If you run out of gas while operating one of these pieces of lawn equipment, let the engine cool, preferably in a shady spot, for at least 10 minutes before refueling. While filling the tank, be careful not to spill any gas on engine surfaces (figure E), which can get extremely hot and can in some cases ignite gasoline.

Electric Equipment

Figure F

For lawn-and-garden equipment powered by electricity, buy the best extension cords you can afford, and periodically check their condition, replacing any that show signs of wear. Also, install a ground-fault interrupter receptacle (figure F) where equipment is ordinarily plugged in. GFIs are available at hardware and home-and -garden centers and shut off the flow of current at the source (the receptacle itself) in the event of a short, thereby saving you from shock. Finally, be aware of the cord at all times so as not to run over it or get tangled up in it. Never use electrical devices on rainy days or when there is lots of dew on the ground.

Resources
Honda riding mower
American Honda Motor Co., Power Equip. Div.
4900 Marconi Dr.
Alpharetta, GA 30005
USA
Phone: 678-339-2600
Fax: 678-339-2487
URL: www.honda.com

Echo blower / sucker
Echo Inc.
400 Oakwood Rd.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
USA
Phone: 847-540-8400
Toll Free Phone: 800-673-1558
URL: www.echo-usa.com/start.asp

Echo weed trimmer
Echo Inc.
400 Oakwood Rd.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
USA
Phone: 847-540-8400
Toll Free Phone: 800-673-1558
URL: www.echo-usa.com/start.asp
Also in this Episode

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-210
•	Power Equipment Safety
•	Beneficial Bugs
•	Q&A:Trees
•	Deciduous vs. Evergreen

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