| Even though many lawn mowers come with safety | | | | mower blade for proper retention. |
| features, it is a powerful cutting machine that is | | | | Step 5: Handle gasoline with care. If you spill fuel, |
| dangerous and should be treated as such. Improper | | | | wipe it up promptly and allow time for vaporization |
| use could result in personal injury or even death. The | | | | before you start the mower. Store gasoline in a |
| U.S. Government estimates that 60,000 people are | | | | proper container away from children and your home. |
| treated in hospitals for lawn mower related injuries. | | | | Step 6: Warn other people before mowing your lawn. |
| Most accidents occur when people do not know how | | | | Keep children inside and pets penned up while |
| to operate their machine properly or they don't use | | | | operating your mower. Always be prepared to stop |
| common sense and get careless. | | | | in case someone or something darts in the area you |
| Step 1: Get to know your lawn mower. Check the | | | | are mowing. |
| owner's manuals frequently to familiarize yourself | | | | Step 7: Start your mower according to operators |
| with it. | | | | manual. Keep your hands and feet safely away from |
| Step 2: Dress properly. Do not wear open toe shoes | | | | the mower deck while starting. Always cease starts |
| or shorts. Don't wear loose clothing or hair that could | | | | if your engine becomes flooded to prevent ignition |
| possibly drawn into rotating parts. Use safety glasses | | | | spark. |
| and dust masks when the need is required. | | | | Step 8: Be mindful. Always be aware of your |
| Step 3: Prepare your lawn beforehand. Pick up rocks, | | | | surroundings and any potential dangers that might |
| sticks, wires, toys, tools or any objects that could be | | | | occur. Don't let the subconscious just take over while |
| thrown by the blade. | | | | thinking about things other than the job at hand. |
| Step 4: Prepare your unit. Make sure all parts are | | | | If you follow these steps, you can help avoid |
| tightened and nothing is missing. Check for and | | | | becoming another statistic. |
| correct any leaks. Check your oil levels and the lawn | | | | |