Landscaping Power Equipment Safety

With safety in mind, remember these easy steps for operating outdoor power equipment.

OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SAFETY TIPS

Portable Power Equipment

• Clean or replace air filters and change spark plugs, if necessary.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• Refer to the operator’s manual for specific troubleshooting and parts maintenance recommendations.
• Disconnect spark plug wires before cleaning, making repairs, or conducting routine inspections.
• Regularly check that all nuts and bolts are tight.
• Check that engine cooling fans are clean before every operation.
• Clean all dirt and debris from the engine and equipment before operation.

Trimmers

• Regularly check that all nuts and bolts are tight.
• Clean or replace air filters and change spark plugs, if necessary.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• With spark plugs disconnected, remove and replace trimmer line.
• Always turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before attempting to unclog or work on outdoor power equipment. If leaving unattended, turn off engine and remove key.
• Wear long pants, close-fitting clothes, sturdy shoes, and safety glasses. Don’t wear anything that could get caught in moving parts (loose jewelry or clothing. Be careful of long hair).
• Never work on equipment while it is running. Never remove or tamper with safety devices or labels. They are provided to protect you and your family.
• Read the operator’s manual before using any power equipment. Know where the controls are located and their function. Follow safety instructions.
• Pick up anything that could be thrown by the operating equipment such as rocks, twigs, cans and toys.
• Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold. Don’t spill when you fill. Store gas in an approved container in a cool, ventilated area. Never smoke around gasoline.
• Never allow children to operate any outdoor power equipment. Never carry children, or anyone, as passengers on a riding mower.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before cleaning, making repairs, or conducting routine inspections.
• Chainsaws
• Check the bar for excessive wear or bent rails and replace, if necessary.
• Check the throttle trigger, interlock system, and chain brake for proper functioning.
• Check safety devices to make sure that they are attached and working.
• Assure that the chain saw is sharp, properly tensioned and getting sufficient oil.
• With a brush or light air source, clean cooling fans on a flywheel, the cylinders fans, area outside the carburetor, and started housing.
• Have the carburetor checked and adjusted periodically by a properly trained person to assure that the saw is running at peak performance and without excessive heat.
• Check that the saw idles properly (the chain should not rotate at idle speed).
• Use a high-quality bar oil to lubricate the bar and chain.

Walk-Behind Rotary Tillers

• Clean or replace the air filter and the spark plugs, if necessary.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• With the spark plugs disconnected, sharpen blades and tines, in accordance with the operator’s manual.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before cleaning the tiller, making repairs, or conducting routine inspections.
• Clean all dirt and debris from engine and tiller before operation.

Lawn Mowers

• Clean all dirt and debris from the engine and mower before operation.
• Clean or replace the air filter and spark plugs, if necessary.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• With the spark plugs disconnected, sharpen blades in accordance with operator’s manual.
• On electric mowers, make sure cords are not cut or frayed;
• on battery powered mowers make sure they are fully charged.
• Regularly check for wear and tightness of all belts, chain drives, nuts and bolts.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before cleaning the mower, making repairs, or conducting routine inspections. (Unplug the power cord on electric mowers.)
• Check that engine cooling fans are clean before every operation.

Edgers

• Clean or replace the air filter and spark plugs, if necessary.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• With the spark plugs disconnected, remove and replace the trimmer line.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before cleaning, making repairs, or conducting routine inspections.
• Check that the engine cooling fans are clear before every operation.
• Regularly check that all nuts and bolts are tight.
• Clean all dirt and debris from the engine and edger before operation.

Shredders & Grinders

• Clean or replace the air filter, if necessary. Clean or replace the spark plugs every year.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• Check wheels and make sure tires are inflated with the proper pressure.
• Always disconnect the spark plug wire before cleaning the shredder, making repairs, or conducting routine inspections.
• Check that the engine cooling fans are clean before every operation.
• Regularly check that all nuts and bolts are tight.
• Check cutting blades often and rotate/replace as necessary, according to the operator’s manual.
• Clean dirt and debris from the engine and shredder housing.
• Ensure the correct tension of the belt, according to the operator’s manual.

Lawn & Garden Tractors

• Check that the tires are inflated with proper pressure.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• Every year change engine oil, clean or replace the air filter, and change spark plug (s).
• Check electrical system for loose or dirty connections.
• Check mower deck for bolt tightness, belt wear, and blade sharpness.
• Disengage all power when leaving operator’s seat.