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

Operate equipment carefully and follow recommended procedures.	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.
Dress properly for the job.	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).
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.	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.
Know how to operate your equipment.	Read the operator’s manual before using any power equipment. Know where the controls are located and their function. Follow safety instructions.
Clear the area before you start.	Pick up anything that could be thrown by the operating equipment such as rocks, twigs, cans and toys.
Handle gas carefully.	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.
Keep children and pets away from the mowing area.	Never allow children to operate any outdoor power equipment. Never carry children, or anyone, as passengers on a riding mower.

 

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.