WHAT’S AT STAKE

The are no short cuts to ensure and maintain worker safety in push lawn mowers operations. These tools including standard and self-propelled models.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

Push lawn mower workers are exposed to injuries in their work operations from small cuts to major amputations. Common hazards in push lawn mower work include the following:

• Cuts from blades
• Catching fingers, clothing, or jewellery in pinch points or wrap points
• Burns from hot points
• Cuts, abrasions, and bruises from being struck by projectiles to eyes, face, or exposed skin
• Fire and spills when refuelling
• Prolonged noise exposure

Incident example

• A worker had three toes amputated when the push mower he was operating rolled back over his foot when he was mowing uphill on a slope. He was not wearing CSA-approved footwear.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Initial Safety Check-list

• Make sure you are familiar with the mower and its safe use.
• Check that the mower is in good operating order: Make sure blades are sharp, the motor is running smoothly, the auto-switch mechanism is working correctly, and that safety guards are in place.
• Check the worksite: Remove debris, look for holes, and check slopes and ground quality.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toe footwear, hearing protection, and safety eyewear.
• Wear full-length, close-fitting clothing and a hat.

On the Job

• Ensure the transmission is out of gear and disengage the mower blade clutch before starting the engine.
• Mow across the slope. (Your feet are less likely to slide under the mower, and the mower cannot roll back on you.)
• Always push the mower forward — don’t pull toward your feet.
• Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts and hot parts.
• If the blade hits any hard object, stop the mower immediately, inspect the blade, and make any necessary repairs before continuing.
• To unclog grass from the discharge chute, turn the motor off and use a stick or tool (keep your hands away).

Refuelling

• Refuel outdoors on the ground.
• Turn off the engine and allow it to cool before refuelling.
• Extinguish all ignition sources (for example, cigarettes).
• Use only an approved gasoline container in good condition.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the fuel tank.
• If you spill fuel on your clothing, change immediately.
• §Never overfill the tank.
• Replace the cap and tighten it securely.

Shut Down Protocol

• Shut down safely: Stop on level ground and disengage power to the mower.
• To clean the underside of the mower, make sure the motor is off, the blade has stopped rotating, and the spark plug wire is disconnected (or unplug the mower if it is electric).

Responsibilities of Employers

• Maintain and repair mowers.
• Train workers on how to use, move, and store mowers before they start work.
• Demonstrate how the safety features work (for example, guards, shields, and automatic releases), and instruct workers not to remove any of these features.
• Demonstrate how to lock out the equipment before clearing any jams or performing repairs or maintenance.
• Remind workers about the PPE they are required to wear.
• Provide adequate supervision after training.

FINAL WORD

When fueling or refueling equipment, never smoke, let the equipment cool down before refueling, remove cap slowly and never over-fill the tank.