Lawnmower Safety

 

When selecting a lawnmower, make sure that any model you choose has the following safety features:

  • To reduce the possibility of a child accidentally starting the lawnmower, a lock-off switch should be fitted. This requires two operations to turn the engine on.
  • The mower should be fitted with a blade brake that stops the blades spinning within 5 seconds of being turned off.
  • Blades should be well protected so that there is no danger of them coming into contact with the user's feet.
  • Make sure that the mower is fitted with a deadman's handle. This is an automatic cut-off device that ensures that blades stop and mowers cannot move accidentally. The handle is held whilst mowing and then turns the engine off when released.

Always wear strong shoes or boots when mowing to protect your feet from the blades.