A spring primer on lawn mower safety

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Put away the snowblower and tune up the lawn mower because what passes for spring these days has arrived.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute offers some tips for proper and safe operation of all the things you need to keep your yard looking marvelous:

Use the right equipment for the task. Mowers, hedge trimmers and so forth are designed to help you manage a landscape as efficiently and productively as possible.

Read the operator’s manual to understand the controls of your equipment.

Regularly inspect your equipment. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Install clean air filters so your engine and equipment run optimally.

Have your mower’s cutting blades sharpened so it will operate more efficiently, cutting your lawn more cleanly and making it healthier.

Clear the area being managed. Remove any debris, wires, branches, nails, rocks, or metal that could become projectiles if thrown by the blades of a lawn mower or other equipment.

Dress properly. Wear substantial shoes, long pants and close-fitting clothes. You also may want to wear eye or hearing protection, or both.

Observe safe fueling procedures. Fill a gasoline tank only when the engine is cool.

Do not use gas with more than 10 percent ethanol (E10) in your mower.

— Contact Alan J. Heavens at aheavensphillynews.com