Ready to get out the lawn mower, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, or other outdoor power equipment to spruce up your backyard? The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), based in Alexandria, Virginia, urges homeowners to keep safety in mind before starting up any equipment.
“We know you’re eager, but think safety first,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI, an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car, and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “I can’t stress enough to review manufacturer’s safety guidance before starting up any equipment—and follow it.”
OPEI offers these tips for readying and using your outdoor power equipment:
1. Read and follow your owner’s manual
Technology is ever-changing with evolving safety systems and other features. Your manufacturer-supplied manual will guide you in these differences.
2. Walk your yard before mowing, cutting, and digging
Slopes, wet grass, and weather might impact equipment performance, as well as safe handling procedures. Pick up fallen sticks, tree limbs, and any loose objects that could be hit by a mower. Inspect trees for damaged limbs that might get in your way when mowing or might require pruning.
3. Know every lawn mower is different
Whether your mower is a garden tractor, zero turn mower, or other type, its unique design, power supply, performance, operating parameters, weight, and other differences impact how to use it—and how to use it safely.
4. Look over equipment before use
Check the air filter, oil level, and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative. Never disable or alter manufacturer-installed safety equipment.
5. Protect your power
Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment if it is not designed for higher ethanol blends. Add a fuel stabilizer if you don’t use up all the fuel in the tank right away. Burn off any fuel before storing the mower for more than 30 days. Only use battery packs specified by the manufacturer for battery/electric equipment. Follow all manufacturer’s charging and storing instructions.
6. Keep children and pets away from operating outdoor power
Period.
7. Keep your equipment clean
Remove dirt, oil, or grass before using and storing so it will run more efficiently and last longer. Store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp or wet environments.
For more outdoor power equipment safety information, go to opei.org.
—Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
