UF/IFAS Okeechobee County Extension Service

458 Highway 98 North

Okeechobee, FL 34972-2578

Phone: (863) 763-6469

E- mail: dfculbert@ifas.ufl.edu

April 28, 2004

Feature Article - for release the week of May 2, 2004

Dan Culbert - Extension Horticulture Agent

Landscape Safely

Recently one of our local horticulture agents tripped and fell behind a lawnmower, with no damage done, thankfully, but it got me thinking about our Treasure Coast landscapes.  With all the equipment we use and the potential for accidents, many of them are preventable. One kind of equipment in particular, the lawnmower, often gives me the shivers when I see how  people sometimes operate this piece of lawn gear. Today's column is courtesy of Carol Bailey, Martin County's horticulture agent.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) keeps the injuries statistics that occur from lawn mowers or garden tractors. They estimate that about 230,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries relating to various lawn and garden tools.  Also each year, 75 people are killed and about 20,000 are injured on or near riding lawnmowers and garden tractors.  One out of every five such deaths involves a child.  So today, let's review a few tips for safety in the Florida Yard, especially as it relates to equipment operation.

Carol's father said the cliché best - When all else fails, read the directions!  Now, dear old dad was very intelligent and got a laugh out of that saying, but I never saw him start something new without reading the manual. The same goes for you.  Read the instructions and save them too.

It is also a good idea to review those manuals every so often. I don't know about you, but for me it's very easy to forget. Lost the manual? Check with your local equipment dealer for a copy.  Many manufacturers have posted those manuals on-line.  At the very least, there are numbers to call for such information.

Before you begin, walk the areas to be mowed or worked on with any power equipment.  Clear the area of stones, sticks, toys, debris, children, pets, and significant others. The easiest way to prevent injury is to avoid it.  If the kids are not there, they can't get hurt.  And, yes I know, it is supposed to be fun to ride on the mower with dad, just don't do it!  The statistic bears repeating - one out of every five deaths from mowers involves a child.  CPSC estimates that most of the deaths to children occurred when a child was in the path of a moving mower.  Children can get in the path of the mowers by falling off.

Dress the part.  It is Florida, it is hot, but wear long pants and long sleeve shirts - leave the jewelry inside. Make sure your clothes fit and are not baggy and floppy. This will protect you from flying objects, being caught in moving parts, and exposure to the sun.  Choose sturdy shoes with non-skid soles - that means no sandals, flip-flops, or canvas sneakers. It's your toes you are protecting.

You have eyes and ears too. Both can be at risk from mowers and other equipment.  Wear safety glasses and hearing protection every time. I don't want to hear that it's not manly or womanly to wear these things. What's not sexy is the loss of an eye or having to ask, "What did you say?" when that special someone whispers in your ear.

Check your equipment regularly.  Make sure the blades are sharp, and all the safety shields, cut off switches, and so forth are installed and in proper working order.  Disconnecting or removing safety features is for sissies!

Handle gasoline with care.  Keep the equipment clean of debris, keep all the bolts tightened, and the belts secure.  Never refill the gasoline tank while the lawnmower is running.  Let the motor cool for five minutes before refilling.  Always fuel up outdoors and properly clean up any spills. And - NO SMOKING during anything that deals with gasoline.

Never mow the grass or trim the shrubs when they are wet. For electrical equipment make sure that extension cords are in good condition and are rated for outdoor use.  Unplug electric tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts like mower blades.

Finally, turn off and make inoperable any power tools that are left unattended or stored. Try disconnecting spark plugs or putting keys up high out of the reach of small hands.  This will help prevent their use by children. It all comes down to a little common sense and planning, and we want you to be able to enjoy your well manicured Florida Yard when you are done.

Master Gardeners can answer your questions about your Florida Yard - call or visit them on Tuesday afternoons here at our office. If you need additional information on how to safely operate landscaping equipment , visit out webpage at http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu , or stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North. Our phone number is (863) 763-6469, and you can email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu.

-30-

Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS /University of Florida. Larry A. Arrington, Acting Dean.

 References

Foerste, Eleanor. "Gardening Safety".   Kissimmee: Osceola Co. Extension Service, 5/18/2000.

US CPSC Office of Information and Public Affairs.  "Lawn and Garden Safety Tips - CPSC Urges Care With Springtime Chores."  Washington: US CPSC, Release # 96-127.   5/20/1996.