LAWN MOWER SAFETY

In the U.S., more than 9,000 children go to the emergency room for lawn mower-related injuries every year.

Power mowers can be especially dangerous. However, most lawn mower-related injuries can be prevented by following these safety guidelines.

When is my child old enough to mow the lawn?

Before learning how to mow the lawn, your child should show the maturity, good judgment, strength and coordination that the job requires. In general, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should be at least.

- 12 years of age to operate a walk-behind power mower or hand mower safely

- 16 years of age to operate a riding lawn mower safely

It is important to teach your child how to use a lawn mower. Before you allow your child to mow the lawn alone, spend time showing him or her how to do the job safely. Supervise your child's work until you are sure that he or she can manage the task alone.

BEFORE MOWING THE LAWN:

- Keep kids out of the yard when mowing - imagemake sure that children are indoors or at a safe distance well away from the area that you plan to mow.

- Read the lawn mower operator's manual and the instructions on the mower.

- Check conditions: * Do not mow during bad weather, such as during a thunderstorm.

* Do not mow wet grass.

* Do not mow without enough daylight.

- Clear the mowing area of any objects such as twigs, stones, and toys, that could be picked up and thrown by the lawn mower blades.

- Make sure that protective guards, shields, the grass catcher, and other types of safety equipment are placed properly on the lawn mower and that your mower is in good condition.

- If your lawn mower is electric, use a ground fault circuit interrupter to prevent electric shock.

- Never take a child as a passenger on lawn mower - imagenever allow children to ride