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Safe and Proper Use of Outdoor Power Equipment
Be safe. Follow the operator's manual. Each tool performs a specific task like cutting, trimming, chopping, collecting or blowing. Only use the equipment for what it is designed to do. Carelessness may cause serious injury to the operator or anyone in the work area.
Remember These Safety Steps When Operating Any Outdoor Power Equipment
Know How To Operate Your Equipment
  • Read and understand the operator and safety manuals.
  • Know the controls and how they function.
  • Follow the safety instructions.
Dress Properly For the Job
  • Wear long pants and close-fitting clothes.
  • Wear sturdy shoes.
  • Don't wear things that could get caught in moving parts like loose jewelry or clothing; be careful of long hair.
Handle Gas Carefully
  • Don't spill when you fill.
  • Fill up before you start, when the engine is cold.
  • Store gas in an approved container in a cool, ventilated area.
  • Never smoke around gas.
Clear the Area Before You Start
  • Pick up rocks, twigs, toys -- anything that could be thrown from the equipment.
Keep Children and Pets Away From the Work Area
  • Never give a child, or anyone, a ride.
  • Children and pets should be left inside, away from the work area.
Operate Carefully and Follow Safety Procedures
  • Turn off the engine and disconnect spark plug wire when working on the equipment or attempting to unclog debris.
  • If you leave the equipment, turn off the engine and remove the key.
  • Never allow children to operate any type of outdoor power equipment. Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate the equipment.
Keep Hands Away From Moving Parts
  • Never work on equipment when it is running.
  • Never remove or tamper with safety devices or labels.
Wear Hearing And Eye Protection
  • Use special earmuffs or earplugs to protect your ears while allowing you to hear the sounds you need to hear.
  • Always wear safety glasses or goggles.
Lawn Mowers
  • Mow across a hill to avoid falls. Do not mow on a steep hill.
  • Keep the mower on flat ground. Never left the mower.
  • Shut the engine off when adjusting mower height.
  • If you hit something, stop the mower and turn it off. See if the machine is damaged before starting the machine again.
Leaf Blowers
Hand-Held and Backpack
  • Never point a blower nozzle at people or pets.
  • Follow local ordinances about when to use a leaf blower. Do not use very early in the morning or late in the day.
  • Use the lowest possible throttle speed.
Chain Saws
2-Cycle and Low Emissions 4-Cycle
  • Make sure the chain saw is not touching anything before you start the engine.
  • Do not operate a chain saw with one hand. You need to use two hands at all times.
  • Shut the engine off before setting the chain saw down.
Edger / Timmers
Wheeled and Walk-Behind
  • Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts while the engine is running.
  • Stop the engine when crossing gravel or any place where thrown objects may be a hazard.
  • Do not over speed the engine.
  • If you hit an object, stop the engine immediately. Turn it off and check for damage. Repair any damages before restarting.
Garden Tillers
Front-Tine and Rear Tine
  • If you hit an object, stop the tiller immediately. Turn it off and check for damage. Repair any damages before restarting.
  • Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts while the engine is running.
  • Stop the engine when crossing gravel or any place where thrown objects might be a hazard.
Log Splitter
Model Sizes May Vary
  • Always split wood in the direction of the gain, never across.
  • Keep hands away from the ram, wedge, and partially split logs.
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