Now that it’s time to get the old mower out, or shop for a new one, remember that hospital emergency rooms are flooded each summer by victims of walk-behind power mower injuries ranging from lacerations to finger and toe amputations. Beginners and professional lawn jockeys are equally at risk because the latter tend to take machines for granted, forget basic safety steps, then – whoops, “look, Ma, no thumb!”

Rotary mowers built before June 1982 are the biggest culprits because their blades rotate as long as the engine is operating. When grass jams the discharge chute, users may be tempted to allow the motor to run while they remove clippings with their hand so they don’t have to yank the start cord again. That’s a great way to lose fingers.

If you want to be safe, follow the basic rules.

1. Wear hard-toed footwear when mowing – steel-reinforced boots are best – and always pay attention to your foot position when pulling the mower backward.

2. Police the area before you mow and remove rocks and other objects that can become dangerous projectiles when others in the area, especially children or pets, pass by. Never let kids play near you.

3. If mowing a steep slope, never push the mower up a hill. Mow side to side instead. Wear footgear with good tread to avoid dangerous slips.

4. If the mower gets befouled by grass, turn it off and disconnect the spark plug before you attempt to clear the mess. Use a stick or scraping tool, not fingers.

5. Before you mow, check to see whether the blade needs replacement. If the machine isn’t running well or doesn’t start easily, get it tuned up before you start struggling.

Gasoline fires and explosions also cause many mowing injuries every year. If your mower runs out of gas, put it in the shade and get a cold drink. Give it 15 minutes to cool. Never gas up when an engine is hot. When you refill the tank, use a funnel spout to avoid splashing.

If you are shopping for a new mower, buy safe and smart. Consider the following factors which affect safety and satisfaction levels:

. Who will be using the machine most? Will that person tire quickly if they push the mower all the while, or would a better choice be a self-propelled mower?

. Does the mower have deflectors at the discharge chute that force thrown objects to be ejected toward the ground rather than upward?

. Does the mower start easily? Is it easy to operate? Are controls within easy reach? Is the handle adjustable so others can remain in balance and use the mower without difficulty?

. Do you want to vary the cutting height? Manufacturers use several methods to adjust the cutting height, including wheel levers and bolted wheels. Consider the ease with which you can adjust the cutting height.

. If you don’t bag grass clippings as you mow, you might choose an “engine kill” mower where the engine shuts down and the blade stops within three seconds after you release your grip on the controls.

. If you use a grass catcher to bag clippings, consider a mower with a blade brake clutch where the blade stops within three seconds after you release the control bar, but the engine continues to operate so you can empty the grass catcher frequently without turning off the engine.

. Can you do some maintenance yourself or is the machine so complex that it must be returned to the shop for routine maintenance and repairs?

OK, Easy Mower, you’re ready to get your motor runnin’ and head out on the lawn. Happy trails.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Individual membership $25, business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04401