When mowing, make safety utmost priority

One of the summer rituals in Maine, beyond going to camp at the lake, sailing on Penobscot Bay or feasting on lobsters and clams on the coast, is the mundane task of mowing the lawn.

Homeowners can plan on mowing anywhere from eight to 15 times per season, depending on the condition of the lawn, grass type, fertilizer, sun, water and other factors.

This year, with the rainy period we recently have endured, many lawns have become a virtual jungle or hay field.

Whether using a gas-powered push mower, rider, or electric model, lawn mower safety is important.

Each year 110,000 Americans are treated at emergency rooms for lawn mower injuries. Of those, more than 9,000 were younger than 18 years old. Total injuries, including those likely unreported, probably top 250,000 per year. Types of injuries include deep cuts, loss of toes and fingers, broken and dislocated bones, burns, eye injuries and more. These injuries are not only sustained by lawn mower operators, but also innocent bystanders in the vicinity of the mower.

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides many recommendations to reduce lawn mower injuries, including:

. Use a mower that has all the appropriate safety features operating, including the power stop when the handle is released.

. Children who are under 16 should not be permitted to use ride-on lawn mowers and children under 12 should not use power push mowers.

. Use hearing and eye protection and wear sturdy shoes, preferably not sneakers.

. Prevent injuries from flying objects by walking the lawn before mowing to check for rocks, glass, pet lines, loose wire including wire used for political signs, iron survey stakes, and other dangerous obstacles.

. Make sure that all children and pets are safely away from the area being mowed.

. When adjusting the wheel height or dislodging clumps of grass or other obstruction from around the blade, or otherwise working on the machine (which should only be done by an adult) make sure the engine is off and the spark plug wire disconnected.

. Never start or fuel a lawn mower in an enclosed building and fuel only when the engine is cool. Use a funnel to prevent spilling.

. Pull the lawn mower backward as little as possible.

. Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on lawn mowers.

. Read the operator’s manual, and follow its guidelines.

. Handle and store gasoline with care.

. Do not mow wet grass, especially if using an electric mower.

If using an electric mower, be sure to use the appropriate extension cord that is in excellent condition, and has a three-prong, grounded plug. Train the operator on safe usage. Properly maintain your mower for more safe and efficient operation.

. Do not mow when tired, while taking certain medications or after drinking alcohol.

. Store the lawn mower safely to prevent unauthorized use by children or people with disabilities.

. Treat the lawn mower muffler with care and do not touch it while the machine is in operation or shortly after operation. This part of the mower gets very hot and can cause burns.

It is easy to become complacent when using a lawn mower and forget the dangers that accompany its use. After all, that rapidly rotating, steel blade is essentially out of sight beneath the mower deck. Treating this machine with respect will reduce injuries.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast Contact for Better Business Inc., Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit organization and America’s oldest consumer advocacy agency of its kind, established in 1972. For help, write to Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or e-mail consumerhelp@bangordailynews.net.