Important Safety Checks For Your Lawnmower

Like most appliances, lawnmowers require a certain amount of upkeep and attention to keep them working safely. Here, we'll be running you through all of the most important safety checks for your lawnmower so you can make sure your appliance is working safely and hazard-free.

First things first, remember to always switch off and unplug your lawnmower from the mains whenever you're carrying out work or maintenance.

Let's get stuck in! To learn how to keep your lawnmower running safely, simply watch the video or read our guide below.

Before you start mowing, make sure you walk across your lawn and remove any stones, sticks and debris. Otherwise, such debris could cause damage to your lawnmower. This includes dulling the blade, which will lead to your lawnmower not cutting grass properly or evenly. The debris could even fly up and hit you, so this is an important piece of advice to heed for your own wellbeing as well as your lawnmower's safety. For extra safety, it's a good idea to wear eye protection while you mow to protect yourself from any potential harm.

On the topic of debris, it's important to make sure you wear sturdy footwear such as trainers or work boots when mowing. You should never wear sandals, flip flops or mow barefooted as you could end up hurting your feet, whether with debris or the mower itself.

As a lawnmower is designed for outdoor use, it can be easy to forget that it should be stored away and sheltered from the elements when not in use. Make sure you store your lawnmower mower in a dry and safe place such as your shed or garage, and if it is wet, always wipe it down after use.

If you use an extension lead when mowing your lawn, always make sure it's set up in a dry place. You should also make sure you don't accidentally drag the extension through any water such as puddles or dewy grass. If your extension lead has a reel cable, make sure it is fully unwound before using the mower to prevent it from overheating.

There are a couple of reasons why you shouldn't use your lawnmower during wet weather. First of all, it's harder to mow properly when it's wet outside, and doing so will likely end up leaving your grass unevenly cut. On top of that, wet grass cuttings will clump together, making it much more difficult to empty your lawnmower once the job is done. That's why we recommend only mowing when it's dry outside.

When using your lawnmower, make sure the cable is always safely out of the way. Running over the cable accidentally could end up giving you an electric shock. And, even if you're lucky and manage to avoid a shock, you'll end up having to replace the power cable anyway.

For extra protection when using your lawnmower (or any other outdoor appliance) we recommend using an RCD, which means 'residual current device'. These devices plug into your sockets or extension cords, and you can then plug the appliance you're using directly into the RCD. The RCD will then switch off the electricity if it detects any changes in the current, keeping you safe from electrocutions.

You should also get into the habit of always unplugging your lawnmower as soon as you've finished using it. This is especially important if you're looking at the blades, emptying grass clippings or removing debris from the underside of the mower. Otherwise, you could end up hurting yourself, so it's vital to make sure your appliance is unplugged before putting your hands anywhere near the blades or other hazardous areas. Wearing heavy-duty gloves will also help protect your hands from harm.

As with all appliances, you should always heed any warning signs. If you smell burning coming from your lawnmower, or if it's making any unusual noises, stop using the appliance immediately until the problem has been identified and fixed.

Sometimes, if a certain type of appliance is discovered to have faults, it may be recalled by the manufacturer. That's why it's a good idea to make sure you know if your lawnmower has been recalled, in case it is no longer safe for use. When buying a new appliance, make sure you register it with the manufacturer so they can get in touch with you regarding any important safety information about your model. It's also a good idea to check that your existing mower isn't on any recall lists too.

On the rare chance that your lawnmower sets alight, don't try and put the fire out yourself. Make sure you get to safety and phone the fire brigade instead so that professionals can deal with the problem.

There you have it! All of our important safety checks for your lawnmower. Hopefully, you're now far more familiar with how to keep your appliance working safely.

On top of keeping your lawnmower safe, you should also make sure it's regularly cleaned for optimal performance. Simply head over to our article on how to clean your lawnmower to learn how to keep your appliance clean and in great shape.

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