Spring Yard Work

Springtime is the time of the year when many of our associates start their annual spring cleanup by digging into yard work, dusting off their lawn mowers, trimers, chain saws, and dragging out other power equipment out of the garage from the winter season. Most of these tools have laid dormant over the cold months and could use some slight maintenance to get them going. 

A few tips to help keep safe:

• Inspect your lawn equipment prior to getting started. You may need some maintenance to make sure it’s in good working condition.

• Take a look at these common maintenance items:

  • sharpening of lawnmower blades;

  • sharpening and proper tensioning of chain saw blades;

  • ensure the proper safety guards are in-place, not broken, and operational, and engines are tuned. 

• Make sure all equipment is properly lubricated.

• Clear yard of all winter debris, including branches and twigs;

  • do not attempt to “mulch” branches, twigs, or debris.

• Wear proper clothing, shoes, gloves, eye protection, and ear protection when operating any power tools and equipment. 

• In addition to PPE, consider long pants, long sleeve shirts when there is a possibility of flying debris. 

• Fuel all gas equipment before you start while the engine and mufflers are cool.

• Start all gas equipment outside in a well-ventilated place, not in an enclosed space like the garage.  

• Start and operate all gas equipment at a safe distance from others.

  
  

Lawn Mower Safety

• Do not cut grass while it is wet or damp; this may cause “clogging” of equipment blades and is a “slip hazard.”

• When mowing on inclines, operate a walk-behind mower horizontal to the incline (along the topo contour) and operate a riding mower perpendicular to the include (against the topo contour).

Chainsaw Safety

• Put the chainsaw on a flat surface of the ground. Make sure nothing is in the way of the bar.

• Push the kickback protection forward to activate the chain brake. This will ensure the chain does not begin rotating when you start the engine.

• While the chainsaw is secure on the ground, put your right foot through the rear handle and use your left hand to hold the top handle of the saw. Use your right hand to pull the starter with a smooth, somewhat quick motion.

• Only use chain saws while standing on firm, level ground.  If you cannot reach a branch from this firm, level ground, hire a professional do not climb the tree or a ladder.

• Allow all equipment to cool prior to storing away and remove any clogged grass, vegetation, or debris.