Lawn & Power Tool Safety Guide
Plan Ahead
Step 01 Know Before You Start
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Check local regulations and ordinances
Search online or call your local fire department to learn about fire safety practices for outdoor equipment use. Get a permit to operate grinding and welding equipment, if needed.
Mow Safely
Step 02 Be careful when mowing
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Check the conditions
Don’t mow when it’s windy or excessively dry.
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Mow before 10 a.m.
Mow before the sun dries out your lawn later in the day.
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Mow green grass, not weeds, dry grass, or rocks
Only mow grass lawns, not weeds, dry grass, or rocks — metal blades striking rocks can create sparks.
Use Spark Arresters
Step 03 Verify and install correctly
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Use the right spark arrester
Verify you have a spark arrester installed on all portable, gasoline-powered equipment.
Make sure it’s the right spark arrester for your equipment:
- Multiposition small engine (MSE): For handheld equipment such as chainsaws, trimmers, leaf blowers, and brush cutters.
- General purpose (GP): For engines that remain in a single position, such as lawnmowers, tractors, and motorcycles.
Maintain Tools
Step 04 Be safe when using tools
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Keep equipment in proper working order
Exhaust systems, spark arresters, and engines should be free of carbon build-up.
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Use the recommended fuel grade and don’t top off
Don’t fill fuel to the point of overflowing.