AAP lawnmower safety bulletin

AAP PARENT PAGES

This information is based on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement Lawn Mower Injuries to Children, published in June 2001. Parent Pages offers parents relevant facts that explain current policies about children’s health.

Lawn Mower Safety

Each year many children are injured severely by lawn mowers. Power mowers can be especially dangerous. However, most lawn mower-related injuries can be prevented by following these safety guidelines.

When is my child old enough to mow the lawn?

Before learning how to mow the lawn, your child should show the maturity, good judgment, strength and coordination that the job requires. In general, the American Academy of Pediatrics rec- ommends that children should be at least

• 12 years of age to operate a walk-behind power mower or hand mower safely

• 16 years of age to operate a riding lawn mower safely

It is important to teach your child how to use a lawn mower. Before you allow your child to mow the lawn alone, spend time showing him or her how to do the job safely. Supervise your child’s work until you are sure that he or she can manage the task alone.

Before mowing the lawn:

1. Make sure that children are indoors or at a safe dis- tance well away from the area that you plan to mow. 2. Read the lawn mower operator’s manual and the

instructions on the mower. 3. Check conditions

• Do not mow during bad weather, such as during a thunderstorm.

• Do not mow wet grass.

• Do not mow without enough daylight. 4. Clear the mowing area of any objects such as twigs, stones, and toys, that could be picked up and thrown

by the lawn mower blades. 5. Make sure that protective guards, shields, the grass

catcher, and other types of safety equipment are placed properly on the lawn mower and that your mower is in good condition.

6. If your lawn mower is electric, use a ground fault cir- cuit interrupter to prevent electric shock.

7. Never allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on lawn mow- ers or garden trac- tors.

While mowing:

1. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with slip-proof soles, close-fitting clothes, safety goggles or glasses with side shields, and hearing protection.

2. Watch for objects that could be picked up and thrown by the mower blades, as well as hidden dan- gers. Tall grass can hide objects, holes or bumps. Use caution when approaching corners, trees or any- thing that might block your view.

3. If the mower strikes an object, stop, turn the mower off, and inspect the mower. If it is damaged, do not use it until it has been repaired.

4. Do not pull the mower backwards or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.

5. Use extra caution when mowing a slope. • When a walk-behind mower is used, mow across

the face of slopes, not up and down, to avoid

slipping under the mower and into the blades. • With a riding mower, mow up and down slopes,

not across, to avoid tipping over. 6. Keep in mind that lawn trimmers also can throw

objects at high speed. 7. Remain aware of where children are and do not

allow them near the area where you are working. Children tend to be attracted to mowers in use.

Stop the engine and allow it to cool before refueling.

Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before • Crossing gravel paths, roads or other areas • Removing the grass catcher

• Unclogging the discharge chute • Walking away from the mower

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pedi- atrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

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