1977-05 May IBEW Journal.pdf - International Brotherhood of ...

3 . WHILE MOWING
· Never adjust or leave the machine without stopping
the mower and discol1rlt«.:: tinl!: the spark plug wire. A large
number of injuries occur when operators attempt to unclog
the discharge chute or blades while the motor is
running.
*Always watch your footing, particularly on slopes.
Steer a hand mower across slopes, never up and down.
Then if the machine gets out of con trol, you will be out
of its way .
· On the other hand, a riding mower should be driven
up and down slopes for stability.
+To protect your legs and feet, always keep the mower
flat on the ground . Never tift, tilt. or pull it toward your·
se lf. Never rai se the mower to use it to trim the tops
of shrubs or hedges.
M IA.V, 1977
·Keep children and pets at a safe distance and always
check their location before changing direction with the
mower. With an electric mower, you should also watch
the cord to avoid running over it or entangling it in the
machine.
4. THE SAFE USE OF GASOLINE
Gasoline has become such a part of everyday life that
many reor'e fail to appreciate how extremely dangerous
it is. Gasoline vapors can be ignited by the hot manifold
of a mower or can travel inviSibly along the ground and
be ignited by a nearby open flame. The following prE'cau·
tions should be taken when using gasoline:
-Check your fuel before starting to mow. Avoid refueling
a hot machine. Wipe up any gasoline that spills
while refueling.
-Gasoline should be stored in a well·ventilated area in
tightly-capped approved safety cans, away from children,
living quarters, and any flame or heat source.
- Never fill the tank while smoking or near an open
flame. When there is gas in the tank, do not store the
mower near any fl ame or heat source.
The mater ia l for this article comes from the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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