Know your machine, review the safety procedures and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Spring is here and as we take our lawn mowers and other power equipment out of storage to work on our yards, businesses and other green spaces, it’s important to keep safety in mind.
“Think safety first,” he says Chris KiserPresident and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, utility vehicles, golf carts and personal transportation vehicles.
“Think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, utility vehicles , golf carts and personal transport vehicles. “I can’t stress enough to review the manufacturer’s safety instructions before operating any equipment, especially your lawn mower. Review your owner’s manual and maintain your equipment,” Kiser said.
“I can’t stress enough to review the manufacturer’s safety instructions before operating any equipment, especially your lawn mower. Review your owner’s manual and maintain your equipment,” Kiser said.
OPEI offers these tips for preparing and using your outdoor power equipment:
- Be aware that not all lawn mowers are created equal. Whether your mower is a lawn tractor, a zero-turn mower, or another, it has a unique design, requirements, weight rating, and other differences that affect how to use it safely. The newest machines have the latest safety standards.
- Know your specific machine. Many mowers may look similar, but technology is constantly evolving with evolving safety systems. They vary in design, power supply, performance, operating parameters and more. The owner’s manual supplied by the manufacturer will guide you through these differences. Read your owner’s manual.
- When using mowers on slopes follow the manufacturer’s instructions at the foot of the letter.
- Do not disable or alter safety equipment installed by the manufacturer.
- Walk your yard before mowing. Slopes, wet grass and weather can affect equipment performance as well as safe handling procedures. Pick up sticks and limbs that may have fallen to the ground over the winter and any loose objects that could be hit by a mower. Inspect trees for damaged limbs that could get in your way during mowing.
- Look at the equipment before using it. Check the air filter, oil level and gas tank. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace the necessary parts or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.
- Protect your power. Use only E10 fuel or less in outdoor power equipment that runs on gasoline if it is not designed for higher ethanol blends. Add to fuel stabilizer if all the fuel in the tank is not used up immediately. Burn any fuel before storing the mower for more than 30 days. For battery-operated equipment, use only the specified battery packs by the manufacturer. Follow all charging instructions as outlined in the owner’s manual. Be sure to store fuel and batteries safely. Keep batteries away from other metal objects, store them in a climate-controlled area, and never stack batteries.
- Keep children and pets away from machines during operation.
- keep your clean mower. It will work more efficiently and last longer. Always remove dirt, oil or grass before use and storage. Store the equipment in a dry place, avoiding wet or damp environments.
For information on safe feeding, go to www.LookBeforeYouPump.com
For more safety information visit www.opei.org
About OPEI
OPEI is an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, personal and utility vehicles, and golf carts. OPEI is the industry’s advocacy voice and recognized standards development organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is active internationally through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of security. and performance standards. OPEI owns Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exhibition, and administers the TurfMutt Foundation, which runs the TurfMutt environmental education program. OPEI-Canada represents members on a range of issues including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments in Canadian provinces.
Media contacts
Ami NeibergerFour Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, (703) 887-4877, [email protected]
Debbie MaysterFour Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, (240) 988-6243, [email protected]
SOURCE Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
