Lawn Edger Safety

Using Lawn Edgers Safely

Using Lawn Edgers Safely

Lawn edgers will spin a metal blade at high speed to cut through grass, and a spinning metal blade which comes into contact with anything other than lawn or soil can be a real disaster - and very dangerous to people, pets and property. So lets take a look at all the basics of lawn edger safety.

Clear All Debris From The Lawn First

Be sure to always check for foreign objects on the lawn before commencing edging. These may include rocks, sticks and toys. If the edger blade catches onto on of these objects - the blade will send it flying at great speed in any possible direction. This can easily smash windows, dent cars or cause severe personal injury to children, bystanders, pets, property or ourselves.

Kids and Bystanders

As parents, the very thought of any harm coming to our children is devastating, and we only need to catch a rock hidden in the soil with the edger blade to send it flying through the air - and possibly hitting our children and other loved ones. Be sure that children and other people are not close by when edging.

NEVER Walk Away From The Machine

Absolutely NEVER walk away from an edger that still has it's engine running, you just don't know who could come near it when you're not there, nor what the possible disastrous results will be. Turn the engine off before walking away from the edger!

NEVER Turn Your Back On A Running Edger

This most often happens when people with edgers approach a closed gate. They stop walking the edger - which is in front of them while in use or transit - and they walk in front of the running machine to open the gate.

NEVER DO THIS

A lawn edger only needs to roll forward a few centimetres, or the operator only need to lose their footing just a little and the blade will catch onto trouser pants and will not let go until the persons own leg stops the blade! Massive personal injury can occur in less than two seconds!

When approaching a gate which needs opening - be sure to turn the edger around so the spinning blade is facing in the opposite direction of the operator, and be sure to ensure the edger is fully stable before ever turning your back on the machine.

If the gate requires more effort to open - switch off the edger engine.

Personal Safety

As with all powered lawn mowing equipment, be sure to wear strong boots or shoes, long close fitting pants, safety glasses, as well as hearing protection.

Be sure to see our accompanying article on Lawn Edgers