Landscaping Equipment Safety
Landscaping equipment can help you transform your property, but it also comes with inherent risks. These are powerful models full of fumes and blades, after all. It's important to take the proper precautions to set yourself up for a successful, and safe, landscaping experience. We've gathered up the following safety strategies. If you have any questions or want to shop landscaping equipment for sale, visit Altus Motorsports. Our dealership is located in Altus, Oklahoma. We also proudly serve those in Amarillo, Texas.
Consult The Manual
Sure, the owner's manual is not the most exciting read in the world. But it is an important one. The pages cover valuable insight into the safe operation of the model.
Even if you are experienced in using landscaping equipment, it's still vital to read through the owner's manual. There may be non-traditional ways of operating the model, cleaning it, maintaining it, or even repairing it. Make sure you clearly know how to handle the specific piece of landscaping equipment - as instructed by the model's manufacturer.
As the old saying goes, "first learned, first remembered." Take the time to learn the proper processes from the owner's manual. When you try to recall the information down the road, you will be recalling what you first learned (the best practices found in the manual). If you jump straight to using the landscaping equipment and figuring it out as you go, you could be learning unsafe habits that will be difficult to break later.
Wear Safety Gear
Professional landscapers are not the only ones who need safety gear. Anyone operating landscaping equipment should wear the right clothing.
Consider wearing:
- Durable outerwear that can get a little dirty.
- Thick gloves that can protect your skin.
- Ear protection. Remember that loud landscaping equipment can actually cause irreversible hearing damage.
- Protective eyewear that will shield your eyes from dust, kicked-up debris, and any other hazards.
- Durable shoes with proper grip. Now is not the time for open-toed shoes or shoes that are falling apart!
Prioritize Focus
Many landscaping equipment accidents are due to human error, such as the operator getting distracted or losing focus. That's why it's crucial that you stay sharp.
It starts with a good night's sleep. Driving drowsy is unsafe - and so is operating landscaping equipment drowsy. The sleep deprivation can affect your ability to recall all the steps that go into safely operating the equipment as well as your ability to react to sudden unsafe situations. If you got a bad night's sleep, either tackle the project on a different day or take a power nap to recharge your focus.
Next, take a moment to survey the surroundings. If there are any people or pets in the area, be sure you always know where they are and that they stay far away from the landscaping equipment. Identify any potential obstacles, such as debris or electrical wiring, and determine how you will navigate around them. Make sure the area is clear and ready for safe operation of the landscaping equipment...before you start using it.
Listen To Your Body
Landscaping projects can be time-consuming and tedious. It's understandable to want to get them done as soon as possible. But it's important to avoid plowing ahead when your body is telling you to pause. Listen to your body's signals that a break is needed, such as muscle pain, excessive sweating, or tired eyes. Pushing through can easily cause a safety situation. A quick rest is often all that's needed to restore your energy for safely operating the landscaping equipment - and still getting the project done in a timely manner.
We hope you enjoyed this landscaping equipment safety guide! For more tips or to shop landscaping equipment for sale, head over to Altus Motorsports. Our expert staff is happy to assist with anything you need, from answering your financing questions to suggesting models that suit your budget. We are based in Altus, Oklahoma, and also proudly serve those in Amarillo, Texas.