Lawn care and property maintenance tips from OPEI's Kris Kiser

With summer season now in full swing, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is reminding property owners to keep safety front and centre when using lawn mowers, trimmers and other outdoor power equipment.

“We all want our yards looking top-notch for picnics, parties and relaxing, but remember to learn the safety features and adopt safe practices when using your mower and other outdoor power equipment,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “Follow manufacturers’ guidance. It sounds basic, but it’s important.”

For smaller landlords and property managers, here are Kiser’s top recommendations for performing common summer yard care tasks with safety and efficiency in mind:

Walk, scan, inspect:

• Before mowing, walk and scan the yard to remove rocks, sticks, toys, trash and any loose objects that could get in the way of mowing and other equipment. Check terrain and note any steep slopes, holes, or low-hanging branches so you can navigate them with care.
• Inspect and service equipment. Check oil and air filters. Look for damaged or missing parts.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s owner’s manuals.
• Clean and store equipment properly. Wipe off dirt and debris and keep your equipment in a dry place.

Fuel up:

• Use fresh fuel. Never store equipment with fuel in the tank. Remember, storing fuel in hot, humid conditions will make the fuel grow stale more quickly.
• Always turn off the engine and allow the mower to cool completely before refilling the tank.
• Charge batteries using an appropriate charger. Use the charger that came with your equipment and follow the manufacturer instructions, including how to store batteries properly.

Use equipment safely:

• Never disable, modify or remove safety devices from yard care equipment.
• Ensure no one is in the vicinity as yard care using power equipment gets underway.
• Wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, safety glasses and hearing protection.
• Use caution when mowing on slopes.

For more safety information about outdoor power equipment, visit www.opei.org