Safe Operating Procedures for Ride on Mowers

Safe Operating Procedures for Ride On Mowers

Purpose

To define the safe operating procedures in a manner that informs and instructs employees of [Employer/Organization Name] on the key health and safety hazards and controls to remember when using with the ride on mower.

Hazards

The following hazards may occur when using the rotary mower:

Critical injury or fatality

Entanglement

Musculoskeletal disorder

Fire

Personal Protective Equipment

Safety footwear

Eye protection

Hearing protection

Gloves

No loose clothing, hair or jewelry

Safe Operating Procedure

Complete a pre-use inspection. If any defects are noted, the equipment must be removed from service and the supervisor must be notified immediately to ensure equipment is repaired.

Operators must have read and understood the operator’s manual.

Ensure operator’s manual for equipment is available to operators.

Ensure guards and shields are firmly in place and in good condition. Do not operate the equipment without appropriate guards, shields, plates and other safety protective devices in place.

Ensure safety decals are legible, order replacements if they are not.

Ensure the equipment is used properly as per manufacturer’s directions.

Complete a walkaround of the immediate work area prior to starting. Look for obstacles that may need to be removed.

A ride on mower with an enclosed cab roll-over protection system (ROPS) and a seatbelt is recommended.

Confirm all controls are in proper working order.

Ensure all control levers are in neutral or off position before starting.

Keep all bystanders away from the equipment during operation.

Do not allow passengers on the equipment.

Do not climb on the equipment during operation.

Never start the engine in a closed shed or garage.

Do not start engine while tilting the deck.

Do not attempt to remove material from the rotary mower during operation.

Use equipment during daylight or in bright artificial light.

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge opening at all times.

Do not operate on or while crossing a gravel drive, walk or road.

Never direct discharge at bystanders or windows. Never allow anyone in front of the rotary mower.

Do not mow across the face of slopes. Hillside operation is dangerous and is not recommended. If it is necessary, use extreme caution.

While making turns in rough terrain, reduce tractor speed.

When mowing in high grass or rough terrain, set the mower at the highest possible cutting level, to reduce the possibility of the mower striking debris or hidden objects.

Do not use the grass catcher on steep inclines, rough terrain or near drop offs.

Do not mow on wet grass as reduced traction could cause sliding and loss of control.

Do not mow while in reverse, unless absolutely necessary and then only after inspecting the entire area behind the mower and grass catcher.

Do not turn on a slope.

Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot on the ground.

Always mow so that discharge is directed away from people, pets or anything that could be damaged by articles thrown from the mower chute.

Shut off the engine, disengage the mower drive, remove the ignition key and wait for mower blades to stop before clearing the discharge chute.

If the mower has struck a foreign object, stop and inspect the mower for damage. Repair the damage before resuming equipment operation.

When leaving the mower unattended, turn off the engine, set the parking brake and remove the key.

Disengage the mower and stop the engine before making adjustments or performing maintenance.

Frequently check blade mounting bolts for proper tightness.

Do not park the mower on dry grass or leaves.

After use, always empty the grass catcher and remove grass and leaves.

Before exiting the equipment, always engage the parking brake.

Operate the equipment at a speed that allows you maintain control at all times. Drive slowly over rough terrain and avoid stumps and other obstacles.

Use extreme caution on inclines and edges where the ground could give way.

Do not try to turn on a steep slope as this could result in a roll-over.

Accessories can only be used that are designed for use with the equipment specified.

Use steps and handholds correctly. Face the equipment when getting on and off.

Maintain 3-point contact with steps and handrails when getting on and off.

If possible, include a spotter with reflective clothing to assist in directing the equipment when backing up.

Fuelling must be done outdoors and while the equipment is off.

Repairs to the equipment must be performed by qualified personnel, using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or equivalent.

Additional Resources

SOP for Fuelling

Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for Farming Operations in Ontario

Document Management