Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Portable Power Tools Chapter 296-807, WAC

Effective Date: 08/01/03

Power Lawnmowers WAC 296-807-160

For printing

Your responsibility:

Make sure power lawnmowers are used safely

Exemption: This section doesn't apply to commercial equipment that is: Designed primarily for agricultural purposes OR Designed primarily to be operated with tractors having at least 20 horsepower for cutting grass or other growth on highways.

 

You must

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Make sure equipment meets minimum design and construction requirements

WAC 296-807-16005

LABELS

Make sure the equipment has the appropriate labels and decals

WAC 296-807-16010

 

BEFORE STARTING

Make sure the operator understands and follows instructions before starting the mower

WAC 296-807-16015

 

USE

Use the equipment safely

WAC 296-807-16020

 

NONELECTRIC MOWERS

Protect employees from fuel and exhaust

WAC 296-807-16025

 

WALK-BEHIND MOWERS

Use walk-behind mowers safely

WAC 296-807-16030

 

RIDE-ON MOWERS

Use ride-on mowers safely

WAC 296-807-16035

 

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

WAC 296-807-16005

Make sure equipment meets minimum design and construction requirements

You must

(1) Make sure equipment meets ANSI design and construction requirements.

• Make sure power lawnmowers manufactured on or after August 1, 2003, meet the requirements of the appropriate ANSI standard:
  

  – ANSI B71.1-1998, American National Standard for Consumer Turf Care Equipment - Walk-Behind Mowers and Ride-On Machines with Mowers - Safety Specifications
  
  OR

  – ANSI B71.4-1999, American National Standard for Commercial Turf Care Equipment - Safety Specifications.

• Make sure noncommercial power lawnmowers manufactured before the effective date of this chapter meet the requirements in chapter 296-806 WAC, Machine Safety.

Note: There may be a statement on the tool or in the instruction manual indicating the tool meets the requirements of the appropriate ANSI standard. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer.

You must

(2) Position, guard or shield all power-driven shafts, chains, belts, gears, friction drive components, nip and pinch points, and any exposed components hot enough to cause burns while:

• Starting

• Mounting

• Operating the machine.

(3) Have a shutoff device that:

• Will stop the motor or engine
  
  AND

• Has to be intentionally and manually activated before the motor or engine can be restarted.
  

LABELS

WAC 296-807-16010

Make sure the equipment has the appropriate labels and decals

You must

(1) Make sure all positions of the operating controls are clearly identified.

(2) Make sure warning and caution labels or decals on the mower are readable and replace them if necessary.

BEFORE STARTING

WAC 296-807-16015

Make sure the operator understands and follows instructions before starting the mower

You must

(1) Make sure the operator understands all instructions for operating the mower that are in the manufacturer's instructions and on the machine.

• Make sure the operator is thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of the mower before starting it.

(2) Make sure the proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices are in place before starting the mower.

USE

WAC 296-807-16020

Use the equipment safely

You must

(1) Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use of the equipment.

(2) Keep people clear of discharge opening(s).

(3) Keep people's hands and feet clear of rotating parts.

(4) Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade and create a hazard for the operator or other persons.

(5) Make sure the operator stops the engine before:

• Leaving the equipment

• Unclogging the grass discharge chute

• Cleaning the mower.

(6) Make sure the operator wears safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating the mower.

Note: Use the personal protective equipment (PPE) hazard assessment to determine the type of footwear and other PPE the employees need to wear. See WAC 296-800-160, PPE, in the Safety and Health Core Rules.

NONELECTRIC MOWERS

WAC 296-807-16025

Protect employees from fuel and exhaust

Exemption: This section doesn't apply to electric engines.

You must

(1) Make sure to:

• Keep the gas cap on whenever the engine is running.

• Shut off the engine before and during refueling.

(2) Make sure not to refuel the machine indoors.

(3) Make sure not to run the engine in a closed area.

Exemption: You can refuel the machine indoors or run the engine in a closed area if the area was specifically designed for such use.

WALK-BEHIND MOWERS

WAC 296-807-16030

Use walk-behind mowers safely

You must

(1) Make sure the operator wears substantial footwear when operating a walk-behind mower.

Note: Use the personal protective equipment (PPE) hazard assessment to determine the type of footwear and other PPE the employees need to wear. See WAC 296-800-160, PPE, in the Safety and Health Core Rules.

You must

(2) Mow across the face of a slope.

RIDE-ON MOWERS

WAC 296-807-16035

Use ride-on mowers safely

You must

(1) Make sure not to carry passengers.

(2) Make sure the operator looks down and behind before and while moving backwards.