Use of grass cutting tools and equipment

The use of grass cutting tools and equipment such as petrol or electric driven lawnmowers can be dangerous, especially if not used correctly.

Anyone using such equipment should be competent to do so and they should consider their own, as well as other people’s health and safety.

When using lawnmowers, schools should ensure that the safety handle/lever is operating correctly and that users are aware of the need to turn machines completely off before carrying out any form of inspection work or similar. In addition, the use of tools and site equipment should be suitably risk assessed and controls put in place as required.

Guidance

The Royal Horticultural Society has safety guidance on the use of lawnmowers.

This guidance includes information on the safe storage of petrol, the use of suitable footwear and eyewear, and the use of RCD’s (residual-current device) when using electrical equipment.