1.8.1. Powered Push Mowers. Before beginning the mowing operation, the operator shall clear people
from the area to be mowed and inspect for foreign objects, raised sprinkler heads, holes, soft
ground, obstructions, or any other condition that has the potential to impact the safety of the operation.
Personnel operating this equipment should never pull the mower backwards while the engine is running
because the safety guard on the back may cause the mower to lift off the ground, subjecting personnel
to serious injury. Always mow across the face of a steep slope and keep firm footing at all
times. Stay clear of the front of self-propelled mowers during and after starting. Control the mower by
hand pressure on the handle, not by foot pressure on the housing. Do not attempt to clean grass from
the chute when the mower is running. Disconnect the spark plug or if electrical, the power, when
cleaning, repairing, or inspecting the mower.
1.8.2. Powered Mowers of the Walk-Behind Riding Rotary, Converted Sulky, and Reel Power Lawnmowers.
These mowers shall meet the design specifications noted in OSHA Standards 29 CFR
1910.243, Guarding of Portable Powered Tools. For example: “Deadman controls shall automatically
interrupt power to a drive when the operator’s actuating force is removed, and may operate in any
direction to disengage the drive.”